Efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept monotherapy in retinopathy of prematurity evaluated by periodic fluorescence angiography and optical coherence tomography

Vascular imaging findings in retinopathy of prematurity

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.

FLUORESCEIN ANGIOGRAPHY EVALUATION OF CHILDREN PREVIOUSLY TREATED WITH ANTI-VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR MONOTHERAPY FOR RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY

PURPOSE

To determine the level of vascularization and peripheral vascular findings by fluorescence angiography in patients with aggressive retinopathy of prematurity or Type 1 retinopathy of prematurity treated with a single dose of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor.

METHODS

Data of patients referred to the authors' clinic for fluorescence angiography examination between June 2016 and September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who had their first fluorescence angiography examination at the age of 1 year or older were included in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 486 eyes of 250 patients were included. Of these, 83 eyes (17.1%) had vascular termination in Zone II and 403 eyes (82.9%) in Zone III. In 62.7% of eyes, the distance from the vascular terminals to the temporal ora serrata was less than two disk diameters, and in 20.2%, it was more than two disk diameters. Abnormal vascular findings were noted, including circumferential vessels (41.2%), finger-like projection anomaly (36.2%), hyperfluorescence (16.9%), fine branching and blunt termination (15%), and arteriovenous shunt (9.9%).

CONCLUSION

Fluorescence angiography performed late in the course of treatment can clearly define the vascular termini and detect abnormalities that cannot be detected by indirect ophthalmoscopy. Follow-up with fluorescence angiography can help prevent complications that can lead to vision loss.

Fundus fluorescein angiography imaging of retinopathy of prematurity in infants: A review

Fluorescein angiography in retinopathy of prematurity is increasingly utilized over the past decade. The development of ultra-wide-field imaging combined with fluorescein angiography has allowed improved visualization of the peripheral retinal vasculature. Patient cooperation in the pediatric population is particularly challenging, but hand-held digital retinal photography has shown promise and can visualize the infant retina without the need for anesthesia and intravenous access. Many features of retinopathy of prematurity and its response to laser and anti-VEGF treatment can be either exclusively or better visualized on fluorescein angiography compared to indirect ophthalmoscopy or color fundus photography. Disease treatment is gradually shifting from laser photocoagulation to intravitreal anti-VEGF agents, the latter being associated with late-onset vision-threatening sequelae. The role of fluorescein angiography in retinopathy of prematurity monitoring will continue to increase with the longer follow-up required and different clinical behavior seen with anti-VEGF treatment. We highlight the utility, safety, and importance of fluorescein angiography in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of retinopathy of prematurity.

Molecular mechanism of VEGF and its role in pathological angiogenesis

Over the last seven decades, a significant scientific contribution took place in the delineation of the implications of vascular endothelial-derived growth factor (VEGF) in the processes of angiogenesis. Under pathological conditions, mainly in response to hypoxia or ischemia, elevated VEGF levels promote vascular damage and the growth of abnormal blood vessels. Indeed, the development of VEGF biology has revolutionized our understanding of its role in pathological conditions. Hence, targeting VEGF or VEGF-mediated molecular pathways could be an excellent therapeutic strategy for managing cancers and intraocular neovascular disorders. Although anti-VEGF therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have limited clinical efficacy, they can still significantly improve the overall survival rate. This thus demands further investigation through the development of alternative strategies in the management of VEGF-mediated pathological angiogenesis. This review article focuses on the recent developments toward the delineation of the functional biology of VEGF and the role of anti-VEGF strategies in the management of tumor and eye pathologies. Moreover, therapeutic angiogenesis, an exciting frontier for the treatment of ischemic disorders, is highlighted in this review, including wound healing.

Practice Patterns and Outcomes of Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Injection for Retinopathy of Prematurity: An International Multicenter Study

PURPOSE

To report practice patterns of intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and outcomes data with a focus on retreatments and complications.

DESIGN

Multicenter, international, retrospective, consecutive series.

SUBJECTS

Patients with ROP treated with anti-VEGF injections from 2007 to 2021.

