A meta-analysis on the efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) as primary or adjunct treatment for retinopathy of prematurity

Publication Date

2014

Document Type

Research

Abstract

This study is to determine the efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor on reducing the recurrence of retinopathy of prematurity. Preterm neonates of greater of equal 32 weeks age of gestation and with birth weight of greater or less 1500 grams who were diagnosed with stage 3+ ROP or who were diagnosed with ROP threshold disease includes in the study. The data in this meta-analysis showed evidence that intravetreal anti-VEGF can be used a primary or adjunct treatment for ROP by targeting the retinal endothelial cells to decrease production of VEGF. Risk of bias analysis revealed that the 3 studies had potential performance bias since blinding of caregivers and study personnel were not mentioned in the studies. Overall, this meta-analysis has a low-risk bias and is unlikely to alter the results of this study. Comparisons of forest plot showed that the recurrence of ROP was less likely to occur in infants who received anti-VEFG therapy, with a more favorable structural outcome, compared to those who received anti-VEGF therapy. The use of anti-VEGF may lessen the possible adverse effects seen in laser therapy and reduces the risk of progressive vision loss, and more importantly, blindness in infants. As intravitreal anti-VEGF shows promise for the treatment of ROP, further randomized, large scale studies are necessary to avoid potential bias before it becomes a standard therapy for ROP.

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