Clinical Features of Risk factors and Regression of Retinopathy of Prematurity

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the recent incidence and spontaneous regression rate of retinopathy of prematurity(ROP) and risk factors associated with ROP. METHODS: Medical records of 510 eyes of 255 premature infants under 36 weeks of gestational age(GA) who had taken retinal examination between January 1, 2000 and Febrary 28, 2001 were retrospectively reviewed. Incidence, various associated medical conditions and spontaneous regression rates of ROP were investigated. The statistical analysis methods in the study were t-test and multiple logistic regression for risk factors, ANOVA for the duration to spontaneous regression of ROP. RESULTS: Total incidence rate of ROP was 12.2%. The significant risk factors related to ROP were low birth weight, low GA, mechanical ventilation and surfactant(p<0.05). Spontaneous regression rate of ROP was 74.2%. Mean duration to spontaneous regression was 14.1 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: This report about the risk factors and the clinical features of ROP may help to establish the therapeutic plan of ROP.