A Randomized Trial of Low-Dose Bevacizumab vs Laser for Type 1 ROP

This randomized clinical trial will compare retinal outcomes with low-dose intravitreous bevacizumab (0.063 mg) versus laser photocoagulation as treatment for infants with type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The study also will assess neurodevelopment, refractive error, visual acuity, and peripheral visual fields.

Infants with type 1 ROP and no prior treatment for ROP will be randomly assigned (1:1) to treatment with either intravitreous bevacizumab 0.063 mg or peripheral retinal laser ablation. Study exams will be at weeks 1, 2, and 4 weeks, and at 2 and 4-months post-treatment (and re-treatment when indicated). Additional study exams will occur at adjusted age 6 months, 1 year, and then annually for 5 more years. Non-study examinations will be at clinician discretion and are likely to occur more often. The primary outcome will be treatment success, defined as no worsening of ROP 5-13 days after treatment (or re-treatment if indicated), no plus disease or severe neovascularization 2 weeks to 6 months after treatment (or re-treatment if indicated), and no unfavorable structural outcome (or prior scleral buckle or vitrectomy) at 6 months adjusted age. Important secondary outcomes include the number of re-treatments, extent of retinal vascularization, refractive error, neurodevelopment assessed by the Bayley-4 test, IQ and neuropsychiatric testing, visual acuity, visual fields, and systemic morbidities.