Original Article April 29, 2026 April 29, 2026

Retinopathy of prematurity in a reference maternity hospital in Northeastern Brazil: incidence, associated factors, and outcomes

DOI: 10.37039/1982.8551.20260038

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To evaluate the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity and of its outcomes in a reference maternity hospital in northeastern Brazil and to identify associated factors.

Methods:

A cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted using secondary data from newborns screened between August 2020 and November 2022.

Results:

The statistical analysis included 166 infants. The disease incidence was 40% (66 cases). Stage 2 was the most incident (46 cases), followed by stage 1 (15 cases) and stage 3 (5 cases). No neonates were diagnosed with zone 1. Zone 2 was the most incident (61 cases), and cases in zone 3 (4 cases) were rare. Among the 42 infants assessed for plus, a few presented pre-plus (12%) or plus (7.1%). Among those with retinopathy of prematurity, 17% (11 cases) required treatment (laser photocoagulation). Birth weight, gestational age at birth, 1st minute Apgar score, resuscitation in the delivery room, use of surfactant, use of conventional ventilation, use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure and apnea were statistically associated (p ≤ 0,05) with the disease diagnosis and its outcomes.

Conclusion:

The epidemiological profile found was compatible with results reported from several other countries.