Abstract
Purpose:
To evaluate clinical outcomes and complications of subconjunctival bevacizumab (Avastin) in patients with recurrent pterygium.
Methods:
This prospective clinical trial included 36 patients (36 eyes), who underwent pterygium surgery and who were diagnosed with recurrent pterygium. All pacientes received subconjunctival application of bevacizumab (0,5ml). Pterygium vascularity and thickness was graded according Tan's rating. The size of the pterygium (measured in mm) was recorded from baseline to 8 weeks after injection. Treatment-related complications and adverse events were reported. The main outcome of measurements was the change in size, vascularity and thickness.
Results:
There were 18 males (50%) and 18 females (50%) of 36 patients with a mean age of 58,75 years (SD 10,98 years). 30.6% of pacients had recurrent pterygium in both eyes, being 47.2% in the left eye and 22.2% in the right eye. 44.4% of patients were from Goiânia (Brazil) and 55.6% from other cities. More than half of patients (58.3%) had a family history of pterygium. There was a significant difference in the size of pterygium at different intervals (P < 0.05) and the mean surface area was reduced. 66.7% of patients presented hyposphagma on the 2nd day after the subconjunctival application, decreasing to 30.6% by day 7 and finally no patient after 1 month. Most patients (69.4%) had improvement of irritative symptoms within 2 days, 88.9% after 7 days and 97.2% after 1 month.
Conclusions:
Subconjuctival bevacizumab injection is useful in management of patients with recurrent pterygium without significant local or systemic adverse effects.
Keywords: 665 pterygium •
503 drug toxicity/drug effects •
421 anterior segment