Effect of Laser Photocoagulation and Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection on Zone I Retinopathy of Prematurity

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laser photocoagulation and intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in zone I ROP (retinopathy of prematurity) accompanied with plus signs. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the records of 12 eyes of 7 premature infants with zone I ROP accompanied with plus signs, treated with diode laser photocoagulation and intravitreal injection of bevacizumab that were followed-up for at least 12 months. RESULTS: Mean gestational age was 30 + 2 weeks, mean birth weight was 1437 +/- 478 g, mean follow-up period was 14.7 +/- 2.0 months and mean age of diagnosis was 36 + 3 weeks. Plus signs were disappeared after an average of 10.1 +/- 2.4 postoperative days in all 12 eyes. The outcome was favorable in 11 (91.7%) of 12 treated eyes after a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. No local or systemic complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Laser photocoagulation and intravitreal injection of bevacizumab are effective and safe for treatment of zone I ROP accompanied with plus signs and require long-term follow-up.