LONG-TERM RESULTS OF REPEATED INTRAVITREAL ANTI-VEGF TREATMENT FOR AGGRESSIVE RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY (CLINICAL CASE)

Abstract

Aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (AP-ROP) represents a rapidly progressive form of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) associated with a high risk of unfavorable structural and visual outcomes if not treated promptly.

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy has become an important therapeutic option for posterior and aggressive forms of ROP. We report the long-term structural and functional outcome in a child with aggressive ROP treated with two intravitreal anti-VEGF injections administered with a 30-day interval. The treatment resulted in rapid regression of plus disease and neovascular activity, followed by gradual physiological retinal vascularization. Long-term follow-up until the age of 6 years revealed complete regression of the disease, with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 1.0 (logMAR 20/20). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) demonstrated preserved retinal stratification with intact outer retinal layers, including the external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ), with only subtle variations in inner retinal architecture. This case highlights the potential for favorable long-term anatomical and functional outcomes following timely anti-VEGF therapy in aggressive ROP.