FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH REACTIVATION AFTER INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB OR RANIBIZUMAB THERAPY IN INFANTS WITH RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY

Comparison of different agents and doses of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (aflibercept, bevacizumab, conbercept, ranibizumab) versus laser for retinopathy of prematurity: A network meta-analysis

Laser photocoagulation (LPC) and/or intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections constitute the current standard treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This network meta-analysis focus on whether a ranking of interventions may be established for different dose levels of intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents (aflibercept, bevacizumab, conbercept, ranibizumab) as primary treatments for ROP versus laser in terms of retreatment rate as primary outcome, and time to retreatment and refractive error as secondary endpoints, since best anti-VEGF dosage remains under debate. Sixty-eight studies (15 randomized control trials and 53 nonrandomized studies) of 12,356 eyes of 6445 infants were retrieved from databases (2005 Jan. - 2023 June). Studies were evaluated for model fit, risk of bias and confidence of evidence in Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA). Bayesian NMA showed that anti-VEGF drugs were not inferior to laser in terms of retreatment rate. For intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB), doses half of the conventional infant dose showed a low risk of retreatment rate (risk ratio (RR) of 1.43; 95% credible interval (CrI): 0.508, 4.03). On probability ranking as surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) plot, half dose of bevacizumab had a better position than conventional and augmented (1.2-2 times the regular dose) doses. A similar probability trend was observed for half vs. conventional doses of aflibercept and ranibizumab. Conventional infant dose of conbercept showed the lowest risk for retreatment (RR 0.846; 95% CrI: 0.245, 2.91). For secondary endpoints, lower doses of anti-VEGF agents were associated with shorter times to retreatment. The largest changes were noted for the augmented doses of bevacizumab and ranibizumab (0.3 mg) with means of 14.1 weeks (95% CrI: 6.65, 21.6) and 12.8 weeks (95% CrI: 3.19, 20.9), respectively. Finally, NMA demonstrated better refractive profile for anti-VEGF than laser therapy, especially for the conventional infant doses of bevacizumab and ranibizumab which exhibited a significantly better refractive profile than LPC, with mean differences of 1.67 (spherical equivalent - diopters) (95% CrI: 0.705, 2.67) and 2.19 (95% CrI: 0.782, 3.59), respectively. In the SUCRA plots, LPC had a markedly different position with a higher probability for myopia. Further clinical trials comparing different intravitreal doses of anti-VEGF agents are needed, but our findings suggest that low doses of these drugs retain efficacy and may reduce ocular and systemic undesired events.

Treated Cases of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Germany: 10-Year Data from the Retina.net Retinopathy of Prematurity Registry

PURPOSE

To analyze changes in demographic parameters and retreatment patterns over a 10-year period in a clinical routine setting of infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) requiring treatment documented in the German Retina.net ROP registry.

DESIGN

Multicenter, noninterventional, observational registry study recruiting patients treated for ROP.

SUBJECTS

A total of 692 eyes of 353 infants treated for ROP were documented in the Retina.net ROP registry over a 10-year period between 2011 and 2020. These cases cover about 15% of all infants treated for ROP in Germany.

METHODS

The Retina.net ROP registry was established in 2012 to jointly collect information on infants treated for ROP. The database collects information on demographic parameters (gestational age [GA], birth weight, neonatal comorbidities) as well as treatment parameters (type of treatment, weight and age at treatment, and stage of ROP). A total of 19 centers contributed to the analysis. This is the 10-year analysis of data from 2011 to 2020, in which we focus on changes over time regarding the respective parameters.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Changes over time in demographic parameters and treatment patterns for ROP in Germany.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of treatment requiring ROP was 3.5% of all infants screened for ROP at participating centers. Gestational age, weight at birth, and weight at treatment remained stable over the 10-year period, whereas postmenstrual and postnatal age at treatment increased moderately but statistically significantly over the years. The most prevalent ROP severity stage at treatment was stage 3+ in zone II (76.6% of all treated eyes). Treatment patterns changed considerably from predominantly laser treatments in 2011 (75% of all treated eyes) to predominantly ranibizumab treatments in 2020 (60.9% of all treated eyes). The overall retreatment rate was 15.6%. Retreatment rates differed between initial treatment modalities (14.1% after laser coagulation, 12% after bevacizumab and 24.5% after ranibizumab). Treatment-associated systemic or ophthalmic complications were rare.

CONCLUSIONS

This data analysis represents one of the largest documented cohorts of infants treated for ROP. The data on demographic parameters and treatment patterns provide useful information for further improvement of ROP management.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Evaluation of optical coherence tomography biomarkers to differentiate favourable and unfavourable responders to intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment in retinopathy of prematurity

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of optical coherence tomography biomarkers in predicting treatment response to intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) Bevacizumab, in aggressive retinopathy of prematurity (A-ROP).

