Am J Perinatol 2022; 39(01): 022-030
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1713181
Review Article

Update in the Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity

Aldo Bancalari
1   Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
,
Ricardo Schade
2   Ophthalmology Service, Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital, Concepcion, Chile
› Author Affiliations
Funding None.

Abstract

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an alteration in the development of the immature retina vascularization that frequently occurs in premature infants and is one of the leading causes of childhood blindness worldwide. In threshold stage retinopathy, laser photocoagulation is the standard treatment, particularly in those located in zone II. However, this therapy destroys parts of the retina and can lead to significant eye complications later in life. For this reason, in the last few years, antivascular endothelial growth factor agents are being used as monotherapy or as coadjuvant with laser, especially in retinopathy located in zone I. More recently, the administration of oral propranolol has been used as prevention and/or treatment of prethreshold retinopathy with encouraging results. This review provides an overview of the current evidence on newer treatment strategies for ROP.

Key Points

  • Laser is the standard treatment in threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

  • Prethreshold stages of the ROP have no treatment.

  • Propranolol may prevent the progression of ROP.



Publication History

Received: 04 October 2019

Accepted: 11 May 2020

Article published online:
16 June 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
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