Retinopathy of prematurity is commonly predisposed by-
Ans. is less gestation age (Ref Nelson, 17/e, p 2113, 2114 (16/e, p. 1925); O.P. Ghai, 6/e, p 629 (5/e, p. 504)).There is always the confusion between pre-maturity (less gestation age) and O2 toxicity, as the predisposing factor (Some are also confused with low birth weight).Read these lines from Nelson. They will clear away most of your doubts."Retinopathy of prematurity occurs almost exclusively in pre-term infants."The risk factor's associated with ROP are not fully known, but prematurity and the associated retinal immaturity at birth represents the major factors.Hyperoxia is also a major factor but other problems, such as respiratory distress, apnea, bradycardia, heart disease, infection, hypoxia, hypercarbia, acidosis, anemia and the need for transfusion are thought by some to be contributory factors".Crux is Predisposing factor for ROP -Prematurity (les gestation age)* Precipitating factor -Hyperoxia*
Less gestation age
Low birth weight
O2 toxicity
Carbohydrate excess
High-Risk Infant - Prematurity & Intrauterine Growth Restriction