METHODS

Twenfty-three sites (16 United States [US] and 7 non-US) participated. Data collected included demographics, birth characteristics, examination findings, and methods of injections. Comparisons between US and non-US sites were made.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcomes included number and types of retreatments as well as complications. Secondary outcomes included specifics of the injection protocols, including types of medication, doses, distance from limbus, use of antibiotics, and quadrants where injections were delivered.

RESULTS

A total of 1677 eyes of 918 patients (43% female, 57% male) were included. Mean gestational age was 25.7 weeks (range, 21.2-41.5 weeks), and mean birth weight was 787 g (range, 300-2700 g). Overall, a 30-gauge needle was most commonly used (51%), and the quadrant injected was most frequently the inferior-temporal (51.3%). The distance from the limbus ranged from 0.75 to 2 mm, with 1 mm being the most common (65%). Bevacizumab was the most common anti-VEGF (71.4%), with a dose of 0.625 mg in 64% of cases. Overall, 604 (36%) eyes required retreatment. Of those, 79.8% were retreated with laser alone, 10.6% with anti-VEGF injection alone, and 9.6% with combined laser and injection. Complications after anti-VEGF injections occurred in 15 (0.9%) eyes, and no cases of endophthalmitis were reported. Patients in the United States had lower birth weights and gestational ages (665.6 g and 24.5 weeks, respectively) compared with non-US patients (912.7 g and 26.9 weeks, respectively) (P < 0.0001). Retreatment with reinjection and laser was significantly more common in the US compared with the non-US group (8.5% vs. 4.7% [P = 0.0016] and 55% vs. 7.2% [P < 0.001], respectively). There was no difference in the incidence of complications between the 2 geographic subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-VEGF injections for ROP were safe and well tolerated despite a variance in practice patterns. Infants with ROP receiving injections in the US tended to be younger and smaller, and they were treated earlier with more retreatments than non-US neonates with ROP.

Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Global Perspective and Recent Developments

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of potentially preventable blindness in preterm infants worldwide. It is a disease caused by abnormal retinal vascularization that, if not detected and treated in a timely manner, can lead to retinal detachment and severe long term vision impairment. Neonatologists and pediatricians have an important role in the prevention, detection, and management of ROP. Geographic differences in the epidemiology of ROP have been seen globally over the last several decades because of regional differences in neonatal care. Our understanding of the pathophysiology, risk factors, prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of ROP have also evolved over the years. New technological advances are now allowing for the incorporation of telemedicine and artificial intelligence in the management of ROP. In this comprehensive update, we provide a comprehensive review of pathophysiology, classification, diagnosis, global screening, and treatment of ROP. Key historical milestones as well as touching upon the very recent updates to the ROP classification system and technological advances in the field of artificial intelligence and ROP will also be discussed.

Artificial Intelligence Segmentation Algorithm-Based Optical Coherence Tomography Image in Evaluation of Binocular Retinopathy

On account of optical coherence tomography (OCT) images with intelligent segmentation algorithm, this article investigated the clinical efficacy and safety of docetaxel combined with fluorouracil. In this study, 60 patients with retinopathy treated in hospital were selected as the research objects. There were 30 cases in each group, the control group was treated with conventional images, and the observation group was treated with algorithm-based OCT images. Intelligent segmentation boundary detection algorithm, boundary tracking, and contour localization were proposed and applied to the OCT images of patients to analyze features and measure corneal thickness in OCT images with high signal-to-noise ratio and noise and artifacts. Objects in the control group were treated with semiconductor laser, and those in the observation group were treated with OCT images with algorithm in addition to the treatment of the control group. The results showed that the number of images with relative error of 2 was more, and the number of images with relative error of -2 was the least. The average thickness of high-quality images was 562.7 μm, and the average thickness of images with noise and artifacts was 573.8 μm. The total effective rate of the observation group was 96.67%, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (80%), and the curative effect and physical improvement rate of the observation group were significantly better than that of the control group (P < 0.05). All in all, the feature extraction of OCT images and corneal measurement proposed in this study had a good measurement effect, and the method had the advantages of strong anti-interference ability and high measurement accuracy.

