Clinical and Risk Factor Profile of Infants Treated with Bevacizumab or Nd: YAG Laser for Retinopathy of Prematurity

Abstract

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity is a major cause of avoidable childhood blindness, particularly in premature infants with low birth weight and early gestational age. Both intravitreal Bevacizumab and Nd: YAG laser are established treatments for type 1 and aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity, but limited data exist comparing the clinical characteristics of infants receiving these therapies. This study aimed to compare the clinical and risk factor profiles of infants treated with intravitreal Bevacizumab versus Nd: YAG laser for retinopathy of prematurity. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over one year at two tertiary care hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 61 infants (122 eyes) diagnosed with type 1 ROP or AP-ROP were enrolled. Patients were assigned to receive either intravitreal bevacizumab or Nd: YAG laser therapy. Baseline characteristics, delivery history, and perinatal risk factors such as apnea, sepsis, RDS, jaundice, and blood transfusions were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS v20 with chi-squared testing for categorical variables and significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean gestational age and birth weight were slightly lower in the intravitreal bevacizumab group than in the laser group, though not statistically significant. Sex distribution, delivery method, and presence of neonatal risk factors were comparable across both groups. No significant differences were found in any risk parameter. Conclusion: Infants treated with intravitreal bevacizumab and laser for retinopathy of prematurity showed similar clinical and risk profiles. Treatment decisions appear more influenced by procedural and institutional factors than by patient-specific characteristics.