title: On the use of antiangiogenetic medications for retinopathy of prematurity.
abstract: In contrast to the adult, the third-trimester foetus experiences one of the most intense periods of growth and maturation of its lifetime. Early development is characterized by the existence of critical periods when environmental factors effectively produce long-lasting changes. Proliferative retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding disease characterized by uncontrolled retinal angiogenesis. This pathologic angiogenesis is the target for two new treatment modalities for ROP, i.e. intravitreal anti-VEGF (bevacizumab) and systemic propranolol, which are being evaluated in ongoing or planned studies. VEGF is essential for normal angiogenesis in a growing infant, and the adrenergic system is important for many organ systems and, in addition, for plasticity of the visual and olfactory systems.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This viewpoint raises concerns regarding the currently studied antiangiogenetic treatments for ROP and their possible general effects on the developing preterm infant.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Anna-Lena
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Hård
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hellström
mesh_terms: D058671:Adrenergic beta-1 Receptor Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D011433:Propranolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012178:Retinopathy of Prematurity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
chemical_list: D058671:Adrenergic beta-1 Receptor Antagonists; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D011433:Propranolol