Retinopathy of prematurity--risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: Improved survival of low birth weight, premature babies have increased the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity. This hospital-based, prospective, study was undertaken to determine its incidence and risk factors in our neonatal unit. METHODS: Neonates with gestational age < or = 35 weeks and/or birth weight < or = 1500 gm born over a one-year period were examined by indirect ophthalmoscopy between 2 to 4 weeks after birth, and followed up till retinal vascularisation was complete. Maternal and neonatal risk factors were noted and data analyzed by statistical package SPSS-10.0. RESULTS: Sixty babies were thus examined. The incidence of retinopathy was 21.7% in the cohort, 33.3% in babies < or = 32 weeks gestation and 36.4% in babies weighing < or = 1250 gm. Oxygen (p=0.01), sepsis (p=0.04) and apnoea (p=0.02) were independent risk factors. Retinopathy was significantly more severe in babies with hyaline membrane disease (p=0.02) and lower birth weight (p=0.02). Severe disease was never seen before 6.5 weeks of age. CONCLUSION: Indirect ophthalmoscopy should be performed at 4 weeks of post natal age in all preterm babies with birth weight < or = 1500 gm, and intensified in the presence of risk factors like oxygen administration, apnoea and septicemia.

Comparison of single-drop mitomycin C regime with other mitomycin C regimes in pterygium surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of single-drop instillation of mitomycin C (MMC) in pterygium surgery and to compare the results with both postoperative and intraoperative application of MMC. METHODS: Eighty eyes of 72 patients with pterygium were randomised into 4 equal groups: group 1--control--bare scleral excision (BSE); group 2--BSE with single-drop instillation of mitomycin C (MMC) 0.02% at the end of the surgery; group 3--BSE with postoperative MMC 0.02% drops twice a day for 5 days; and group 4--BSE with intraoperative MMC 0.02%. RESULTS: The recurrence of pterygium was observed in 14 (70%), 4 (20%), 4 (20%) and 3 (15%) eyes of group 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. The recurrence rate after BSE with single drop MMC regime (group 2) was significantly lower than group 1 recurrence (P=0.001) and was statistically comparable to that of group 3 and 4. Scleral defects in the bare area occurred in 4 (20%), 16 (80%) and 16 (80%) eyes of group 2, 3, and 4 respectively. The incidence of scleral defects was significantly lower in group 2 compared to group 3 (P=0.0001) and group 4 (P=0.0001). Compared to group 1 and 2, a significant delay in wound epithelialisation occurred in group 3 (P=0.003) and 4 (P=0.004). An ischaemic area in the bare sclera developed in 8 (40%) and 6 (30%) eyes of group 3 and 4 respectively, while ischaemic area did not develop in group 1 and 2. CONCLUSION: Single-drop instillation of 0.02% mitomycin C following pterygium excision appears both safe and efficacious.