OUTCOME OF EYES TREATED FOR RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY IN POSTERIOR ZONE I: An Eastern India Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neonatology
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of vision impairment in premature infants.
• Posterior Zone I ROP presents unique challenges due to its proximity to the optic nerve and macula.
• Effective treatment strategies are essential to prevent severe visual outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the treatment outcomes of eyes with posterior Zone I retinopathy of prematurity.
• To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (bevacizumab) and laser therapy.
• To identify factors associated with favorable anatomical outcomes.

Main Methods:

• An interventional study analyzing 109 eyes of 56 premature infants with posterior Zone I ROP.
• Minimum follow-up of 6 months.
• Initial treatment with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (bevacizumab) in 92.6% of eyes, alone or combined with laser/surgery. Laser was initial in 8 eyes.

Main Results:

• 89.9% of eyes achieved good anatomical outcomes at final follow-up.
• Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (bevacizumab) alone resulted in favorable response in 30.68% of eyes, with 69.32% requiring retreatment.
• Absence of retinal detachment at presentation and presence of well-defined central vascular trunks were significantly linked to good outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Treatment of posterior Zone I retinopathy of prematurity with bevacizumab, followed by laser and surgery if necessary, leads to favorable outcomes.
• Early treatment before retinal detachment is critical for successful anatomical results.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for managing Zone I ROP.