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Update in the Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity
Aldo Bancalari1, Ricardo Schade2
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile.
Insights
Newer treatments for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) show promise. Oral propranolol may prevent ROP progression, offering hope for premature infants at risk of blindness.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness.
- Current treatments like laser photocoagulation have limitations and complications.
- Emerging therapies aim to improve outcomes for premature infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on novel treatment strategies for ROP.
- To highlight advancements beyond traditional laser therapy.
- To explore the potential of new agents in ROP management.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on ROP treatments.
- Analysis of studies on anti-VEGF agents and propranolol.
- Synthesis of evidence on efficacy and safety.
Main Results:
- Anti-VEGF agents are used in Zone I ROP, alone or with laser.
- Oral propranolol shows encouraging results for prethreshold ROP prevention/treatment.
- These newer strategies offer alternatives to laser photocoagulation.
Conclusions:
- Novel treatments are expanding therapeutic options for ROP.
- Propranolol presents a potential preventive strategy for ROP.
- Further research is needed to establish long-term efficacy and safety.
Abstract:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an alteration in the development of the immature retina vascularization that frequently occurs in premature infants and is one of the leading causes of childhood blindness worldwide. In threshold stage retinopathy, laser photocoagulation is the standard treatment, particularly in those located in zone II. However, this therapy destroys parts of the retina and can lead to significant eye complications later in life. For this reason, in the last few years, antivascular endothelial growth factor agents are being used as monotherapy or as coadjuvant with laser, especially in retinopathy located in zone I. More recently, the administration of oral propranolol has been used as prevention and/or treatment of prethreshold retinopathy with encouraging results. This review provides an overview of the current evidence on newer treatment strategies for ROP. KEY POINTS: · Laser is the standard treatment in threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).. · Prethreshold stages of the ROP have no treatment.. · Propranolol may prevent the progression of ROP..