Comparison of Fluorescein Angiography Findings in Stage 3 Retinopathy of Prematurity in Zone II Treated With or Without Anti-VEGF

PURPOSE

To define late-stage fluorescein angiography (FA) findings in patients who received anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents (intravitreal bevacizumab or aflibercept) as a treatment for stage 3 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in zone II. We also compared the findings of untreated eyes.

METHOD

Infants with a history of ROP who underwent fluorescein angiography were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those who received anti-VEGF treatment and those who regressed spontaneously without treatment. Vascular abnormalities, such as vascular leakage, shunts at the vascular-avascular junction, periarteriolar areas with hypoperfusion, fine branching and blunt termination of the vessels and, were recorded.

RESULTS

Angiography evaluations revealed leakage in the eyes of 27.69% of the infants in the anti-VEGF-treated group and in 21.7% of the untreated group (p = .638). Among the abnormal vascular findings in the peripheral retina, the ratios of fine branching and blunt termination, numbers of shunts along the vascular-avascular junction, and sizes of periarteriolar areas of hypoperfusion were significantly larger in the untreated group than in the treated group (p < .05; p < .01). The gestational ages and birth weights were significantly lower (p ≤ .05) in infants with vascular findings in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Vascular abnormalities in the peripheral retina are likely due to the ROP itself. Although these abnormalities were detected by FA imaging in both treated and untreated infants with ROP, they were significantly less frequent in patients treated with anti-VEGF, indicating that anti-VEGF treatments have a partially positive effect on the retinal vascularization process.

New trends in intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy for ROP

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.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Intravitreal Bevacizumab and Aflibercept in Type 1 Prethreshold Retinopathy of Prematurity in Posterior Zone II

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal injection (IVI) of bevacizumab (IVB) versus aflibercept (IVA) in premature infants with type 1 prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in the posterior Zone II.

Methods

The study was a multicenter, historical cohort of premature newborns diagnosed with type 1 prethreshold ROP in the posterior Zone II, treated with IVB or IVA. Demographic features, complications, and treatment outcomes were then compared between the two groups.

Results

Seventy-six patients received aflibercept (the IVA group), and 210 received bevacizumab (the IVB group). The two groups were not significantly different in terms of postmenstrual age (PMA) at the time of ROP diagnosis and other known risk factors for ROP development and progression. All eyes in both the groups responded to IVI; however, recurrence was observed in four eyes (1.9%) in the IVB group and 12 (15.8%) in the IVA group (P = 0.001). Recurrence occurred 9.1 ± 0.83 (5-12) and 15.5 ± 0.98 (12-18) weeks after primary treatment in the IVB and IVA groups, respectively (P = 0.000). In the IVA group, retinal vascularization was completed in 38.18 ± 6.5 weeks (21-48) after IVI, and it happened in 23.86 ± 9.3 weeks (13-60) in the IVB group (P = 0.009). Furthermore, vascularization reached the peripheral retina in 73.25 ± 6.5 (56-84) and 58.75 ± 8.8 (45-93) weeks, PMA in the IVA and IVB groups, respectively (P = 0.03). No acute postoperative complications were observed in the treated eyes in either group.

Conclusion

This study shows that both IVA and IVB are effective and well tolerated for the management of type 1 prethreshold ROP in the posterior Zone II; however, IVA needs a significantly longer time for vascularization completion and has a higher recurrence rate compared with IVB.

Aflibercept for Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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.].

80 Years of vision: preventing blindness from retinopathy of prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the leading yet preventable causes of childhood blindness worldwide. The purpose of this review is to provide a practical template for observational and treatment methods in order to reduce the overall incidence of any ROP and to improve both short-term and long-term outcomes once Type 1 ROP (treatable ROP) develops.

Aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity: a review on current understanding

A review of literature was performed, focused on the etiopathogenesis of aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (APROP), the characteristic and atypical clinical features, management strategies, anatomical and visual outcomes. Characteristically APROP has zone I/posterior zone II involvement with prominent plus disease, featureless junction, large vascular loops, flat extra-retinal fibrovascular proliferation, and a rapidly progressive course. The risk factors for APROP are extreme prematurity (birth weight ≤1000 gram and/or gestational age ≤28 weeks), dysregulated oxygen supplementation, intrauterine growth retardation, sepsis, and thrombocytopenia. The uncommon presentations include small zone I disease, a hybrid disease with additional ridge tissue, and APROP in bigger babies with birth weight greater than 1500 g. Laser photocoagulation role is limited by the resultant visual field loss and high refractive error. Although anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection allows peripheral retinal vascularization; reactivation of disease, systemic absorption of the drug and long-term safety are the chief concerns. Early vitrectomy is required when tractional retinal detachment develops. The visual outcome depends upon the morphology and vascular development of the macula. With the limited yet emerging new understanding of the pathophysiology, a multifaceted rational and individualized treatment strategy is suggested for APROP. Best practices in neonatal intensive care may prevent the occurrence of APROP. Further studies need to be performed for the prevention and safe, effective management of APROP.

Comparison of two different doses of intravitreal aflibercept in the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity

PURPOSE

To compare the effectiveness of 0.4 mg/0.01 ml ("low dose") and 1 mg/0.025 ml ("standard dose") intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) in the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

METHODS

The medical records of patients treated with the lower dose (low-dose group) or the more commonly used dose (standard-dose group) of IVA for type 1 or aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (AP-ROP) were evaluated retrospectively. The clinical features, regression and recurrence rates, additional treatments, retinal detachment rates and border of vascularization at last examination were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 32 eyes of 16 patients in the low-dose group and 42 eyes of 21 patients in the standard-dose group were included. At the time of the initial treatment, vascularization was in zone I in 26 eyes (81%) in the low-dose group and in 14 eyes (33%) in the standard-dose group (P = 0.000). The regression rate was 94% and 100%, respectively (P = 0.184). Retinal detachment occurred in 1 unresponsive eye in the low-dose group and 2 eyes after reactivation in the standard-dose group. Recurrence was observed in 9 (28%) eyes in the low-dose group and 10 (24%) eyes in the standard-dose group after the complete regression of the disease with treatment (P = 0.845). At 6 months, vascularization had entered zone III in 12 eyes (38%) in the low-dose group and in 24 eyes (57%) in the standard-dose group (P = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the difference between groups was not statistically significant, eyes with lack of response were present only in the low-dose group.

Update on the Use of Anti-VEGF Drugs in the Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the many significant consequences of premature birth and remains one of the leading causes of visual impairment in infants. Originally, cryotherapy was used to prevent the complications of vitreous hemorrhage and retinal detachment. Subsequently, laser photocoagulation, which is at least as effective and possibly safer than cryoretinopexy, was adopted as the primary treatment for type 1 ROP (stage 2 or 3 disease in zone II with plus disease or any stage disease in zone I with plus disease or stage 3 disease in zone I without plus disease). Laser therapy has been proven effective, and has a degree of permanence that is yet to be matched by alternative treatments, but can be associated with significant ocular side effects such as myopia. Treatment of type 1 ROP with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents seems to have fewer ocular side effects than laser ablation of the retina, particularly if used to treat type 1 ROP in zone I. However, ROP recurrence is a real threat after anti-VEGF therapy and long-term systemic side effects of this therapy remain under evaluation. This review focuses on the ophthalmic and systemic benefits and risks of anti-VEGF therapies for ROP as compared to retinal photocoagulation. Anti-VEGF therapies have dramatically altered the management of ROP and have also been shown to be beneficial with regard to the visual prognosis of patients with ROP, but patients so treated require frequent short- and long-term follow-up to detect and manage potential complications associated with this form of treatment. Such information also will allow clinicians to characterize the efficacy, side effect profile, and utility of intravitreal anti-VEGF agents for this condition. Prospective studies are needed to identify the optimum anti-VEGF drug and dose. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2020;57(6):351-362.].

Retinopathy of Prematurity: Evolving Treatment With Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

PURPOSE

To discuss the evolution in retinopathy of prematurity since its first description as retrolental fibroplasia in the United States, including the changes in the understanding of pathophysiology; methods of diagnosis; destructive, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF), and supportive treatments; and differences in retinopathy of prematurity manifestations worldwide. The overall goal is to clarify retinopathy of prematurity currently and formulate questions to optimize future care.

