Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (avastin) for treatment of stage 3 retinopathy of prematurity in zone I or posterior zone II.
OBJECTIVE
To report a retrospective, consecutive, noncomparative case series of moderate and severe stage 3 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in zone I or posterior zone II treated by bilateral intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA).


METHODS
Eleven infants weighing from 515 g to 1,015 g at birth (mean, 706.4 g) with gestational ages from 23 weeks to 28 weeks (mean, 24.3 weeks) received intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (0.625 mg [0.025 mL]) at 9.0 weeks to 15.0 weeks of age (mean, 11.0 weeks) and never had laser therapy. Length of follow-up was from 13.0 weeks to 85.0 weeks (mean, 48.5 weeks). RetCam photography (Clarity Medical Systems, Pleasanton, CA) was used to document preinjection retinal appearance and to follow postinjection retinal appearance.


RESULTS
All 22 eyes were treated successfully (no retinal detachment, macular ectopia, high myopia, anisometropia, or other ocular abnormalities) with only 1 injection. No complications (local or systemic) were encountered.


CONCLUSIONS
Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab was safe and effective in treating stage 3 ROP in zone I and posterior zone II in this small series of patients. A prospective, randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical trial has been initiated to investigate further this promising treatment.
Mintz-Hittner
Helen A
HA
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Texas Health Science Center - Houston Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Helen.A.Mintz-Hittner@uth.tmc.edu
Kuffel
Ronald R
RR
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D052577:Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D012178:Retinopathy of Prematurity / Q000145:classification* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D014822:Vitreous Body
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000068258:Bevacizumab