Hypertension in neonates treated with intravitreal bevacizumab for retinopathy of prematurity

Objective To investigate if preterm neonates developed systemic hypertension after intravitreal bevacizumab for retinopathy of prematurity. Methods Patients who received treatment between January 1, 2011 and January 31, 2019 were eligible for inclusion. Patients with pre-existing hypertension, congenital eye disease, or who were discharged within 72 h of treatment were excluded. Charts were reviewed for baseline data, co-morbidities, and the development of systemic hypertension within 4 weeks post treatment. Results After exclusions, 64 patients were analyzed. New-onset systemic hypertension was identified in 44 (69%) infants. There were no statistical differences in the demographic characteristics or presence of co-morbidities between the hypertensive and non-hypertensive groups. Of those who developed hypertension, the majority presented within the first week post treatment (55%). Conclusions The majority of infants who received intravitreal bevacizumab developed new-onset systemic hypertension after treatment. Further studies may explore hypertension as a potential side effect of bevacizumab in the neonatal population.