STUDY DESIGN

Literature review and synthesis.

METHODS

Critical review and consideration of the literature with inclusion of historical articles and those regarding pathophysiologic risk factors, retinopathy of prematurity worldwide, basic and clinical science particularly regarding anti-VEGF mechanisms and agents tested in clinical trials.

RESULTS

Retinopathy of prematurity has evolved from affecting infants approximately 2 months premature to affecting extremely premature infants. Worldwide, retinopathy of prematurity differs and, in emerging countries, has features similar to that experienced in the United States when retinopathy of prematurity first manifested. Treatments have evolved from destruction of the peripheral avascular retina to inhibit angiogenic stimuli to anti-VEGF agents, which inhibit pathologic angiogenesis but also extend normal intraretinal angiogenesis by ordering the development of intraretinal vessels. Clinical trial evidence is accruing with the goal to develop less destructive treatments to optimize vision and that are protective to the retina and infant.

CONCLUSIONS

Goals for retinopathy of prematurity are to optimize prenatal and perinatal care, improve diagnostic acumen worldwide and refine treatment strategies, including with anti-VEGF agents, to inhibit intravitreal angiogenesis and facilitate vascularization of the previously avascular retina, which include supporting neural and vascular development of the premature infant and retina.

Efficacy of Aflibercept Treatment and Its Effect on the Retinal Perfusion in the Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model of Retinopathy of Prematurity

INTRODUCTION

Bevacizumab and ranibizumab, which are anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) medications, are used frequently in the treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants. Aflibercept, or VEGF Trap, has been used anecdotally, but translation and clinical studies are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the efficacy of aflibercept at reducing areas of non-perfused retina and studies its effect on normal angiogenesis in the oxygen-induced retinopathy mouse model of ROP.

METHODS

C57BL/6 J mice were assigned to room air control (n = 21 eyes) or hyperoxia with 75% oxygen (n = 84 eyes). The hyperoxic mice were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: 0 ng (n = 14 eyes), 100 ng (n = 35 eyes), or 1,000 ng (n = 35 eyes) of intravitreal aflibercept administered on postnatal day 14. Eyes were enucleated at PN17 and PN25 postinjection. Retinas were stained with anti-collagen IV antibody and photographed with microscopy. Areas of perfused and non-perfused retina were quantified using ImageJ software. Statistical comparisons were made using ANOVA with Tukey post hoc comparisons.

RESULTS

At PN17, there was no significant difference in the area of non-perfused retina between the hyperoxic control and the 100 and 1,000 ng aflibercept groups. At PN25, the 100 ng (p < 0.05) and 1,000 ng (p = 0.008) treatment groups displayed less non-perfusion compared to hyperoxic controls. At the 1,000 ng dose, there was increased non-perfusion compared to the 100 ng dose (p = 0.02). There was reduced non-perfusion by PN25 compared to PN17 for the 100 ng group (p < 0.05), with no difference in the 1,000 ng group.

CONCLUSIONS

The study shows that the area of non-perfused retina decreases effectively with aflibercept at PN25 with 100 ng dosage. With the 1,000 ng dosage, there is an inhibition of the physiologic angiogenesis with a higher area of non-perfused retina.

Comparison of OCT angiography in children with a history of intravitreal injection of ranibizumab versus laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity

Purpose

To compare the foveal microvascular structure characteristics in children with a history of intravitreal injection of ranibizumab (IVR) versus laser photocoagulation (LP) for retinopathy of prematurity by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 17 children (28 eyes) underwent IVR and 20 children (37 eyes) underwent LP were recruited. The age of doing OCTA examination of the two groups are 5.4±1.1 years and 6.3±1.8 years, respectively (p=0.07). Spectral-domain OCTA was performed for all the eyes with a scan size of 3×3 mm. The data of the superficial retinal layer were analysed. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and vessel density (including vessel length density (VLD) and perfusion density (PD)) were measured using the software of OCTA (Cirrus AngioPlex 5000, Carl Zeiss, Meditec, Dubin, California, USA). The central foveal thicknesses (CFT) were measured by cross-sectional OCT.

