Pharmacologic interventions for the prevention and treatment of retinopathy of prematurity

Abstract Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a significant morbidity in prematurely born infants, is the most common cause of visual impairment and blindness in children and persists till adulthood. Strict control of oxygen therapy and prevention of intermittent hypoxia are the keys in the prevention...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Seminars in perinatology 2016-04, Vol.40 (3), p.189-202
Main Authors: Beharry, Kay D, Valencia, Gloria B., MD, Lazzaro, Douglas R., MD, Aranda, Jacob V., MD, PhD, FRCPC
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antioxidants - pharmacology
Caffeine - pharmacology
Combined Modality Therapy
Disease Progression
Drug Interventions
Early Medical Intervention
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature
Neonatal and Perinatal Medicine
Oxygen
Oxygen Inhalation Therapy - methods
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors - pharmacology
Prognosis
Retinopathy of Prematurity
Retinopathy of Prematurity - diagnosis
Retinopathy of Prematurity - metabolism
Retinopathy of Prematurity - physiopathology
Retinopathy of Prematurity - therapy
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A - antagonists & inhibitors
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Summary:Abstract Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a significant morbidity in prematurely born infants, is the most common cause of visual impairment and blindness in children and persists till adulthood. Strict control of oxygen therapy and prevention of intermittent hypoxia are the keys in the prevention of ROP, but pharmacologic interventions have decreased risk of ROP. Various drug classes such as methylxanthines (caffeine), VEGF inhibitors, antioxidants, and others have decreased ROP occurrence. The timing of pharmacologic intervention remains unsettled, but early prevention rather than controlling disease progression may be preferred. These drugs act through different mechanisms, and synergistic approaches should be considered to maximize efficacy and safety.
ISSN:0146-0005
1558-075X
DOI:10.1053/j.semperi.2015.12.006