Abstract
Purpose::
To report on the anatomic and visual acuity response after intravitreal injection of Bevacizumab in patients with macular edema due to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).
Methods::
In a retrospective study, 30 eyes of 30 consecutive patients with a mean age of 71 years were treated with at least one intravitreal injection of Bevacizumab (1.25mg). Patients were evaluated according to best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) at baseline and in 6 weeks intervals. Fluorescein angiography was performed at baseline and at follow-up visits if needed.
Results::
The patients received a mean of 3.3 injections of bevacizumab per eye. Mean follow-up was 33.7 (range, 23 and 57) weeks. CRT at baseline was 710µm (SD±247) and decreased to a mean of 465µm (SD± 216) at last follow-up (p< 0.05). The injections had to be repeated in average after 10 weeks (range, 4 to 35 weeks). The mean baseline BCVA was 10/100 and 10/80 at last follow-up (p>0.05). No relevant adverse events were noted after the therapy.
Conclusions::
Intravitreal bevacizumab resulted in a significant decrease in macular edema secondary to CRVO. Even there is tendency for improving of the vision, the change was not statistically significant, because of the small sample size of our collective. Prospective studies with large case numbers and long follow-up is warranted to clarify the role of the intravitreal Bevacizumab treatment for macular oedema secondary to CRVO.
Keywords: drug toxicity/drug effects • vascular occlusion/vascular occlusive disease • macula/fovea