Tehran University Medical Journal

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Background: Several risk factors like prematurity, hyperoxia, hyperglycemia, duration of mechanical ventilation and supplemental oxygen use have been attributed to the occurrence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in low birth weight infants. Clinical Risk Index for Babies (CRIB) score have been used to assess the severity of the newborn's disease and neonatal mortality. The relation between the CRIB score and the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity is less assessed. This study was carried out to determine the relation between the CRIB score and retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants. Methods: In a cross-sectional study all preterm infants admitted to NICU from March 2009 to November 2012, with a birth weight less than 1500 grams and gestational age less than 28 weeks and other premature infants with birth weight 1500 to 2000 grams and gestational age 29 to 34 weeks with an unstable clinical condition, were included. The CRIB score was recorded in firs 12 hours of admission to the NICU. Ophthalmologic examination was done by a retinologist unaware of CRIB score. ROP classification was done according to the international classification of ROP. The CRIB score compared with presence or non-presence of ROP and its stage, progression or regression of disease. A P-value less than 0.05 are considered significant. Results: One hundred and eighty (70%) neonates out of 256 neonates developed ROP. In 124 (68.88%) neonates it resolved spontaneously on serial ophthalmologic examination, but fifty-six (31.11%) neonates were required treatment for ROP which 42 (75%) received Avastin and 14 (25%) neonates treated with Laser. The Mean±SD for CRIB score in ROP group was 4.79±2.74 and in a group without ROP it was 3.78±2.00 (P=0.004). No correlation was found between the severity of ROP and CRIB score (P=0.152). Conclusion: The CRIB score can predict the occurrence of ROP, but can't predict its severity and progression or regression.