An Updated Study of the Use of Bevacizumab in the Treatment of Patients with Prethreshold Retinopathy of Prematurity in Taiwan

Abstract

To investigate the effectiveness and complications associated with the use of bevacizumab, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agent, in the treatment of prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). A multicenter, retrospective case series. Data from patients who had received intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injections for the treatment of ROP were collected from 4 medical centers in Taiwan. The main outcome measures were the regression of ROP and the complications that were associated with the IVB injections. In total, 162 eyes from 85 patients were included in the study. After receiving IVB injections, 143 eyes (88%) exhibited ROP regression. Fourteen eyes (9%) required additional laser treatment for ROP regression after the absence of a positive response to the IVB injections. Three eyes (2%) progressed to stage 4 ROP and required vitrectomies to reattach the retinas. Two eyes (1%) received 1 additional IVB injection to decrease persistent plus disease. All of the eyes (100%) had attached retinas after the various treatments that they received. The major ocular complications that were associated with IVB injections included vitreous or preretinal hemorrhage in 2 eyes (1%); cataract in 1 eye (1%); and exotropia in 1 eye (1%). No notable systemic complications related to the IVB injections were observed. IVB injection seems to be an effective and well-tolerated method of treating prethreshold ROP. Laser therapy may still be required as a backup treatment for patients who do not respond to an IVB injection or for those in whom ROP worsens after an IVB injection.