Pharmacological treatment for retinopathy of prematurity

• Published in: Der Ophthalmologe : Zeitschrift der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft 2011-08, Vol.108 (8), p.777
• Main Authors: Stahl, A, Agostini, H, Jandeck, C, Lagrèze, W
• Format: Article
• Language: ger
• Subjects: Angiogenesis Inhibitors - adverse effects; Angiogenesis Inhibitors - therapeutic use; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized - adverse effects; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized - therapeutic use; Bevacizumab; Choroidal Neovascularization - diagnosis; Choroidal Neovascularization - drug therapy; Combined Modality Therapy; Fatty Acids, Omega-3 - therapeutic use; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I - therapeutic use; Intravitreal Injections; Laser Coagulation; Mass Screening; Off-Label Use; Retinopathy of Prematurity - diagnosis; Retinopathy of Prematurity - drug therapy; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A - antagonists & inhibitors; Vitrectomy
• ISSN: 1433-0423
• DOI: 10.1007/s00347-011-2371-4

Mandatory screening performed by an experience ophthalmologist remains the most important pillar in the management of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The current gold standard for treatment of proliferative ROP is still panretinal laser photocoagulation, depending on severity, in combination with vitreoretinal surgery if necessary. The first case series of off-label intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment are encouraging. In addition to intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, other treatment concepts such as supplementation with IGF-1 or omega-3 fatty acids also represent interesting pharmacological approaches to the management of ROP. However, larger controlled trials are required to validate the benefits and safety of these systemic treatment approaches.