"Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Comparative Analysis of Multiple Births Versus Singleton Premature Births"

Authors: Himanshu Gaikwad, Priti Singh, Vidhya Verma, Samendra Karkhur, Rama Tulasi Siri Duddumpudi, Dr Saroj Gupta

DOI: 10.18231/j.ijceo.10777.1758790161

Keywords: Retinopathy of prematurity,singleton premture birth ,multiple births

Abstract: Aims: To find out incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants born as a result of multiple pregnancy vs single pregnancy and to assess the severity of ROP in both groups. Methods and Material: A prospective observational study carried out in Ophthalmology department of a tertiary care institute of central India. Total 603 premature babies of gestational age 24 weeks - 37 weeks were screened for ROP of which 96 were from multiple pregnancy and 507 were singletons. Indian guidelines were used in screening and for follow-up of the premature babies. Statistical analysis used: chi square test and SPSS software. Results: Incidence ROP in multiple birth premature neonates was found to be 31.25% as compared to 14.3% of singletons (statistically significant , p=0.000057). None of the groups shows statistically significant findings in severity of ROP (stage ≥3) over the other (p=0.218239) Conclusion: Premature infants born as a result of multiple pregnancy are at a significantly higher risk of ROP than the single born infants. Risk factors like blood transfusion and respiratory distress were found to be statistically significant, leading to ROP in multiple-born vs singletons.