Retinal Blood Vessel Formation in the Macula Following Intravitreal Ranibizumab Injection for Aggressive Retinopathy
Hiroshi Kubota1, Yoko Fukushima2, Andira Bulan Nandinanti2
1Ophthalmology, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Higashiosaka, JPN.
Cureus
|June 10, 2024
Summary
Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) may cause abnormal blood vessel growth in the macula. Careful monitoring is crucial for infants with ROP receiving anti-VEGF therapy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of pediatric blindness.
- Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies are standard for aggressive ROP, targeting abnormal retinal angiogenesis.
- Concerns exist regarding anti-VEGF effects on normal retinal vascular development.
Observation:
- A case study of a premature infant (25 weeks gestation) treated with ranibizumab for severe ROP.
- The infant received 0.2 mg of ranibizumab bilaterally at 33 weeks postmenstrual age.
- Abnormal blood vessel growth across the macula was observed in the right eye post-treatment.
Findings:
- Retinal blood vessels abnormally grew from the optic disc across the macula in the treated eye.
- This aberrant vessel reached the vascular-avascular junction by 41 weeks postmenstrual age.
- The findings suggest anti-VEGF treatment can induce vascular abnormalities beyond inhibiting angiogenesis.
Implications:
- Anti-VEGF therapy, while crucial for ROP, may lead to unexpected vascular abnormalities.
- Close monitoring of visual prognosis is essential for infants with ROP and treated with anti-VEGF agents.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of anti-VEGF on retinal development in ROP patients.
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