Incidence of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Neonates with Neonatal Sepsis.

Background: One of the most important complications of premature birth is retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Sepsis may increase the incidence of this complication. The aim of this study is to compare the incidence of ROP in neonates with and without sepsis.

Methods: In a retrospective case-control study, preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Ghaem hospital from 2014 to 2022 were examined. The case group consisted of 155 preterm infants with definite sepsis (positive blood culture and clinical signs of sepsis) and the control group included 145 preterm infants without sepsis whose maternal and neonatal characteristics were collected; they were examined by a retinologist and evaluated for ROP at 32 weeks or four weeks after birth. Finally, we used the chi-square and the test to compare the two groups.

Results: Out of 155 preterm infants with sepsis, 70% and out of 145 preterm infants without sepsis, 58% had ROP (=0.023). Also, low birth weight, low initial Apgar score and low 5-minute Apgar score were significantly associated with ROP (<0.05).

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, sepsis is a serious risk factor for ROP. We can reduce its incidence and complication by preventing sepsis in premature infants.