Abstract
Purpose: :
The aim of the present study is to report our findings after five years of follow up in a group of infants treated with intravitreal bevacizumab for treatment requiring retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
Methods: :
A prospective, logitudinal follow-up study was performed in 18 eyes of 13 premature patients treated with intravitreal bevacizumab for ROP in Mexico. Initially, the eyes were divided into three groups: group I, eyes with stage 4a or 4b ROP that had no response to conventional treatment (n=4); group II, eyes with threshold ROP that were difficult to treat with conventional treatment (n=5); group III, eyes with high risk prethreshold or threshold ROP (n=9). Neovascular regression, anatomical findings, functional testing, neurodevelopmental outcomes, visual acuity (Teller acuity cards and Allen charts) and refraction were recorded.
Results: :
Regression of neovascularization and normal vascular growth was found in all patients. At five years of follow up, no abnormalities were found in neurodevelopment. In groups II and III, retinal function was conserved 5 years after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab as assesed by electroretinography (ERG), refraction and visual acuity. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in groups II and III at 4 years of age ranged from 20/20 to 20/200 (7 eyes with BCVA=20/20; 4 eyes with BCVA=20/25; 1 eye with BCVA=20/40; 1 eye with BCVA=20/80; 1 eye with BCVA=20/200). All except one patient in group I displayed visual acuity of 20/200 or worse.
Conclusions: :
Our findings suggest that intravitreal bevacizumab as a treatment for retinopathy of prematury is a safe and effective therapy at 5 years of follow up in this small series
Keywords: retina • injection • retinopathy of prematurity