Current and future trends in treatment of severe retinopathy of prematurity

Clin Perinatol. 2013 Jun;40(2):297-310. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2013.02.005.

Abstract

Treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is indicated when type 1 disease is present. The Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ETROP) clinical trial established that laser treatment of severe ROP has a high rate of visual and anatomic success. Recently, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs such as bevacizumab have been used in lieu of or in addition to laser treatment. Results are promising, but long-term outcomes and systemic side effects are unknown. Future studies are needed to determine whether anti-VEGF treatment is superior to laser and, if so, which drug and dose are safe and effective.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Bevacizumab
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Laser Coagulation*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / classification
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / drug therapy*
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / surgery
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Bevacizumab