Neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants treated with intravitreal bevacizumab versus laser.

OBJECTIVE

To compare neurodevelopmental and visual outcomes in preterm infants treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) to laser ablation at 18-24 months corrected age.

STUDY

DESIGN

A retrospective study was performed. The primary outcome was neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). Secondary neurodevelopmental outcomes were significant NDI (sNDI), cerebral palsy, hearing loss, and composite scores of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Third edition. Visual outcomes included structural and refractive outcomes. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were calculated controlling for GA, sex, and ROP severity and confounding baseline characteristics using a cutoff of p < 0.20.

RESULTS

Thirty-four (60 eyes) infants receiving IVB and 30 (51 eyes) laser were included. No significant differences were identified in NDI (AOR 1.77, 95% CI 0.46, 6.73) or sNDI (AOR 2.31, 95% CI 0.75, 7.14). There were no other differences in outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Larger randomized trials are required to establish long-term efficacy and safety of IVB in preterm neonates.