Management of aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity in oculocutaneous albinism

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Feb 1;14(2):e238490. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2020-238490.

Abstract

A male infant, born preterm at 32 weeks of gestation, was referred at 36-week postmenstrual age for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening. He had nystagmus, generalised hypopigmentation of skin, hair and eyes with preaxial polydactyly. The fundus was depigmented with prominently visible choroidal vessels. The retinal vessels were dilated, tortuous at zone 1. There was presence of arcading, shunting of vessels with presence of vitreous haemorrhage in the left eye. A diagnosis of aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (APROP) in association with oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) was made.Half-dose intravitreal bevacizumab was used to treat the vascular condition. After 2 weeks, there was complete regression of APROP with a completely mature retina observed at 4 months post-treatment. Herein, we describe the role of red-free light for screening ROP in infants with OCA; challenges in the management of ROP with laser photocoagulation compared with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

Keywords: congenital disorders; neonatal and paediatric intensive care; ophthalmology; paediatrics; retina.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Albinism, Oculocutaneous / complications*
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Bevacizumab / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Intravitreal Injections
  • Male
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / complications
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / diagnosis
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Bevacizumab