RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY - RISK-FACTORS IN A CRITICALLY ILL NEWBORNPOPULATION

Aim of the study is to identify the clinical conditions associated wit h retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in a population of critically ill n eonates of gestational age less than or equal to 30 weeks, admitted at birth to Intensive Care Unit. Retrospective analysis of 43 variables in 64 patients was carried out. Thirty-one patients (48%) out of total population developed ROP (ROP group), while in 33 (52%) no sign of re tinopathy could be observed (no ROP group). Thirteen neonates (20%) ou t of the ROP group presented with severe ROP (III and III plus grade). Birth-weight, gestational age, vaginal delivery, days of mechanical v entilation and of oxygenotherapy, need for oxygen at 60 days, severe a pneic syndrome, number of arterial and central venous blood samples, p H less than or equal to 7,25, pCO2 greater than or equal to 60 mm Hg, peri-intraventricular hemorrhage, transfused blood volume and anaesthe sia resulted significantly associated with ROP. Gestational age (p < 0 .02) and days of mechanical ventilation (p < 0.04) resulted ROP predic ting factors when analyzed with regression multiple analysis. In concl usion, our experience confirms the close association of ROP with extre me prematurity and poorest clinical courses. Moreover gestational age and days of mechanical ventilation are identified as elements of the c alculation of the risk of ROP in the examined population.