Risk factors and Incidence of Retinopathy of Prematurity in rural area of Bihar, pre-sented at tertiary care center, Muzaffarpur, Bihar

Abstract

Objectives: The present study was to evaluate the various risk factors and incidence of retinopathy of prematurity in neonates coming from rural area of Bihar at the tertiary care center, Muzaffarpur, Bihar.

Methods: A total of 250 newborns were enrolled. The anterior segment was examined and pupillary reaction were noted. Then Pupil were adequately dilated with 50% diluted Tropicamide 0.5% with phenylephrine 5% with normal salineinstilled thrice every 10 minutes. Proparacaine was instilled in both eyes before examination for anaesthesia. Patient was immobilized by wrapping them in sterile linen. A sterile infant eye speculum (Alfonso) was used during examination. A complete fundus examination was done with Indirect ophthalmoscopy and 20 Dioptre lens. Flynn Scleral depressor was used to see peripheral retina up to ora serrata.

Results: Rate of prevalence of ROP was 17.2%. Among 43 patients diagnosed with ROP, 24(55.81%) patients were male and 19(44.19%) patients were female. Majority of the patients (16 patients) were having gestational age of 28 weeks. Maximum No. of the patients (18 patients) had birth weight between 1.1-1.49 kg. 37 patients’ mother had no history of systemic disease like hypertension and diabetes mellitus, while 6 patients had history of any systemic disease in mother. 36 cases had history of respiratory distress syndrome. Conclusions: Lower gestational age, low birth weight and longer exposure of oxygen are the major risk factors of ROP. Respiratory Distress Syndrome is highly significantly associated with retinopathy of prematurity in neonates. Maternal factor and safe percentage of oxygen needs to be evaluated.

Key words: Retinopathy of Prematurity, Neonates, Gestational Age, Respiratory Distress Syndrome