Effect of Vitamin (A) and Beta-Blockers Supplementation on Retinopathy of Prematurity Among Preterm Newborns

Abstract

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a condition that has been well-known for more than 50 years in nations with low perinatal death rates, has developed an epidemic pattern in recent years in a number of growing economies with advanced populations. Objective: To study ROP among our preterm newborns and to assess the effect of vitamin A and beta-blockers supplementation on ROP if it exists. Patients and Methods: The present study was carried out on 186 preterm newborns of both sexes who were admitted to NICU, Pediatric Department at Menoufia University Hospitals from October 2019 to March 2020. Results: Advancement from grade I to grade II occurred significantly lesser among those who received vitamin A (4.55%) in comparison to beta blockers group (59.09%) and judicious O2 group (36.36%) (P<0.001). Those who were free of ROP at 2 weeks and became grade I at 4 weeks, occurred significantly more among those on judicious O2 (100%) in comparison to beta blockers group (0%) and vitamin A group (0%) (P=0.023). Also, among those who were grade I at 2 weeks and remained grade I with no progression at 4 weeks, occurred significantly more in vitamin A group (69.23%) in comparison to beta blockers group (7.69%) and judicious O2 group (23.08%) (P<0.001). Conclusion:Vitamin A and to a lesser extent beta blockers supplementation have an important role in decreasing the morbidity among the newborns. Early administration of vitamin A (1500 IU/day as early as possible) and beta blockers (0.5-2 mg/kg/day) in neonates may help decrease the progression of ROP grading.