Results

In the central fovea, the retinal VLD and PD of patients with IVR were 13.82±2.99 mm/mm² and 0.25±0.05 mm²/mm², respectively, which were significantly lower than those of the LP group (15.64±2.71 mm/mm² and 0.28±0.05 mm²/mm², p=0.01 and p=0.006). The FAZ area of patients with IVR and LP were 0.13±0.09 mm² and 0.09±0.07 mm², respectively (p=0.048). The CFT of patients with IVR and LP were 200.7±16.7 µm and 220.9±22.7 µm, respectively (p<0.01). The logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity of patients with IVR and LP were 0.2±0.1 and 0.1±0.1, respectively (p=0.01). There was no significant difference in the parafoveal and foveal VLD and PD, FAZ morphological index and spherical equivalent refraction (SER) between the two groups.

Conclusion

The IVR might contribute to microvascular changes in the macular zone, such as reducing the central foveal VLD and PD, while the LP might contribute to microstructural changes, such as smaller FAZ and thicker CFT.

Comparison of the Efficacy Between Intravitreal Aflibercept and Laser Photocoagulation in the Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept and laser photocoagulation in the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

METHODS

The files of patients who were diagnosed as having type 1 ROP or aggressive posterior ROP (APROP) and treated with laser photocoagulation and 1 mg/0.025 mL of intravitreal aflibercept were retrospectively analyzed. The patients' birth weight, gestational age, detection week of the disease, zone, stage, presence of plus disease and rubeosis, regression of ROP, re-treatments administered during the follow-up, and spherical equivalent values obtained at the corrected sixth month were recorded.

RESULTS

The study included 27 eyes of 15 patients who underwent laser photocoagulation and 24 eyes of 12 patients who received intravitreal aflibercept. Retinal vascularization was in zone II in all eyes in the laser photocoagulation group and zone 1 in 22 eyes (91.7%) in the intravitreal aflibercept group (P < .05). In the laser photocoagulation group, 25 eyes (92.6%) had stage 3 ROP and 2 eyes (7.4%) had stage 2 ROP. In the intravitreal aflibercept group, 14 eyes (58.3%) had stage 3 ROP and 10 eyes (41.7%) had APROP (P < .05). Treatment was established at a postmenstrual age of 37.6 ± 2.5 weeks in the laser photocoagulation group and 34.2 ± 2.4 weeks in the intravitreal aflibercept group (P < .05). The regression rates after treatment were 92.6% and 100%, respectively (P > .05). In the intravitreal aflibercept group, laser photocoagulation was performed on 10 eyes (41.6%) during follow-up visits. Spherical equivalents were measured as +1.10 ± 2.30 and +1.50 ± 2.41 diopters, respectively (P < .05) at the corrected sixth month.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravitreal aflibercept is an effective treatment for ROP. However, it requires more additional treatments than laser photocoagulation during the follow-up visits. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2020;57(1):54-60.].

Comparison of Vascular Outgrowth Rate and Retinal Vascular Development Border after Intravitreal Injection of Aflibercept or Bevacizumab to Treat Retinopathy of Prematurity

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.

Imaging in Retinopathy of Prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness worldwide. Barriers to ROP screening and difficulties with subsequent evaluation and management include poor access to care, lack of physicians trained in ROP, and issues with objective documentation. Digital retinal imaging can help address these barriers and improve our knowledge of the pathophysiology of the disease. Advancements in technology have led to new, non-mydriatic and mydriatic cameras with wider fields of view as well as devices that can simultaneously incorporate fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT angiography. Image analysis in ROP is also being employed through smartphones and computer-based software. Telemedicine programs in the United States and worldwide have utilized imaging to extend ROP screening to infants in remote areas and have shown that digital retinal imaging can be reliable, accurate, and cost-effective. In addition, tele-education programs are also using digital retinal images to increase the number of healthcare providers trained in ROP. Although indirect ophthalmoscopy is still an important skill for screening, digital retinal imaging holds promise for more widespread screening and management of ROP.