title: On safety, pharmacokinetics and dosage of bevacizumab in ROP treatment - a review.
abstract: Off-label intravitreal use of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody bevacizumab for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) increases despite lack of studies on safety, pharmacokinetics and dosage in developing individuals. Systemic absorption has been considered negligible. A literature search was performed with emphasis on potential adverse systemic effects in developing individuals.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intravitreal bevacizumab enters the general circulation, suppresses plasma VEGF levels and remains in the blood for more than 8 weeks in primates. Possible adverse effects on VEGF-dependent development must be considered.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. annalena.hard@oft.gu.se
authors.forename: Anna-Lena
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Hård
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hellström
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D058449:Intravitreal Injections; D056687:Off-Label Use; D012178:Retinopathy of Prematurity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000068258:Bevacizumab