An evidence-based review of vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition in pediatric retinal diseases: part 2. Coats' disease, best disease, and uveitis with childhood neovascularization.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important factor in the pathogenesis of multiple retinal neovascular disorders. This report focuses on the quality and depth of new evidence for the use of VEGF inhibitors in selected pediatric ocular diseases, including Coats' disease, Best disease, and childhood uveitis. Because much of the literature comprises case reports and retrospective case series, the level of evidence supporting its use as a primary treatment option, or even as adjuvant therapy, is low. The standard of care is treatment of the underlying disorder to prevent neovascularization (retinal or subretinal), vitreous hemorrhage, or subsequent retinal detachment. However, these complications may not present until late in the disease course. It may then be useful to treat with these agents. Prospective studies are warranted to further elucidate the role of anti-VEGF therapy in these diseases. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2013;50:11-19.]