METHODS

Non-contact ultra-widefield (NC-UWF) fundus imaging with integrated UWF guided swept source Optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) was performed prospectively in preterm babies before and after intravitreal anti-VEGF (Bevacizumab) monotherapy. OCT biomarkers were analysed in eyes that reached complete vascularization versus others.

RESULTS

Eyes with retinal vessels reaching near ora serrata were labelled as regressed ROP and vascularised retina (Group1). Eyes with reactivation of ROP needing laser or vitreoretinal surgery or eyes with peripheral avascular retina (PAR) at 16th week post-injection were considered as Group 2. Pre-injection baseline OCT showed a hyperreflectivity of inner retinal layers in 12 out of 46 eyes in Group 1 versus 30 out of 34 eyes in Group 2 (p value 0.002). None of the eyes in Group 1 showed choroidal thinning at posterior pole as compared to 14 out of 34 eyes in Group 2 (p value 0.001). Intraretinal hypo reflective Cystic changes at fovea were seen in 16 out of 46 eyes in Group 1 and 2 out of 34 eyes in Group 2 (p value 0.012).

CONCLUSION

Pre-injection swept source OCT biomarkers could predict the treatment outcomes of anti-VEGF (Bevacizumab) monotherapy in A-ROP eyes. Hyperreflectivity of inner retinal layers and choroidal thinning had poorer and unpredictable response to anti-VEGF injection whereas, cystic changes at fovea predicted favourable response.

Clinical Risk Factors for Retinopathy of Prematurity Reactivation after Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injection

OBJECTIVE

To assess the rate and risk factors for reactivation of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) after intravitreal injection (IVI) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents.

STUDY DESIGN

Infants who received IVI therapy between 2017 and 2022 were enrolled and divided into two groups: those with and without ROP reactivation. Information on ROP variables and patient variables were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 114 infants with 223 eyes were enrolled in the study. The ROP reactivation rate was 11.4% of infants (9.9% of eyes). The mean duration of reactivation was 84 ± 45 days. Among the 223 eyes treated with IVI, reactivation rates were 6% for bevacizumab, 13.9% for aflibercept, and 22.2% for ranibizumab. A multivariable regression model showed that ranibizumab was an independent risk factor (OR: 11.4, p=0.008) for reactivation. Other risk factors included infants with periventricular leukomalacia (OR: 13.8, p=0.003), patent ductus arteriosus ligation (OR: 10.7, p=0.032), and infants who still required invasive mechanical ventilation on the day of IVI therapy (OR: 7.0, p=0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

All anti-VEGF agents carry a risk of ROP reactivation, with the risk being higher with ranibizumab 0.25 mg than with bevacizumab 0.625 mg. Reactivation of ROP should be assessed vigilantly, especially in those infants with increased risks. Future research to determine the optimal anti-VEGF selection and dosage in high-risk infants is warranted.

Retinopathy of prematurity: from oxygen management to molecular manipulation

INTRODUCTION

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative disorder of the premature retina with the potential to progress to extraretinal neovascularisation. This review serves as an introduction to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), outlining key parts of ROP pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment. ROP is traditionally diagnosed by indirect ophthalmoscopy and classified using anatomical zones, stages of disease, and the presence or absence of "plus disease" (dilation and tortuosity of the major retinal arterioles and venules). ROP has a bi-phasic pathophysiology: initial hyperoxia causes reduced retinal vascularisation, followed by pathological vaso-proliferation resulting from subsequent hypoxia and driven by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

ADVANCEMENTS IN MANAGEMENT

This review summarises previous trials to establish optimum oxygen exposure levels in newborns and more recently the development of anti-VEGF agents locally delivered to block pathological neovascularisation, which is technically easier to administer and less destructive than laser treatment.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

There remains an ongoing concern regarding the potential unwanted systemic effects of intravitreally administered anti-VEGF on the overall development of the premature baby. Ongoing dosing studies may lessen these fears by identifying the minimally effective dose required to block extraretinal neovascularisation.

Reactivation of retinopathy of prematurity six years after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab

Although intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is effective in the management of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), reactivations following treatment are known to occur. We present the case of an asymptomatic child who developed a very late reactivation of ROP 6 years after its successful treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab. This case reemphasizes the importance of long-term follow-up after anti-VEGF therapy for ROP until retinal vascularization is complete. It also supports investigating the utility of laser photocoagulation for peripheral avascular retina after successful treatment with anti-VEGF injection for type I ROP.

Comparison in Retreatments between Bevacizumab and Ranibizumab Intravitreal Injections for Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Multicenter Study

PURPOSE

To compare the types and dosages of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) to ascertain whether specific dosages or types of injection were associated with retreatment in clinical practice in the United States.

DESIGN

Multicenter, retrospective, consecutive series.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) treated with anti-VEGF injections from 2007 to 2021.

METHODS

Sixteen sites from the United States participated. Data collected included demographics, birth characteristics, examination findings, type and dose of anti-VEGF treatment, retreatment rates, and time to retreatment. Comparisons of retreatment rates between bevacizumab and ranibizumab intravitreal injections were made.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Relative rate of retreatment between varying types of anti-VEGF therapy, including bevacizumab and ranibizumab, and the various dosages used for each.

