NHS in England to offer blindness prevention drug to premature babies

For the first time on the NHS in England, premature babies can now routinely be given sight-saving drug treatment.

Ranibizumab injections can stop scarring caused by unusual blood-vessel growth in the back of the eye and is an alternative to laser therapy, which s not always suitable for premature babies at risk of this sight problem affecting the retina of the eye.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) can be avoidable with the correct treatment.  All premature and low birthweight babies are screened for it with eye tests.  Up to one in 20 may require treatment to avoid damage that can lead to sight loss.

Ranibizumab injections into the eye can block the action of vascular endothelial growth factor, which promotes growth of new blood vessels. Substantially high levels can grow abnormal vessels that turn into scar tissue in the retina.

Experts believe that around 20 babies each year in England might need the drug treatment rather than laser therapy.

Amanda Pritchard, NHS’ chief executive, said “The impacts of vision loss can be absolutely devastating, particularly for children and young people, so it’s fantastic that this treatment will now give families across the country another life-changing option to help save their child’s precious sight.

Peter Bradley from the premature baby charity Bliss, said “It is absolutely brilliant to see this sight-saving treatment being rolled out nationally.  Retinopathy of Prematurity affects many babies born premature, and can become very serious.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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