Study Of Oxygen Toxicity Induced Retinopathy In Premature Infants

Abstract

Background: Oxygen is essential for sustaining aerobic life, facilitating cellular respiration and energy production.  In neonatal care, oxygen supplementation is often necessary to address respiratory distress syndrome or hypoxemia, which can be life-threatening if not promptly treated. But excessive oxygen exposure can lead to complications like retinopathy of prematurity or lung damage due to oxidative stress. Monitoring oxygen levels and adjusting supplementation accordingly are crucial to minimize the potential for harm while ensuring adequate oxygenation for vital functions.

Aims & Objectives: To determine the relationship between Oxygen therapy and ROP.

Materials and methods:  This retrospective study was conducted on 123 preterm infants (≤36 weeks gestational age and ≤2.5kg gm birth weight) screened for ROP from December 2022 to May 2024, in the department of Ophthalmology and Paediatrics.

Results: The incidence of ROP in any stage was 27.6% (34). Mean Gestational age among ROP positive neonates was 31.76 weeks. Most of the infants had stage 2 (7) followed by stage 1(9), stage 3 and AP ROP in 4 each. Mean oxygen supply was 3.66 +1.79 lts and mean duration was 14.18 + 12.29 days. There is significant correlation ROP with the duration of oxygen supply.

Conclusion: Incidence of ROP is more due to lack of awareness among parents for retinopathy of prematurity and its risk factors. Most of the infants who developed ROP were exposed to oxygen at an early age and duration. Strategies to keep oxygen saturation (SpO2) within targets, for those on supplemental oxygen might help in decreasing the incidence.