Reactivation of retinopathy of prematurity after ranibizumab treatment

RK Wong, S Hubschman, I Tsui - Retina, 2015 - journals.lww.com
RK Wong, S Hubschman, I Tsui
Retina, 2015journals.lww.com
Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on consecutive infants screened for
ROP. Infants treated with peripheral retinal ablation, bevacizumab 0.625 mg/0.025 mL, or
ranibizumab 0.25 mg/0.025 mL were specifically identified for review of their clinical
outcomes. All treated infants had at least 6 months of follow-up with the treating team and
were examined until total regression of ROP. Results: One hundred and forty-two infants
were screened over a two-year period. Six infants received anti-VEGF agents, with a mean …
Methods:
A retrospective chart review was performed on consecutive infants screened for ROP. Infants treated with peripheral retinal ablation, bevacizumab 0.625 mg/0.025 mL, or ranibizumab 0.25 mg/0.025 mL were specifically identified for review of their clinical outcomes. All treated infants had at least 6 months of follow-up with the treating team and were examined until total regression of ROP.
Results:
One hundred and forty-two infants were screened over a two-year period. Six infants received anti-VEGF agents, with a mean gestational age of 23.48 weeks and mean birth weight of 620 g. Ten eyes from the six infants received anti-VEGF treatment. All ten eyes demonstrated initial regression of ROP. However, ROP reactivation occurred in 5/6 (83%) eyes treated with ranibizumab, on average 5.9 weeks after treatment; whereas none of the 4 eyes treated with bevacizumab experienced reactivation (P< 0.05). One infant who received a unilateral injection of ranibizumab demonstrated bilateral regression of ROP.
Conclusion:
The role of anti-VEGF treatment for ROP is still being evaluated. Although the shorter half-life of ranibizumab makes it an attractive option, reactivation of ROP is possible. Physicians and families should be aware of this to follow infants closely for an extended period of time.
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins