Frequency of retinopathy of prematurity in preterm low birth weight vs preterm very low birth weight admitted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm low birth weight (LBW) versus very low birth weight (VLBW) among admitted infants. Study Design: Prospective Observational study. Setting: The Pediatric Department, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Period: January 2025 to June 2025. Methods: A total of 100 preterm newborns (50 LBW, and 50 VLBW) of any gender, admitted to the NICU within 48 hours, and without congenital ocular abnormalities were included. All infants were examined and managed for ROP using standard protocols. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Stratification of effect modifiers was done to observe their effect on ROP. Inferential statistics were applied taking p<0.05 as significant. Results: In 100 preterm newborns, 51 (51.0%) were females, and the mean age was 11.4±5.5. ROP was found in 61 (61.0%) infants. Those with ROP had significantly lower birth weight (1390.2±286.8 g vs 1604.6±361.3 g, p=0.001) and gestational age (29.7±2.0 vs 31.1±1.1 weeks, p<0.001), with VLBW seen in 67.2% versus 23.1% without ROP (p<0.001). Cesarean section delivery (80.3% vs 43.6%, p<0.001), lower Apgar scores, surfactant (34.4% vs 7.7%, p=0.002), steroid use (9.8% vs 0%, p=0.047), longer oxygen therapy and NICU stay, and all deaths (14.8%) were significantly associated with ROP. Conclusion: There is a substantial burden of ROP among preterm VLBW infants, with key risk factors including lower gestational age, lower birth weight, and prolonged oxygen therapy.