Résumé
Improved survival of low birth weight, premature babies have increased the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity [ROP]. ROP is a bilateral vasoproliferative retinopathy affecting preterm or low birth weight babies, which sometimes progresses to cause visual impairment or blindness. The purpose of this study is to highlight the magnitude of the problem due to ROP in Egyptian preterm babies and to define risk factors associated with ROP. The study was performed at Research Institute of Ophthalmology and different neonatal intencive care units[NICUs] participating in the study during the period from April 2004 to March 2005. The study population included 68 infants, infants were divided into 2 groups, group I included 43 infants who were reffered for Ophthalmological consultation and group II included 25 infants who were examined during their presence in different neonatal intensive care units. Included were infants with birth weight of less than 1500g or with gestational age of 32 weeks or less, as well as selected infants between 1500g and 2000g who were belived to be at high risk. Multiple variables for ROP positive and ROP negative infants were compared. Data of patients were analyzed retrospectively,patients were examined by indirect Ophthalmoscopy once, scheduling of follow-up examinations were determined by the findings at the first examination using the international classification of ROP. Of the total infants examined,20 [29.4%] were ROP positive. Statistically significant risk factors included: lower gestational age, lower birth weight, sepsis,seizures, intraventricular hemorrhage, higher number of days on ventilator, and twin births, There was no correlation between the sex of the infant and the risk of developing ROP. The total number of days on oxygen did not reach statistical significant. The present study clearly highlights the magnitude of the problem due to ROP in Egyptian preterm babies. Prematurity and low birth weight remains on the top of the list of risk factors for developing ROP. These risk factors are difficult to control, The most practical recommendation would be proper screening of infants at risk for early detection and treatment.We suggest that indirect Ophthalmoscopy should be performed in all preterm babies weighing = 1500 g, beginning first at 4 weeks postnatal age. Screening should be intensified in the presence of factors like apnea, oxygen administration and septicemia