Possible Role of Sildenafil Citrate in the Recurrence of Neovascularization in Laser-regressed Aggressive Posterior ROP.

BACKGROUND

Systemic diseases and their treatment influence aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity.

CASE CHARACTERISTICS: A premature infant with aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity underwent laser treatment with a favourable outcome. She was started on oral sidenafil citrate for pulmonary hypertension. Ten days later she developed neovascularization within the lasered retina.

INTERVENTION/OUTCOME: Considering the possible role of sildenafil in this unusual development, the drug was withdrawn resulting in regression of the neovascularization.

MESSAGE: The clinician should be aware of this retinal adverse effect of sildanefil in neonates with aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity.