Differential contribution of systemic risk factors to the incidence and severity of retinopathy of prematurity in babies with birth weights below 1,500 g

We reviewed the medical records of 71 premature newborns with birth weights below 1,500 g who were delivered in Toyoma Central Prefectural Hospital to determine the relationship between a number of birth factors and the incidence and severity of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The factors found to be associated with higher incidence of ROP were shorter gestational age, lower-birth weight, longer duration of oxygen inhalation, lower mean serum total protein, one or more episodes of apnea, presence of respiratory distress syndrome, history of artificial ventilation, no maternal toxicosis of pregnancy, and lower serum total protein at birth. The factors associated with greater severity of RaP were lower birth weight, shorter gestational age, higher maximal PaO ₂, and lower minimal pH of arterial blood. Factors that increased the risk of ROP did not always coincide with those associated with greater severity of ROP.