Anti-VEGF drugs in treatment of retinopathy of prematurity Review article
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Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity is a serious disease that can lead to retinal detachment and vision loss. Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) play a key role in the pathogenesis of this disease. The gold standard of treatment used since the 1990s is laser coagulation of non-vascularized retina. Anti-VEGF drugs introduced in recent years administered as intravitreal injections neutralize excess VEGF factors. The main advantage of these drugs is very fast action, very short and uncomplicated administration procedure, full field of view expected. Drugs, however, are absorbed into the bloodstream, which can affect the physiological maturation of internal organs in a child born prematurely. Another important problem is the appearance of late recurrences of retinopathy, even several months after the injection. These drugs should be used prudently, especially in patients with retinopathy in zone I.
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