Role of Prophylactic Use of Propranolol In Prevention of ROP In Premature Neonates.

ABSTRACT

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was known as Retrolental Fibroplasia is a leading cause of blindness among Premature Neonates. ROP is disorder of retinal blood vessels due to abnormal response of Premature Neonates retinal vasculature to prematurity and oxygen therapy for its management. Incidence and severity of ROP increases with decreasing birth weight and gestational age. Early identification and timely screening of neonates with risk factors helps to provide an opportunity for effective treatment. Beta blockers, most commonly propranolol, has been suggested for early prevention of ROP and treatment of existing ROP in preterm neonates. This study is to determine the role of prophylactic Oral Propranolol in prevention of ROP in Premature Neonates (26-35weeks GA) and to compare incidence of ROP in Premature Neonates (26-35weeks GA) receiving Oral Propranolol with one receiving Placebo. This is a comparative observational study conducted in the NICU of Rural Tertiary Care Hospital. The study includes Premature Neonates 26-35 weeks of Gestational Age (GA), grouped in ratio 1:1 with one group receiving Oral Propranolol and other Placebo which were followed for ROP screening 4 weeks after Postnatal Age. There is less incidence of diagnosis of ROP in Premature Neonates receiving Oral Propranolol. Hence such Premature Neonates require less therapeutic intervention in future. Thus, Oral Propranolol is an effective treatment in the management of ROP in Premature Neonates thereby decreasing the incidence of Progression and severity of ROP.

Keywords: ROP, Premature Neonates, Oral Propranolol, Anti-VEGF, PRP laser.