Abstract
Purpose:
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of variable dosing intravitreal Pegaptanib in the regression of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).
Methods:
30 eyes of 30 PDR patients were randomized into three arms and followed for one year. They were evaluated at baseline, week 3, week 6, and every 6 weeks until week 52. Twenty-six eyes of 26 patients completed the one year follow-up. Eleven eyes in group A received 3 intravitreal Pegaptanib (IVP) injections every 6 weeks (q6), then additional injections every 12 weeks. Ten eyes in Group B received 3 IVP q6 weeks followed by selective laser treatment. Five eyes in group C received standard PRP. Humphrey Visual Fields, dark adaptation, ETDRS, BCVA, FA's and OCT's were performed in all groups at baseline and at variable pre-determined times.
Results:
Group A) Baseline mean BCVA=78.9, one year visit mean BCVA=82.6. Group B) Baseline mean BCVA=72.0, one year visit mean BCVA=70.1. Group C) Baseline mean BCVA=72.2, one year visit mean BCVA=74.2. Variable dosing of IVP resulted in comparable regression of PDR to standard PRP. Visual field and dark adaptation were preserved in the Pegaptanib treated group compared to the standard and selective photocoagulation groups.
Conclusions:
A variable dosing anti-VEGF regimen resulted in regression of PDR and preserved retinal function.
Keywords: 499 diabetic retinopathy •
700 retinal neovascularization