A., A. (2024). LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION VERSUS INTRAVITREAL ANTI VEGF AGENTS FOR TREATMENT OF RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY. Egyptian Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology, 7(1), 87-95. doi: 10.21608/ejco.2024.361193
Aldghaimy, A.. "LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION VERSUS INTRAVITREAL ANTI VEGF AGENTS FOR TREATMENT OF RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY". Egyptian Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology, 7, 1, 2024, 87-95. doi: 10.21608/ejco.2024.361193
A., A. (2024). 'LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION VERSUS INTRAVITREAL ANTI VEGF AGENTS FOR TREATMENT OF RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY', Egyptian Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology, 7(1), pp. 87-95. doi: 10.21608/ejco.2024.361193
A., A. LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION VERSUS INTRAVITREAL ANTI VEGF AGENTS FOR TREATMENT OF RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY. Egyptian Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology, 2024; 7(1): 87-95. doi: 10.21608/ejco.2024.361193
LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION VERSUS INTRAVITREAL ANTI VEGF AGENTS FOR TREATMENT OF RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY
Ophthalmology dept., Faculty of Medicine, South Valley, Univ., Egypt,
Abstract
Background: Early birth and various oxygen techniques can cause retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a widespread childhood visual problem. An aggressive ROP (A-ROP) differs from normal progression. Diode laser replaced cryotherapy. Laser treatment is customary but limited, prompting anti-VEGF research. BEAT-ROP aids anti-VEGF. Aim: Compare efficacy and safety of laser photocoagulation with intravitreal anti-VEGF agents for ROP. Methods: Retrospective study at Qena university hospital, adhering to Helsinki Declaration. Participants had ROP type 1 or AROP, treated with anti-VEGF or laser within 72 hours (or 24 hours for A-ROP) between 2021 and 2024 at Qena University, followed for ≥6 months. ICROP criteria guided diagnosis and classification. Treatment decision involved parental consultation; unfit patients for general anesthesia received anti-VEGF. Patients anticipated to have poor adherence to follow up received antiVEGF. Post-treatment follow-ups evaluated efficacy, with cycloplegic refraction at 6 months. Outcome measures included regression, reactivation, and retinal detachment. Results: Significant differences observed between Anti-VEGF and Laser groups in Zone-I ROP and APROP parameters. No significant variation in sex distribution, gestational age (GA), birth weight, or followup duration in Zone-I. In Zone-II, significant differences in GA, birth weight, and follow-up duration. Anti-VEGF demonstrated superior outcomes in initial regression, reactivation, and retinal detachment. Conclusion: Anti-VEGF therapy, notably Ranibizumab, outperforms laser photocoagulation for ROP treatment in aggressive forms in Zone I. This appears to show better initial regression, lesser reactivation, and lower retinal detachment. Anti-VEGF therapy, and laser photocoagulation for ROP treatment in Zone II appears to show comparable initial regression and retinal detachment but laser show lesser reactivation than Anti-VEGF therapy. Research in clinical practice is needed.