Curative effect analysis of intravitreal Ranibizumab for the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) for the treatment of threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods A total of 98 premature infants (190 eyes) with diagnosis of threshold ROP were reviewed and analyzed in this study. All the infants received IVR (10 mg/ml, 0.025ml) as the initial treatment within 24 hours after diagnosis. Anterior segment examinations were performed after injection in first 3 days, and fundus examination were performed after treatment in third day, first week third week and eighth week, and determined the follow-up examinations time according to condition and correct gestational age. Follow-up ranged from 8 to 48 weeks, and the average follow-up time was (32.1±10.5) weeks. If the infants didn’t respond positively to the treatment, IVR or laser photocoagulation treatment was performed once more. Results After receiving IVR injections, 128 eyes (67.37%) exhibited ROP regression. Among the eyes, the development of peripheral retinal vessels could be observed in 105 eyes (55.26%) which received a single injection; clinical improvement in 23 eye (12.11%) which received repeat injection; stable disease in 56 eyes (29.47%) which received laser therapy; needing-advance treatment disease in 6 eyes (3.16%). Conclusions IVR is safe and effective for most threshold ROP infants. In cases of recurrence or no response, conventional laser treatment or an additional IVR injection were needed for the others. Key words: Retinopathy; Threshold retinopathy of prematurity; Treatment; Intravitreal ranibizumab