Intravitreal Bevacizumab (Avastin) as Treatment for Macular Edema in Vein Occlusions. Preliminary Results of a Prospective Study

Abstract

Purpose:: Evaluate visual results and changes in macular thickness measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients diagnosed with macular edema secondary to vein occlusions, treated with intravitreal Bevacizumab.

Methods:: Retrospective pilot study.15 eyes diagnosed with vein occlusion , 11 with branch vein occlusions (BVO) and 4 with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), were treated with 1ml (1.25mg) intravitreal bevacizumab and followed up during 3 months with best-corrected visual acuity, OCT, and fluorescein angiography.

Results:: Best-corrected visual acuity mean at baseline was 20/400 which improve to 20/100 during the first month and 20/60 on the third month follow up (p=0.001, Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test). Baseline macular thickness mean was 334.60+ 145.28µm which decreased to 223.40+ 110.89µm (p=0.007, Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test) after the first month. There were no ocular or systemic adverse events identified

Conclusions:: Intravitreal bevacizumab is a safe and effective therapy for patients with vein occlusions. The three month follow-up showed a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity, OCT, and angiographic outcomes.

Keywords: vascular occlusion/vascular occlusive disease • edema • retina