Abstract
BackgroundThe current study aimed to evaluate growth and neurodevelopmental status in patients with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB).MethodsThis historical cohort study was conducted on neonates with ROP who were treated with IVB and age and birth weight-matched controls who did not need IVB. Apgar score less than five, history of blood transfusion and history of infectious diseases were among exclusion criteria. Indirect ophthalmoscopic examinations were performed till complete retinal vascularization. Growth and neurodevelopmental status were evaluated by Age and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) at the ages of 6, 12, and 18 months. Developmental milestones were assessed in five areas (gross motor, fine motor, personal-social status, problem-solving, and relationship) and overall issues.ResultsA total of 34 cases and 36 controls were included in the present study. Birth weight and corrected gestational age were not statistically different between the groups. In a follow-up period of 18 months, bevacizumab was effective as a primary treatment in the treatment of severe cases of ROP. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the five areas and overall issues in follow-up intervals (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe obtained results did not show any growth and neurodevelopmental differences between treatment-naïve infants and those receiving IVB for the treatment of ROP.
Highlights
The current study aimed to evaluate growth and neurodevelopmental status in patients with retinopa‐ thy of prematurity (ROP) treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB)
Abrishami et al Int J Retin Vitr (2021) 7:68 factor (VEGF) is the major growth factor which is responsible for angiogenesis, and high levels of Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level is considered to be the primary angiogenic factor mediating retinal neovascularization in eyes with ROP [5]
The studies conducted on patients with stage 3 and 4 ROP demonstrated that the vitreous concentration of VEGF was significantly higher, compared to that in eyes with inactive ROP [6, 7]
Summary
The current study aimed to evaluate growth and neurodevelopmental status in patients with retinopa‐ thy of prematurity (ROP) treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB). Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) accounts for 4% and up to 40% of all cases of childhood blindness in developed and developing countries, respectively [1] The following factors increase the risk of this disease: gestational age of 32 weeks or less, weight of less than 1250 g, intrauterine. Retinal vascularization originates from the optic disc at about 16 weeks of gestation [4]. The retinal vessel growth is almost complete, while in preterm neonates the normal pattern of vascularization is disrupted and may be interrupted. The peripheral area of the non-vascularized retina is at risk of oxygen deprivation [5]. The studies conducted on patients with stage 3 and 4 ROP demonstrated that the vitreous concentration of VEGF was significantly higher, compared to that in eyes with inactive ROP [6, 7]
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