Table 3. Meta-regression of difference in gestational age and difference in birth weight and risk of ROP.
| ROP stage | Meta-regression | k | Coefficient | 95% CI | Z | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All stages ROP | Difference in mean GA (per week) |
19 | -0.52 | -0.99 to -0.06 | -2.21 | 0.027 |
| Difference in mean BW (per 100 g) |
19 | -0.34 | -0.68 to -0.01 | -2.04 | 0.042 | |
| Stages 1–2 ROP | Difference in mean GA (per week) |
7 | -0.58 | -0.96 to -0.21 | -3.06 | 0.002 |
| Difference in mean BW (per 100 g) |
7 | -0.36 | -0.57 to -0.15 | -3.39 | 0.001 | |
| Severe ROP (stage ≥3) | Difference in mean GA (per week) |
17 | -0.49 | -0.66 to -0.31 | -5.30 | <0.001 |
| Difference in mean BW (per 100 g) |
16 | -0.03 | -0.22 to 0.16 | -0.29 | 0.774 |
ROP: retinopathy of prematurity; GA: gestational age; BW: birth weight; k: number of included studies; CI: confidence interval