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Published on: April 2, 2021
[Retinopathy of prematurity - pathophysiologic mechanisms and new treatment options]
A Stahl1, S Aisenbrey, T U Krohne
1Universitäts-Augenklinik, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg. andreas.stahl@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Insights
Anti-VEGF therapy offers a new approach for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a severe eye condition in premature infants. This review examines its effectiveness and future potential compared to traditional laser treatments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Vascular Biology
Context:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness.
- Anti-VEGF therapy has emerged as a significant advancement in treating ROP.
- The BEAT-ROP study (2011) established a benchmark for comparing anti-VEGF with laser therapy.
Purpose:
- To review the pathophysiological basis of anti-VEGF therapy in ROP.
- To identify specific ROP stages where anti-VEGF treatment is most appropriate.
- To evaluate the potential benefits and limitations of anti-VEGF therapy in ROP management.
Summary:
- This review examines anti-VEGF therapy for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) from a pathophysiological perspective.
- It details the stages of ROP suitable for anti-VEGF intervention, contrasting it with conventional laser therapy.
- The article discusses current applications, unresolved questions, and future research directions for anti-VEGF in ROP.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of anti-VEGF therapy for ROP.
- Informs clinical decision-making regarding the optimal use of anti-VEGF agents.
- Highlights areas for future research to refine ROP treatment strategies.
Abstract:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), like other angioproliferative retinal disorders, has witnessed the advent of anti-VEGF therapy in clinical practice. The first report from the BEAT-ROP study published in 2011 represents the first comparison of anti-VEGF therapy versus conventional laser treatment in a randomised controlled trial. This review article investigates these novel aspects of ROP therapy from a pathophysiological angle and delineates the stages of ROP in which anti-VEGF treatment appears as a reasonable option. Furthermore, the novel chances of anti-VEGF therapy are being weighed against some still unanswered questions and novel study concepts are being presented.
