title: Anti-angiogenic therapy in the management of retinopathy of prematurity.
abstract: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vitreoretinal abnormality that significantly affects premature babies with low birth rates. Despite improved screening and management of these infants, a subset will progress to retinal detachment and permanent visual impairment. Current treatment consists of peripheral laser ablation and subsequent surgical intervention if a detachment occurs. We sought to evaluate the vitreous biochemistry of eyes that progress despite appropriate laser intervention. Additionally, a limited trial of an anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) therapy was used in one eye of infants with persistent Plus disease and neovascularization. The anti-VEGF treatment successfully decreases abnormal angiogenesis but does not decrease the proliferative changes associated with retinal detachment. Biochemical analysis of the vitreous of stage 4 ROP eyes shows significantly elevated VEGF and transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) concentrations, and normal levels of other angiogenic factors.
authors.forename: Kimberly A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Drenser
mesh_terms: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000379:methods*; D011379:Prognosis; D015861:Retinal Neovascularization / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012178:Retinopathy of Prematurity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A