Factors associated with delayed vascular maturation in infants with retinopathy of prematurity not requiring treatment

Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine risk factors associated with delayed regression of retinopathy of prematurity and prolonged vascular completion in patients not requiring treatment.Material and Methods: Patients with acute retinopathy of prematurity not requiring treatment were grouped as control and delayed vascularization groups, on condition that retinal vascularization had completed before postconceptional age of 50 weeks or not. Patients with retinopathy of prematurity requiring treatment constituted treatment group. A total of 17 possible risk factors that may affect the time course of retinal vascularization in patients with acute retinopathy of prematurity were evaluated. Results: Multivariate regression analysis showed that low Apgar score at fifth minute and blood transfusion were associated with an increased risk of delayed vascularization when compared with controls. Low gestational age and presence of patent ductus arteriosus were risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity that require treatment when compared with delayed vascularization group. Conclusion: Low Apgar score and blood transfusion might be predictive factors for prolonged retinal vascularization in patients with retinopathy of prematurity not requiring treatment. Having a higher gestational age and absence of patent ductus arteriosus, appeared as reducing the risk of progressing to serious disease requiring treatment for an infant with retinopathy of prematurity that undergo regression slowly.