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Growth and neurodevelopmental status in patients with retinopathy of prematurity treated with intravitreal
Majid Abrishami1, Hassan Boskabadi2, Mojtaba Abrishami1
1Eye Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Qarani Blvd, 9195965919, Mashhad, Iran.
Insights
Intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) effectively treats severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Infants treated with IVB showed no significant differences in growth or neurodevelopmental outcomes compared to untreated infants.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
- Intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) has emerged as a treatment for severe ROP.
- Long-term effects of IVB on growth and neurodevelopment require evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the growth and neurodevelopmental status of infants with ROP treated with IVB.
- To compare outcomes between IVB-treated infants and a matched control group.
Main Methods:
- Historical cohort study including 34 neonates treated with IVB and 36 matched controls.
- Exclusion criteria included low Apgar score, blood transfusions, and infections.
- Growth and neurodevelopment assessed using the Age and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) at 6, 12, and 18 months.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in birth weight or corrected gestational age between groups.
- IVB demonstrated effectiveness as primary treatment for severe ROP.
- No significant differences in gross motor, fine motor, personal-social, problem-solving, or overall development between groups at 18 months.
Conclusions:
- IVB treatment for ROP does not appear to negatively impact infant growth or neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Findings suggest IVB is a safe therapeutic option regarding developmental milestones.
- Further research may explore long-term impacts and specific developmental domains.
Background:
The current study aimed to evaluate growth and neurodevelopmental status in patients with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB).
Methods:
This historical cohort study was conducted on neonates with ROP who were treated with IVB and age and birth weight-matched controls who did not need IVB. Apgar score less than five, history of blood transfusion and history of infectious diseases were among exclusion criteria. Indirect ophthalmoscopic examinations were performed till complete retinal vascularization. Growth and neurodevelopmental status were evaluated by Age and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) at the ages of 6, 12, and 18 months. Developmental milestones were assessed in five areas (gross motor, fine motor, personal-social status, problem-solving, and relationship) and overall issues.
Results:
A total of 34 cases and 36 controls were included in the present study. Birth weight and corrected gestational age were not statistically different between the groups. In a follow-up period of 18 months, bevacizumab was effective as a primary treatment in the treatment of severe cases of ROP. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the five areas and overall issues in follow-up intervals (P > 0.05).
Conclusions:
The obtained results did not show any growth and neurodevelopmental differences between treatment-naïve infants and those receiving IVB for the treatment of ROP.
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