Intravitreal Bevacizumab Therapy for Retinopathy of Prematurity: Analyses of anatomical, functional and neuro-develomental outcomes at 4 years follow-up.

Alay S. Banker, MD; Rohan Chauhan, DO; Deepa A. Banker, MD; Darshana Naik, MD, Kinnari Thakkar

Purpose: To evaluate 4-year safety and efficacy of intravitreal Bevacizumab(IB) in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods: Prospective study of 21 out of 76 eyes with ROP treated with IB (0.625mg/0.05ml) with/without laser who have completed 4-years follow-up. Anatomical results (ROP regression), functional evaluation (ERG, VEP) and neurodevelopmental anlysis by pediatric neurologist (developmental quotient: DQ) were performed at 4 years follow-up.

Results: All eyes showed regression of ROP. Only 2 eyes had mild persistent avascularity. At 4 years, there was normal retinal function (normal-VEP and ERG) and no neurodevelopmental abnormalities were observed (normal DQ). No ocular or systemic complications were observed.

Conclusions: Our long-term follow-up study shows that IB seems to be safe and effective in the treatment of severe ROP.