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Evaluating Treatment Outcomes Of Intravitreal Aflibercept In Retinopathy Of Prematurity

Authors

Muhammad Usama Idrees
Consultant Ophthalmologist, LRBT Tertiary Teaching Eye Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
Saima Amin
Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist, Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology
Zeeshan Kamil
Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist, Department of Ophthalmology & Oculoplasty
Amna Ali
Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist, Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology
Muhammad Tanweer Hassan Khan
Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist, Department of Ophthalmology & Vitreoretina
Sabrina Mehmood
Ophthalmologist Department of Ophthalmology, LRBT Tertiary Teaching Eye Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective:
To evaluate the anatomical treatment outcomes of intravitreal aflibercept in infants with severe Stage 3 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Study Design:
Prospective cohort study.
Place and Duration of Study:
LRBT Tertiary Teaching Eye hospita , Karachi, 06 months (August 2025 to January 2026).
Patients and Methods:
This prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care eye hospital. Sixteen infants (32 eyes) with gestational age <34 weeks and birth weight <2000 g, who had treatment-requiring Stage 3 ROP received intravitreal aflibercept (0.4 mg/0.01 mL). Outcomes were assessed at 1–2 weeks, 4–6 weeks, and 3 months. Continuous variables were summarized as mean ± SD and categorical variables as frequencies and percentages. Descriptive statistics were used. Because of the small sample size and the low number of unfavorable outcomes, any univariate analyses were considered exploratory.
Results:
At 3 months, complete regression was achieved in 26 eyes (81.3%), partial regression in 4 eyes (12.5%), and no change in 2 eyes (6.2%). No eye showed disease progression or recurrence during follow-up. Two eyes (6.2%) belonging to one infant required rescue laser photocoagulation. Mild subconjunctival hemorrhage occurred in 4 eyes (12.5%); no major ocular or systemic adverse events were observed. Exploratory analysis shows that lower gestational age, lower birth weight, Zone I disease, and aggressive ROP were more in infants with unfavorable outcomes.
Conclusion:
Intravitreal aflibercept appears to be a safe and effective option for the initial management of severe Stage 3 ROP, with high anatomical regression and few short-term complications. Larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm longterm ocular and systemic safety.
Kewords:
Aflibercept; Infant; Intravitreal injections; Retinopathy of prematurity; Treatment outcomes.

How to cite this article

Idrees MU, Amin S, Kamil Z, Ali A, Khan MTH, Mehmood S. Evaluating Treatment Outcomes of Intravitreal Aflibercept in Retinopathy of Prematurity. HMDJ. 2026 June; 06(01): 13-17.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.69884/hmdj.6.1.6853

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