Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Associated With Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injections for Retinopathy of Prematurity
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 7, 2025
Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model
Published on: April 2, 2021
1University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia.
Insights
Intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) shows no clear negative neurodevelopmental effects in infants, though more research is needed. Nurses should discuss all risks and benefits with families when considering IVB treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Neurodevelopmental research
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of morbidity in premature infants.
- Laser therapy is the standard treatment, but intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) is an emerging alternative.
- Concerns exist regarding systemic effects of IVB on infant neurodevelopment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on the impact of IVB on neurodevelopmental outcomes in neonates with ROP.
- To inform nursing practice and patient counseling regarding IVB therapy.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase.
- Eleven primary studies investigating neurodevelopmental outcomes associated with IVB were identified and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Current studies have limitations, including small sample sizes and potential biases, preventing definitive conclusions.
- Despite theoretical concerns, there is no clear evidence of adverse neurodevelopmental effects from IVB in ROP treatment.
Conclusions:
- Nurses must counsel families on the known and potential risks and benefits of IVB for ROP.
- Further high-quality, prospective studies are required to confirm the long-term neurodevelopmental safety of IVB.
Background:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a common disorder among premature infants associated with significant morbidity. The current standard of care includes laser ablation therapy when needed. While intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injections have emerged as a new therapy for ROP, so have concerns about the systemic effects of the bevacizumab (Avastin), specifically on neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Purpose:
To review the current literature on the impact of IVB on neurodevelopmental outcomes in neonates with ROP to inform nurses' knowledge and practice.
Methods:
A literature search was performed in the PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase databases. Eleven primary studies examining neurodevelopmental outcomes related to IVB were identified and reviewed.
Results:
Limitations of current studies, including small sample sizes, retrospective analysis subject to selection bias, and confounding factors such as sedation/anesthesia exposure, prevent robust conclusions from being drawn. However, there is not currently any clear evidence of negative neurodevelopmental impacts associated with IVB despite a sound theoretical basis for concern.
Implications For Practice:
Nurses should include all known and potential risks and benefits when counseling families and developing individualized plans of care for their neonatal patients with ROP.
Implications For Research:
Well-designed, prospective studies examining neurodevelopmental outcomes at later time points are needed to conclusively support or disprove results of IVB therapy for ROP in the context of potential adverse effects.
