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Anti-VEGF therapy and retinopathy of prematurity

Kaloyana Shangova, Yana Manolova

Abstract

Introduction:

Nowadays, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is widely used as first-line therapy for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) with very good therapeutic and visual results.

Aim:

The aim of the present study is to compare the efficacy and safety outcomes between different anti-VEGF drugs.

Materials and Methods:

For the period January 2005–April 2023, in the available database (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus), a systematic analysis of scientific publications examining the impact of anti-VEGF drugs on ROP was conducted.

Results:

Anti-VEGF drugs inhibit the second phase of pathogenesis of ROP, which is characterised by excessive production of VEGFs. In the last 15 years, many clinical trials comparing the efficacy of different concentraionts of the drugs, safety, ocular and systemic outcomes have been conducted.

Conclusion:

There are several advantages of anti-VEGF therapy, such as easier application, earlier regression of ROP, peripheral vascularisation of the retina, and lower risk of myopia.


Keywords

anti-VEGF therapy, retinopathy of prematurity, outcomes

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References

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14748/ssm.v55i2.9186
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About The Authors

Kaloyana Shangova
Medical University of Varna
Bulgaria

Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Faculty of Medicine

Yana Manolova
Medical University of Varna
Bulgaria

Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Faculty of Medicine

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