Abstract
Purpose:
To compare the efficacy of pro re nata (PRN) injections of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) and bevacizumab (IVB) against macular edema (ME) in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO).
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 76 eyes of 76 patients who underwent IVR or IVB as a primary treatment against ME that was associated with RVO and were followed for at least 6 months. After the first injection, visual acuity and central retinal thickness (CRT) were measured every month. Additional IVR or IVB injections were administered on a PRN regimen. Efficacy and recurrence were evaluated based on the postoperative CRT. If the CRT decreased to 300 µm or less in at least one examination within 3 postoperative months, it was judged effective. Furthermore, among the effective cases, if the CRT increased to more than 300µm after it once decreased, it was judged recurrent.
Results:
Baseline and postoperative (6th month) visual acuity (IVR group: [P = 0.030], IVB group: [P < 0.001]) and CRT (both groups: [P < 0.001]) differed significantly. No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of visual acuity and CRT at baseline or at the 3rd or 6th month. The efficacy rates in the IVR and IVB groups were 19/21 (90%) and 45/55 (82%), respectively (P = 0.29). The recurrence rates at the 6th month in the IVR and IVB groups were 15/19 (79%) and 32/45 (71%), respectively (P = 0.37). The number of injections between 0-3 months was 1.2 ± 0.4 in the IVR group and 1.2 ± 0.4 in the IVB group (P = 0.58), and the number of injections between 3-6 months was 0.8 ± 0.7 in the IVR group and 0.5 ± 0.8 in the IVB group (P = 0.15).
Conclusions:
Pro re nata therapy of IVR was as effective as IVB in patients with RVO; however, recurrence needs to be considered.