Repeat Intravitreal Bevacizumab in a Very Low Birth Weight Infant with Recurrent ROP: 3-Year Follow-Up and Literature...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neonatology
• Perinatal Medicine

Background:

• Low gestational birth weight is a significant risk factor for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
• Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections are increasingly used for ROP treatment.
• ROP recurrence after anti-VEGF monotherapy presents management challenges, especially in extremely low birth weight infants.

Observation:

• A case of recurrent ROP in a very low birth weight infant (500 g) following initial intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection is presented.
• The infant was successfully managed with a repeat IVB injection.
• Long-term follow-up of 36 months showed no recurrence or retinal detachment.

Findings:

• Recurrent ROP in very low birth weight infants can occur despite initial anti-VEGF treatment.
• Repeat intravitreal anti-VEGF injections can be an effective treatment for recurrent ROP.
• Successful management of recurrent ROP in extremely low birth weight infants is achievable.

Implications:

• This case highlights the need for individualized treatment protocols for recurrent ROP in premature infants.
• Repeat anti-VEGF therapy may be a viable option for managing ROP recurrence in the most vulnerable infants.
• Further research into standardized protocols for recurrent ROP is warranted.