Screening for Retinopathy of Prematurity at Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Children

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a complex disease affecting the developing retinal vasculature in infants born prematurely. Gestational age and birth weight are the most important risk factors for the development of ROP. Objective: To determine the prevalence of retinopathy among premature neonates and evaluate the possible risk factors associated with its occurrence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Children over seven months, from 1 November 2022 to 1 June 2023. It included 110 premature live-born neonates (gestational age <37 weeks). An ophthalmologist examined all neonates to assess the presence of ROP. Subsequent eye examinations were performed at intervals determined by the findings at each examination until retinal vascularisation was complete. Results: Of the 110 neonates, 33 (30%) were diagnosed with ROP. ROP was significantly more frequent among very preterm neonates, those delivered by caesarean section, those who required a high-flow nasal cannula for >14 days and those diagnosed with sepsis. Conclusion: ROP is suggested more frequent among neonates with lower gestational age at birth, neonatal sepsis and delivery by caesarean section.