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Serum vascular endothelial growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1 and aflibercept levels in retinopathy of prematurity

  • Clinical Investigation
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) after intravitreal injection of aflibercept (IVA) and the transition of aflibercept into systemic circulation in infants with severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Study design

Prospective study.

Methods

This single-centered prospective cohort study included infants who received IVA for the treatment of type 1 ROP in zone I and posterior zone II. Blood samples were collected before IVA and at 1 day and 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after IVA. VEGF, IGF-1 and aflibercept levels were measured.

Results

Thirty eyes of 15 infants received IVA of 1 mg/0.025 mL. Serum VEGF levels decreased significantly at 1 day and 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after IVA compared with baseline (P < 0.05). Serum aflibercept levels decreased significantly 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after IVA compared with the level at 1 day after IVA (P < 0.05) and increased significantly at 1 day, 1, 2, and 4 weeks after IVA compared with the baseline level (P < 0.05). No significant difference was detected between serum IGF-1 levels any time in any infant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Serum VEGF levels are suppressed for at least 8 weeks, and aflibercept could be detected in the systemic circulation at 4 weeks after injection. Clinicians should be cautious about changes in systemic VEGF levels and passage of the agent into systemic circulation after IVA in infants.

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Acknowledgements

This study was funded in part by University of Health Sciences Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Research and Training Hospital, Education Board of Medical Specialties, Istanbul, Turkey. Grant/award numbers: 071218146. The authors would like to thank the hospital staff and parents for their participation in this study. Also, we would like to thank the Scribendi Editing Service for professional medical English editing.

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Author notes

  1. Utku Furuncuoglu

    Present address: Department of Ophthalmology, Kastamonu Training and Research Hospital, Kastamonu, Turkey

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, University of Health Sciences Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

    Utku Furuncuoglu, Aslı Vural, Ismail Umut Onur & Fadime Ulviye Yigit

  2. Department of Biochemistry, University of Health Sciences Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

    Alev Kural

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Correspondence to Utku Furuncuoglu.

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U. Furuncuoglu, None; A. Vural, None; A. Kural, None; I. U. Onur, None; F. U. Yigit, None.

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Corresponding Author: Utku Furuncuoglu.

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Furuncuoglu, U., Vural, A., Kural, A. et al. Serum vascular endothelial growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1 and aflibercept levels in retinopathy of prematurity. Jpn J Ophthalmol 66, 151–158 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10384-021-00895-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10384-021-00895-9

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