Efficacy of intravitreal injection of Ranibizumab for the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity

Abstract

Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of intravitreal injection of Ranibizumab (IVR) for the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods The data of 62 eyes of 32 cases of threshold or prethreshold ROP from Dec. 2015 to Mar.2017 were analyzed retrospectively. All the infants received IVR ( 0.25mg) within 48 h after diagnosis.Follow-up examinations were performed every week at the first month after injection. The follow-up plan was made according to review results. Infants with no response or recurrence after injection, received the second time IVR or combined laser photocoagulation. The follow-up time was 8-23 weeks. Results The injection was effective in 60 eyes of 31 cases (96.77 %). Among them 23 cases only received IVR .One case without obvious improvement was referred, and the second time IVR combined retinal photocoagulation were performed in the outer court. Recurrence with retinal proliferation in 8 cases were referred in outer court and received photocoagulation.There were 3 cases of retinal hemorrhage after IVR. No other complication was observed. Conclusion IVR is safe and effective for ROP infants. For the cases with bad general condition and who seems hardly to tolerate anesthesia, IVR has a distinct advantage. Some cases of recurrence or no response need combined retinal photocoagulation. Key words: Ranibizumab, intravitreal injection; Retinopathy, prematurity