RESULTS

Data from 873 eyes of 661 patients (61% male and 39% female) were collected. After exclusion of 40 eyes treated with laser before anti-VEGF injection and 266 eyes re-treated with laser at or beyond 8 weeks after the initial anti-VEGF treatment, 567 eyes of 307 patients (63% male and 37% female) remained and were included in the primary analysis. There was no difference between the no retreatment and retreatment groups in terms of birthweight, gestational age, age at first injection, ROP stages, or number of involved clock hours. The retreatment group had a larger percentage of aggressive ROP (34% vs. 18%, P < 0.001) and greater percentage of zone 1 ROP (49 vs. 34%, P = 0.001) than the no retreatment group. Ranibizumab use was associated with a higher rate of retreatment than bevacizumab use (58% vs. 37%, P < 0.001), whereas the rate of retreatment was not associated with a specific dose of ranibizumab (R2 = 0.67, P = 0.32). Meanwhile, lower doses of bevacizumab were associated with higher rates of retreatment compared with the higher doses (R2 = 0.84, P = 0.01). There was a dose-specific trend with higher doses trending toward lower retreatments for bevacizumab.

CONCLUSIONS

In a multicenter study of ROP patients initially treated with anti-VEGF therapy, ranibizumab and lower-dose bevacizumab use were associated with an increased rate of retreatment when compared with higher-dose bevacizumab.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Long-Term Visual Prognosis of Patients Following Lens-Sparing Vitrectomy for Stage 4A Retinopathy of Prematurity

This study evaluated the long-term visual outcomes of patients in whom at least one eye underwent successful lens-sparing vitrectomy (LSV) for stage 4A retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). A retrospective chart review was conducted using the data of 61 eyes of 42 patients with a minimum 4-year follow-up after successful LSV, with or without anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy, and whose best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measurable using Landolt rings at the final visit. The mean age at the final follow-up was 10.1 ± 3.3 years. Before LSV, all eyes underwent laser ablation therapy. Twenty eyes (32.8%) with high vascular activity received anti-VEGF therapy before LSV. The mean decimal BCVA at the final follow-up was 0.23 ± 0.26 (range: hand motion to 1.2). Twenty-three eyes (54.1%) had a decimal BCVA of ≥0.4. Among 49 phakic eyes at the final examination, the mean refractive error was -10.1 ± 5.0 D, with 37 eyes (75.5%) having high myopia (>-6.0 D). No significant differences were observed in terms of decimal BCVA and refractive errors between eyes with and without anti-VEGF therapy. Approximately half of the patients had a decimal BCVA of ≥0.4, despite myopic refraction after successful LSV for stage 4A ROP. LSV for stage 4A ROP seemed to be associated with good visual function, despite myopic refraction.

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.

Characteristics of Eyes Developing Retinal Detachment After Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy for Retinopathy of Prematurity

BACKGROUND

We investigated the incidence and clinical characteristics of eyes showing retinal detachment (RD) after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 76 consecutive eyes of 45 patients (18 girls and 27 boys) with stage 3 ROP who received anti-VEGF therapy between January 2012 and August 2020 with a minimum follow-up of 6 months was conducted. Eyes were divided into two groups: the vitrectomy (V) group that required vitrectomy for RD after anti-VEGF therapy and the non-vitrectomy (non-V) group that did not require vitrectomy. Data were collected from patient charts, including sex, postmenstrual age (PMA) at birth, birth weight, PMA at anti-VEGF therapy, comorbidities, reactivation, examination interval, and subsequent vitrectomies.

RESULTS

The median PMA at birth was 24.7 (range, 22.1-29.3) weeks. Twenty-seven eyes (35.1%) exhibited ROP reactivation at 6.4 ± 3.1 weeks after anti-VEGF therapy. The V group included six eyes of five patients, all of whom exhibited reactivation and developed RD 10.1 ± 6.5 weeks after anti-VEGF therapy. The types of RD were conventional (classic) in two eyes and circumferential (unique to RD after anti-VEGF) in four eyes. Three eyes required repeated vitrectomy. All eyes, except one eye in the V group, achieved retinal attachment at the last examination. The non-V group included 70 eyes of 40 patients, of which 21 exhibited reactivation and were treated successfully with laser (17 eyes) or second anti-VEGF (4 eyes). The proportion of eyes with plus disease was significantly higher in the V group (50.0%) than in the non-V group (10.0%) (P = 0.035). V group included 3 of 22 eyes (13.6%) in which the interval between the last examination and the diagnosis of reactivation was <1 week and 3 of 5 eyes (60.0%) in which the interval was more than 1 week (P = 0.024). The two groups showed no significant differences in the other factors.

CONCLUSION

Approximately 8% of eyes developed RD about 10 weeks after anti-VEGF therapy for ROP. Eyes with history of plus disease should be carefully monitored at appropriate intervals after anti-VEGF therapy for ROP.