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Aflibercept for Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Insights
Aflibercept shows high effectiveness in treating retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), with a 97% regression rate. Further trials are needed to compare aflibercept with other anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
- Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents are increasingly used for ROP treatment.
- Aflibercept is a newer anti-VEGF agent with potential efficacy in ROP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effectiveness of aflibercept as an initial treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
- To systematically review and meta-analyze existing data on aflibercept use in ROP.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies from PubMed and Cochrane Library.
- Inclusion criteria: studies on aflibercept as initial treatment for ROP in preterm infants.
- Risk of bias assessed using the ROBINS-I tool.
Main Results:
- Six case series including 218 eyes treated with aflibercept for ROP were analyzed.
- Average regression rate of 97% (95% CI, 93%–99%) was observed.
- Average recurrence rate was 16% (95% CI, 5%–41%), comparable to other anti-VEGF agents.
Conclusions:
- Aflibercept demonstrates promising efficacy as a treatment for retinopathy of prematurity.
- The findings support the use of aflibercept in ROP management.
- Randomized controlled trials are recommended to compare aflibercept with other anti-VEGF agents for ROP.
Background And Objective:
To determine the effectiveness of aflibercept in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Patients And Methods:
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of proportions from the literature in PubMed and Cochrane Library using search terms related to the use of aflibercept in ROP. Studies in non-preterm infants or that did not use aflibercept as the initial treatment were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed by the ROBINS-I (Risk Of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions) tool.
Results:
We identified six case series. Collectively, 218 eyes were treated with aflibercept for ROP. We found an average 97% (95% confidence interval [CI], 93% to 99%) regression rate with aflibercept and an average 16% (95% CI, 5% to 41%) recurrence rate. With the exception of one outlier study, these numbers are similar to previous reports using anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents in ROP.
Conclusions:
Aflibercept holds promise for use in ROP and has been demonstrated to be efficacious in six case series. Randomized, controlled clinical trials appear warranted to compare aflibercept with other anti-VEGF agents. [.
