Possible Role of Sildenafil Citrate in the Recurrence of Neovascularization in Laser-regressed Aggressive Posterior ROP.

BACKGROUND Systemic diseases and their treatment influence aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity. CASE CHARACTERISTICS A premature infant with aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity underwent laser treatment with a favourable outcome. She was started on oral sidenafil citrate for pulmonary hypertension. Ten days later she developed neovascularization within the lasered retina. INTERVENTION/OUTCOME Considering the possible role of sildenafil in this unusual development, the drug was withdrawn resulting in regression of the neovascularization. MESSAGE The clinician should be aware of this retinal adverse effect of sildanefil in neonates with aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity.