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Rowe LW, Belamkar A, Antman G, Hajrasouliha AR, Harris A. Vascular imaging findings in retinopathy of prematurity. Acta Ophthalmol 2024; 102:e452-e472. [PMID: 37874229 PMCID: PMC11039572 DOI: 10.1111/aos.15800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vascular disease among preterm infants involving incomplete or abnormal retinal vascularization and is a leading cause of preventable blindness globally. Measurements of ocular blood flow originating from a variety of imaging modalities, including colour Doppler imaging (CDI), fluorescein angiography (FA) and ocular coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), have been associated with changes in ROP patients. Herein, we discuss and summarize the relevant current literature on vascular imaging and ROP reviewed through December 2022. Differences in vascular imaging parameters between ROP patients and healthy controls are reviewed and summarized. The available data identify significantly increased peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the central retinal artery and ophthalmic artery as measured by CDI, increased vascular tortuosity as measured by FA, smaller foveal avascular zone (FAZ) as measured by FA and OCTA, and increased foveal vessel density (VD) and reduced parafoveal VD as measured by OCTA in ROP patients compared with controls. None of the above findings appear to reliably correlate with visual acuity. The studies currently available, however, are inconclusive and lack robust longitudinal data. Vascular imaging demonstrates the potential to aid in the diagnosis, management and monitoring of ROP, alongside retinal examination via indirect ophthalmoscopy and fundus photography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas W. Rowe
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Aditya Belamkar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Gal Antman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amir R. Hajrasouliha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Alon Harris
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
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Mohr FH, Fischer HS, Czernik C, Müller B, Bührer C. Retinal blood flow velocities in infants with retinopathy of prematurity after intravitreal administration of bevacizumab. Eur J Ophthalmol 2024; 34:95-101. [PMID: 37218176 PMCID: PMC10757389 DOI: 10.1177/11206721231178062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Progression of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is associated with increased retinal blood flow velocities. We investigated changes of central retinal arterial and venous blood flow after intravitreal administration of bevacizumab. SUBJECTS/METHODS Prospective observational study using serial ultrasound Doppler imaging in preterm infants with bevacizumab-treated ROP. Eyes were examined 1 [0-2] days before injection (median [interquartile range]), and at three time points after injection (1 [1-2] days, 6 [3-8] days, and 17 [9-28] days). Preterm infants with ROP stage 2 displaying spontaneous regression served as controls. RESULTS In 21 eyes of 12 infants with bevacizumab-treated ROP, peak arterial systolic velocity declined from 13.6 [11.0-16.3] cm/s prior to intravitreal bevacizumab to 11.2 [9.4-13.9] cm/s, 10.6 [9.2-13.3] cm/s and 9.3 [8.2-11.0] cm/s at discharge (p = .002). There was also a decline of the arterial velocity time integral (from 3.1 [2.3-3.9] cm to 2.9 [2.4-3.5], 2.7 [2.3-3.2] cm and 2.2 [2.0-2.7], p = .021) and mean velocity in the central retinal vein (from 4.5 [3.6-5.8] cm/s to 3.7 [2.6-4.1] cm/s, 3.5 [3.0-4.3] cm/s, and 3.2 [2.8-4.6] cm/s, p = .012). Arterial end-diastolic velocity and resistance index remained unchanged. Blood flow velocities in bevacizumab-treated eyes examined before injection were significantly higher than those measured in untreated eyes that ultimately showed spontaneous regression of ROP. Sequential examinations in these controls did not reveal any declines of retinal blood flow velocities. CONCLUSION Increased retinal arterial and venous blood flow velocities in infants with threshold ROP decline following intravitreal bevacizumab injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska H Mohr
- Department of Neonatology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Immunology, and Intensive Care Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hendrik S Fischer
- Department of Neonatology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Czernik
- Department of Neonatology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bert Müller
- Department of Ophthalmology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Bührer
- Department of Neonatology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Yazdanyar A, Cai CL, Aranda JV, Shrier E, Beharry KD. Comparison of Bevacizumab and Aflibercept for Suppression of Angiogenesis in Human Retinal Microvascular Endothelial Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:939. [PMID: 37513851 PMCID: PMC10383229 DOI: 10.3390/ph16070939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Bevacizumab (Avastin) is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor that is widely used for aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (APROP). Its use is associated with multiple adverse effects. Aflibercept (Eylea) is a VEGFR-1 analogue that is approved for ocular use, but its efficacy for APROP is less studied. We tested the hypothesis that Eylea is as effective as Avastin for suppression of intermittent hypoxia (IH)-induced angiogenesis. Human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRECs) were treated with Avastin and low- or high-dose Eylea and exposed to normoxia, hyperoxia (50% O2), or neonatal IH for 24, 48, or 72 h. Cells were assessed for migration and tube formation capacities, as well as biomarkers of angiogenesis and oxidative stress. Both doses of Eylea suppressed migration and tube formation in all oxygen environments, although the effect was not as robust as Avastin. Furthermore, the lower dose of Eylea appeared to be more effective than the higher dose. Eylea induced soluble VEGFR-1 (sVEGFR-1) coincident with high IGF-I levels and decreased Notch/Jagged-1, demonstrating a functional association. Given the role of VEGFR-1 and Notch as guidance cues for vascular sprouting, these data suggest that Eylea may promote normal vascular patterning in a dose-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirfarbod Yazdanyar
- Department of Ophthalmology, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
- Retina Group of New England, Waterford, CT 06385, USA
| | - Charles L Cai
- Department of Ophthalmology, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Jacob V Aranda
- Department of Ophthalmology, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
- Department of Pediatrics/Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Eric Shrier
- Department of Pediatrics/Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Kay D Beharry
- Department of Ophthalmology, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
- Department of Pediatrics/Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
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Ryu J. New Aspects on the Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity: Currently Available Therapies and Emerging Novel Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158529. [PMID: 35955664 PMCID: PMC9369302 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a rare proliferative ocular disorder in preterm infants. Because of the advancements in neonatal care, the incidence of ROP has increased gradually. Now, ROP is one of the leading causes of blindness in children. Preterm infants with immature retinal development are exposed to supplemental oxygen inside an incubator until their cardiopulmonary system is adequately developed. Once they are returned to room air, the relatively low oxygen level stimulates various angiogenesis factors initiating retinal neovascularization. If patients with ROP are not offered adequate and timely treatment, they can experience vision loss that may ultimately lead to permanent blindness. Although laser therapy and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents are widely used to treat ROP, they have limitations. Thus, it is important to identify novel therapeutics with minimal adverse effects for the treatment of ROP. To date, various pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies have been assessed as treatments for ROP. In this review, the major molecular factors involved in the pathogenesis of ROP, currently offered therapies, therapies under investigation, and emerging novel therapeutics of ROP are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhee Ryu
- Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea; ; Tel.: +82-539508583
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
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Süren E, Özkaya D, Çetinkaya E, Kalaycı M, Yiğit K, Kücük MF, Erol MK. Comparison of bevacizumab, ranibizumab and aflibercept in retinopathy of prematurity treatment. Int Ophthalmol 2022; 42:1905-1913. [DOI: 10.1007/s10792-021-02188-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Beccasio A, Mignini C, Caricato A, Iaccheri B, Di Cara G, Verrotti A, Cagini C. New trends in intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy for ROP. Eur J Ophthalmol 2022; 32:1340-1351. [PMID: 35040348 DOI: 10.1177/11206721211073405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) affects premature newborns, and it can cause childhood blindness and visual impairment if untreated. The understanding of the pathogenetic role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) has led to development of therapeutic strategies such as intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs. We reported drug efficacy and ROP recurrence rates, extrapolated from the reviewed studies. Association of Pegabtanib and laser photocoagulation confers efficacy in the regression of ROP stage 3 plus in zone I / II in 89.7% of treated eyes, reducing the recurrence rate to 14.6% compared to 50% of laser therapy alone. Irrespective of the dose, Ranibizumab demonstrated average efficacy greater than 75% on regression of active disease with the highest rates of the dose of 0.1 mg (92.5%). The recurrence, on the other hand, is the highest among this new anti-VEGF agents and is around an average of 41.5%, which records the highest values in the case of Aggressive Posterior Rop (APROP). Aflibercept at a dose of 1 mg demonstrated average efficacy of about 81.9% of treated infants, analyzing significantly fewer studies than Ranibizumab. The recurrence rate stands at an average of 28.9%, especially in the later forms of ROP. Using a dose of 0.25 mg of Conbercept, the disease regression rate is currently on average 83%, with an average recurrence rate of 15.24%, the peak of which was observed in cases of ROP in zone I. Further studies are needed to prove safety at long term, because,at the moment, only short-term data are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Beccasio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Ophthalmology, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, 60250University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Costanza Mignini
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, 18633Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Anna Caricato
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Ophthalmology, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, 60250University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Barbara Iaccheri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Ophthalmology, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, 60250University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Cara
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, 18633Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, 18633Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Carlo Cagini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Ophthalmology, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, 60250University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Chen PYJ, Rossin EJ, Vavvas DG. Aflibercept for Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2021; 52:673-681. [PMID: 34908485 DOI: 10.3928/23258160-20211124-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
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. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging. 2021;52:673-681.].
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Vural A, Yıldız Ekinci D. Comparison of Vascular Outgrowth Rate and Retinal Vascular Development Border after Intravitreal Injection of Aflibercept or Bevacizumab to Treat Retinopathy of Prematurity. Ophthalmologica 2019; 243:86-93. [PMID: 31593948 DOI: 10.1159/000503568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE It is aimed to evaluate vascular outgrowth rate (VOR) of retinal vessels and retinal vascular development border (RVDB) after intravitreal injections of aflibercept or bevacizumab (IVA or IVB) monotherapy, which have been used to treat retinopathy of prematurity. METHODS In this study, patients were followed by two sequential fluorescein angiography (FA) examinations (Ret-Cam III Imaging System Clarity Medical Systems, Pleasanton, CA, USA) after anti-VEGF monotherapy. RVDB was determined by the ratio between DB (the distance from the center of the disk to the RVDB) and DM (the distance from the center of the disk to the center of the macula). On the other hand, VOR was calculated by the following novel formula: VOR = (DB/DM on the second FA) - (DB/DM on the first FA)/time between two FA examinations. RESULTS Fifty-one eyes of 27 infants who received aflibercept were included as group 1; 38 eyes of 19 patients who received bevacizumab were included in group 2. There were no significant differences between these groups in terms of demographic variables, percentages of disease at zone 1 and posterior zone 2 (p = 0.260), as well as stage 2+ and stage 3+ disease (p = 1.0) at the time of anti-VEGF injections. VORs, which had been measured in between two sequential follow-up FAs, were estimated to be significantly higher in group 1, both in nasal (p = 0.042) and temporal sides (p = 0.033). However, DB/DM ratios were significantly higher in group 2 in the first FA (p = 0.001 at nasal and temporal sides) and the second FA examinations (p = 0.007 and p = 0.004 at nasal and temporal sides, respectively). CONCLUSION VOR was found to be significantly higher in patients who were treated with IVA monotherapy. Paradoxically, RVDB was farther in patients receiving IVB monotherapy despite a slower VOR in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslı Vural
- Bakırköy Dr. Sadikonuk Training and Research Hospital Ophthalmology Clinics, Istanbul, Turkey,
| | - Dilbade Yıldız Ekinci
- Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital Ophthalmology Clinics, Istanbul, Turkey
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Vural A, Perente İ, Onur İU, Eriş E, Seymen Z, Hergünsel GO, Salihoğlu Ö, Yiğit FU. Efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept monotherapy in retinopathy of prematurity evaluated by periodic fluorescence angiography and optical coherence tomography. Int Ophthalmol 2018; 39:2161-2169. [PMID: 30478752 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-018-1040-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) in vascular and macular maturation in neonates with type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (APROP). MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-six eyes of 18 patients with type 1 ROP or APROP in zone I or posterior zone II were enrolled in our study. At baseline, only fluorescein angiography (FA) was performed. After IVA injection, both FA and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed after 6.8 ± 0.8 (range 6-8) and 19 ± 0.9 (range 18-20) weeks to follow vascular and macular changes. RESULTS Both diffuse flat neovascularization with leakage and abnormal vascular branching at the small arteriolar level were detected in all eyes (100%) at baseline FA. Regression of the disease was observed in 34 eyes (94.4%) in the first week with binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy. Early unresponsiveness in remaining two eyes of an infant required an IVA re-treatment. Late reactivation was detected only in 19.4% of eyes, none of which required treatment during 12 months of follow-up. The most common feature after IVA injection was abnormal branching at capillary level, which was noted in 100% in the first post-injection FA and 50.0% of all eyes in the second FA. Meanwhile, the end limit of vascularization was observed in zone III in 83.3% of eyes. No vascular abnormality was also detected in 27.3% of eyes. The OCT examination at a mean postmenstrual age of 43.4 weeks revealed cystoid macular changes in four eyes of two infants (11.1%), normal foveal contour in 30 eyes of 15 infants (83.3%) and matured ellipsoid zone at the foveal center in 28 eyes of 14 infants (77.8%). Macular maturation was complete in all eyes in the last OCT analyses. CONCLUSION Intravitreal aflibercept monotherapy has been an effective treatment in type I ROP and APROP with much lower early and late re-treatment rates because of early unresponsiveness and late reactivation, respectively. In most of the eyes, rapid vascular outgrowth beyond zone III together with normal macular maturation was observed more precisely by periodic FA and OCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslı Vural
- Ophthalmology Clinics, SBU Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Bakirkoy, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - İrfan Perente
- Ophthalmology Clinics, SBU Beyoglu Eye Training and Research Hospital, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İsmail Umut Onur
- Ophthalmology Clinics, SBU Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Bakirkoy, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Erdem Eriş
- Ophthalmology Clinics, SBU Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Bakirkoy, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Seymen
- Ophthalmology Clinics, SBU Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Bakirkoy, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gülsüm Oya Hergünsel
- Anesthesiology Clinics, SBU Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Bakirkoy, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Özgül Salihoğlu
- Neonatology Clinics, SBU Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Bakirkoy, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fadime Ulviye Yiğit
- Ophthalmology Clinics, SBU Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Bakirkoy, Istanbul, Turkey
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Changes in systemic vascular endothelial growth factor levels after intravitreal injection of aflibercept in infants with retinopathy of prematurity. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2017; 256:479-487. [PMID: 29290015 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-017-3878-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the levels of VEGF in the systemic circulation of patients with type 1 ROP who received intravitreal injections of 1 mg (0.025 mL) aflibercept (IVA) or 0.625 mg (0.025 mL) bevacizumab (IVB). METHODS Patients who had type 1 ROP and received either IVA or IVB were enrolled in this prospective study. Serum and plasma samples were collected prior to and up to 12 weeks after IVB or IVA treatment. The serum and plasma VEGF levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), and the platelet levels in the blood were also quantified. The serum and plasma levels of VEGF, as well as the ratio of VEGF to platelet count (VEGF/PLT) were measured prior to and up to 12 weeks after anti-VEGF treatment. RESULTS In total, 14 patients with type 1 ROP were enrolled in this study; five patients received IVA, and nine patients received IVB. Following either IVA or IVB treatment, all the eyes (100%) showed complete resolution of ROP-induced abnormal neovascularization and presented continued vascularization toward the peripheral retina. Compared to baseline, the serum VEGF levels were significantly reduced in the ROP patients up to 12 weeks after either IVA or IVB treatments (all P < 0.05). At 2, 4, and 8 weeks after intravitreal injection, the serum VEGF levels were more suppressed in the IVB group than in the IVA group (P = 0.039, P = 0.004, and P = 0.003, respectively). The serum VEGF/PLT ratio after IVA or IVB showed similar reductions and trends as the serum VEGF data. Changes in the plasma VEGF levels could not be properly assessed because some of the samples had VEGF levels below the detection limit of the ELISA. CONCLUSIONS Serum VEGF levels and the VEGF/PLT ratio in patients with type 1 ROP were suppressed for 3 months after treatment with either IVA or IVB, but the suppression of systemic VEGF was more pronounced in patients treated with IVB than those treated with IVA.
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