Favorable outcomes of adequate laser photocoagulation and salvage bevacizumab treatment for aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of salvage therapy with bevacizumab after laser photocoagulation for infants with recurrence of zone I aggressive-posterior retinopathy of prematurity (AP-ROP). Methods: This was a retrospective case series documenting the 2-year outcomes of 8 patients diagnosed with zone I AP-ROP and treated with bevacizumab for recurrence after laser photocoagulation. Prior to intravitreal bevacizumab, additional laser treatment was performed when any skip areas on the avascular retina remained. Anatomical and functional outcomes were evaluated. Results: The median gestational age at birth was 23.7 weeks and the median birth weight was 541.5 g. The median time of initial laser treatment and intravitreal bevacizumab treatment were 32.1 weeks and 36.7 weeks' postmenstrual age, respectively. All 14 eyes developed a normal macular appearance and all 8 patients had visual responses. Visual acuity was measurable in 13 eyes (92%) between the chronological ages of 12–24 months. Conclusions: and Importance: Adequate laser treatment and salvage intravitreal bevacizumab achieved favorable anatomical and functional outcomes in AP-ROP patients with recurrence. Keywords: Aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity, Laser treatment, Intravitreal bevacizumab