Objective: To observe the retinal vascular development and changes on aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (AP-ROP) by intravitreal ranibizumab, evaluate the therapeutic effect, and provide the basis for clinical treatment.
Methods: The total of 38 eyes of 19 premature infants who were diagnosed as AP-ROP from January 2012 to October 2013 in our hospital were performed intravitreal injection of ranibizumab (0.04 ml). It was observed about the regression of plus diseases, ridges, neovascularization on the ridge and the development of peripheral retinal vessel. Laser photocoagulation were performed for 14 eyes of 7 cases whose plus diseases, ridges and neovascularization on the ridge didn't regress completely after intralvitreal injection of ranibizumab.
Results: All infants were found retinopathy regressed and retinal vessels continued to develop peripherally to some degree. Of all infants, 24 eyes of 12 infants were found complete regression of retinopathy, resolution of neovascularization and bleeding and that retinal vessels continued to develop to ora serrata or scarification of peripheral retinopathy. Fourteen eyes of 7 infants were found retinopathy didn't regressed completely and regressed completely after combing intravitreal ranibizumab injection. All 19 infants didn't occure infection, ocular or systemic complications.
Conclusions: The efficacy of intravitreal injection of ranibizumab is good for AP-ROP. It can made ridge, neovascularization on the ridge and plus disease regress, as well as let the retinal vessel continue development. Infants with no regressed retinopathy may need combined laser photocoagulation.