PARADIGM SHIFT IN MANAGEMENT OF ROP: FROM LASERS TO ANTI-VEGF THERAPY

Abstract

AIM: To investigate the efcacy, safety, and anatomical outcomes associated with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (ranibizumab) in treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODS: A retrospective study of 24 infants (48 eyes) was conducted from April 2017 to July 2018. All infants were diagnosed with ROP and primarily treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF Ranibizumab (IVR). The treatment success was dened as complete regression of retinopathy and vascularization into zone 3. RESULTS: A total of 48 eyes were treated with ranibizumab. Mean birth weight was 1.47±0.32 kg. Gestational age at birth was 32.25±1.32wk, and post-menstrual age at treatment was 36.08±1.61wk. Aggressive posterior ROP was found in 41.7% of subjects. Mean follow-up period was 9.58±1.97 months. Treatment success was observed in 36/48 eyes (75%) with primary intervention only. Remaining six infants [12/48 eyes (25%)] required secondary laser to achieve treatment success. Retreatment occurred at a mean of 7.8 weeks after initial IVR treatment (range 6-10wk). CONCLUSION: Intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment of ROP with ranibizumab achieved stable retinal vascularization with a low rate of complications and recurrence.