Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
Use of Rabbit Eyes in Pharmacokinetic Studies of Intraocular Drugs
Published on: July 23, 2016
Intravitreal bevacizumab as single drug therapy for retinopathy of prematurity in 12 patients
Aldo Bancalari M1, Ricardo Schade Y2, Rubén Peña Z3
1Unidad de Neonatologia, Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Guillermo Grant Benavente.
Insights
Intravitreal bevacizumab monotherapy effectively treated threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in very low birth weight infants. Most infants responded well, with few requiring additional laser photocoagulation and no immediate complications observed.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Care
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in preterm infants.
- Threshold ROP requires timely intervention to prevent severe visual outcomes.
- Standard laser photocoagulation may be contraindicated in some very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the ophthalmological outcomes of intravitreal bevacizumab monotherapy in VLBW infants with threshold ROP.
- To assess the efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab when laser photocoagulation is contraindicated.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective evaluation of 12 VLBW preterm infants with threshold ROP treated with intravitreal bevacizumab monotherapy.
- Ophthalmological examinations to assess treatment response, need for secondary interventions, and complications.
- Analysis of infant gestational age (26.3 ± 1.8 weeks) and birth weight (845 ± 153 g).
Main Results:
- A good treatment response was observed in 8 out of 12 infants (66.7%).
- Four infants (33.3%) required secondary laser photocoagulation treatment.
- No immediate complications or deaths were reported during the study period.
Conclusions:
- Intravitreal bevacizumab monotherapy demonstrates a favorable safety profile and good efficacy in treating threshold ROP in VLBW infants.
- Bevacizumab serves as a viable alternative treatment when laser photocoagulation is not feasible.
- Further research is warranted to establish long-term outcomes and optimal treatment protocols.
Abstract:
Ophthalmological outcomes in a series of children with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in the threshold stage treated with intravitreal bevacizumab are reported. Twelve very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants who were administered intravitreal bevacizumab as monotherapy for retinopathy of prematurity in the threshold stage and in whom standard laser photocoagulation therapy was contraindicated were evaluated. Ophthalmological examinations were carried out and response to treatment, second interventions, and complications were evaluated. The gestational age of these patients was 26.3 ± 1.8 weeks and their birth weight was 845 ± 153 g. A good response was observed in eight cases, while four patients required to be reintervened with laser photocoagulation. No immediate complications were detected and there were no deaths.
