Abstract
Purpose: :
The aim of the present study is to report our findings after four years follow up of premature patients from two different countries who were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (IB) for stage 3, threshold and prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Methods: :
Prospective, multicenter study of 39 eyes with ROP, treated with IB with or without laser. Anatomical results (clinical regression), functional evaluation (electroretinogram [ERG], visual evoked potential [VEP]), and neurodevelopmental analysis (Developmental quotient [DQ]) were performed at 4 years follow-up.
Results: :
All eyes showed regression of pathological neovascularization and normal vascular growth was observed. At four years follow up, there was normal retinal function (normal ERG and VEP), and no neurodevelopment abnormalities were observed (normal DQ) in all patients. None of the eyes showed any progression of disease or required any further intervention.
Conclusions: :
This 4 year follow up study demonstrates that intravitreal bevacizumab is effective for treatment requiring ROP. No ocular or systemic adverse events were seen in this small series.
Clinical Trial: :
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT00346814
Keywords: retinopathy of prematurity • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: treatment/prevention assessment/controlled clinical trials • vascular endothelial growth factor