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Research Paper | Paediatrics | Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026 | Pages: 763 - 771 | India
A Study to Determine the Role of Septicemia in Retinopathy of Prematurity Among Preterm Babies
Abstract: Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major cause of preventable childhood blindness among preterm infants worldwide. The immature retinal vasculature in premature neonates is highly susceptible to various perinatal risk factors, including low birth weight, prematurity, oxygen therapy, and systemic infections such as septicemia. Neonatal sepsis can trigger inflammatory responses that interfere with normal retinal vascular development, thereby increasing the risk of development and progression of ROP. Objectives: The objectives of the present study were to determine the role of septicemia in the development of retinopathy of prematurity among preterm babies and to analyze low birth weight (<2 kg) as a significant risk factor associated with the occurrence of retinopathy of prematurity. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Department of Pediatrics, Saraswathi Institute of Medical Sciences, Hapur, over a period of two years. A total of 80 preterm neonates with gestational age less than 34 weeks and birth weight less than 2 kg were included using a convenience sampling method. Detailed maternal and neonatal information was recorded using a structured proforma. Screening for ROP was performed by an ophthalmologist using indirect ophthalmoscopy at recommended intervals. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and Chi-square test to evaluate the association between septicemia, low birth weight and the occurrence of ROP. Results: Among the 80 preterm neonates included in the study, a considerable proportion developed retinopathy of prematurity. The incidence of ROP was significantly higher among neonates with septicemia compared to those without infection. Lower birth weight and decreased gestational age were also found to be strongly associated with the development of ROP. Additionally, factors such as prolonged oxygen supplementation and blood transfusion showed an increased association with ROP in preterm infants. Conclusion: Septicemia is an important risk factor contributing to the development of retinopathy of prematurity among preterm neonates. Low birth weight and prematurity further increase the susceptibility to ROP. Early detection, effective infection control, and regular ROP screening in neonatal intensive care units are essential to prevent severe visual impairment in premature infants.
Keywords: Retinopathy of prematurity, Neonatal septicemia, Preterm infants, Low birth weight, Neonatal intensive care unit, ROP screening
How to Cite?: Dr. Ankit Kapoor, Dr. Hiru Navaney, Dr. Yogesh Kumar Goel, "A Study to Determine the Role of Septicemia in Retinopathy of Prematurity Among Preterm Babies", Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 763-771, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26613172049, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26613172049