Purpose: To compare the efficacy of different anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents for the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants.
Methods: Seven databases were searched for eligible literature up to February 22, 2023. Studies were included if they were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy of anti-VEGF agents for ROP in infants. A network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed. We also conducted subgroup analyses to determine the efficacy ranking of regimens used in different regions. The odds ratio (OR), standardised mean difference (SMD), and surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) were calculated for each outcome.
Results: Thirteen RCTs of 10 different regimens, involving 1196 infants (2388 eyes), were identified. Bevacizumab (0.625 mg; OR = 0.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06-0.40, SUCRA = 80.6%) and conbercept (0.15 mg; OR = 0.08, 95% CI 0.02-0.30, SUCRA = 96.0%) were the most effective regimens in reducing the risk of ROP recurrence requiring retreatment in Western countries and China, respectively. Compared with laser therapy, bevacizumab (0.625 mg; SMD = 1.54, 95% CI 0.06-3.02) achieved significantly longer intervals between treatment and recurrence. No significant difference in the risk of retinal detachment was detected between any anti-VEGF agent and laser (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: Bevacizumab (0.625 mg) and conbercept (0.15 mg) appeared to be the most effective therapies for ROP in Western countries and China, respectively. More high-quality RCTs are warranted to evaluate the efficacy and long-term safety of anti-VEGF drugs for the management of ROP.
Keywords: Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor; Infant; Network meta-analysis; Retinopathy of prematurity.
© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.