ADMINISTERING INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB FOR RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY: 8-Year Cognitive Outcomes In A Prospective...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
• Pediatric Neurology

Background:

• Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
• Intravitreal injections of bevacizumab are a common treatment for ROP, but long-term neurodevelopmental effects require further investigation.
• Understanding the long-term cognitive outcomes is crucial for comprehensive care of children with ROP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if intravitreal bevacizumab for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) impacts neurodevelopmental outcomes at age 8.
• To compare cognitive outcomes in children treated for ROP with different methods, including bevacizumab injections.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 277 children was stratified by gestational age and ROP status (full-term, preterm without ROP, ROP without treatment, ROP with treatment).
• Cognitive outcomes were assessed annually using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (full-scale IQ score and percentile).
• Long-term effects were evaluated at a mean age of 7.8 years.

Main Results:

• Children with ROP (treated or untreated) showed lower full-scale IQ scores and percentiles compared to full-term and preterm infants without ROP (P < 0.05).
• No significant differences in cognitive outcomes were observed between ROP treatment groups (bevacizumab vs. laser photocoagulation).
• Lower best-corrected visual acuity (logMAR) was significantly associated with lower full-scale IQ scores and percentiles (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Intravitreal bevacizumab treatment for ROP does not lead to worse cognitive outcomes at age 8 compared to laser photocoagulation.
• Gestational age and best-corrected visual acuity are key factors influencing cognitive development in children with a history of ROP.
• Long-term neurodevelopmental surveillance is important for children treated for ROP.