Abstract
Purpose: :
To assess the effects of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) injections in the treatment of choroideal neovascularization (CNV) with large submacular hemorrhage (LSH) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Methods: :
Prospective interventional case series. Patients with occult CNV with LSH greater the 50% of the entire lesion were considered. The protocol required 3 monthly consecutive injections, followed by repeat injections over the 12-month follow-up on the basis of OCT parameters, angiographic features, visual acuity response.
Results: :
Eight patients were enrolled in the study and prospectively followed up. Mean visual acuity and mean foveal thickness (FT) at baseline were 0.72±0.35 (logMAR±SD) and 296±86µm SD, respectively. At three-month examination, mean visual acuity improved to 0.46±0.28 SD and mean FT decreased to 240±105µm SD. At 12-month examination, mean visual acuity was 0.48±0.32 SD, and mean FT 238±50µm SD. A progressive resolution of macular bleeding was registered in 7 patients. Neither side-effect or complication was registered.
Conclusions: :
Intravitreal bevacizumab seems to be a beneficial treatment for CNV with LSH secondary to AMD. A randomized clinical trial with greater number of patients and control group is needed to confirm our preliminary results.
Keywords: choroid: neovascularization • age-related macular degeneration • growth factors/growth factor receptors