Pharmacological Approach for Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity

Current standard of screening examination for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is determined in international guidelines. The criteria for classification and therapy are also determined in international guidelines, and currently, retinal laser fotocoagulation of peripheral avascular retinal area is gold standard (ETROP, Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity Cooperative Group) for proliferative ROP. Vitreoretinal surgery will be used in cases with retinal detachment. In case series after off-label injection of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) agent bevacizumab and in the first report of BEAT-ROP study in proliferative ROP the results are promising. Furthermore, beside the intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, systemic therapy with mediators like IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) and/or ω3-fatty acids outlines pharmacological approach to treatment of ROP. The results of well-designed clinical trials of intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy and pharmacological systemic therapy with the above-mentioned mediators for ROP are needed in order to provide information as to the balance of risk versus benefit, as well as practical guidance regarding optimal treatment parameters and follow-up.(Turk J Ophthalmol 2012; 42: 466-73