Abstract
Purpose::
To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab in patients with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy.
Methods::
This is a prospective, experimental, longitudinal and descriptive study. Patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy with papilar or/and extrapapilar neovascularization without media opacities were included. All patients received 1.8mg (0.07ml) of intravitreal bevacizumab at 3 to 3.5mm from limbus. The patients underwent clinic evaluation with fluorescein angiography control with a minimal follow up of 3 months. In cases where neovascularization persists, conventional photocoagulation was indicated.
Results::
40 eyes were included. Mean age was 58 years old. 32.5% had rubeosis, 52.5% papilar neovascularization and 65% extrapapilar neovascularization. We found remission of retinal and papillary neovascularization in 75% of cases during the first month. In 25% of cases the neovascularization persisted at one month, 50% had recurrence at two months and 60% at 3 months of follow up. The papilar neovascularization had shown better response than retinal neovascularization. Vascular changes after intravitreal bevaciazumab injection were observed in 15% of cases. Changes in intraocular pressure were not seen after intravitreal injection.
Conclusions::
Bevacizumab induce early remission of neovascularization in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. It could be a therapeutic alternative in these patients as adjunctive treatment of panretinal photocoagulation, reducing the extensive retinal ablation needed to control the proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Clinical Trial::
Fundacion Hospital Nuestra Senora de la Luz IAP
Keywords: diabetic retinopathy • retinal neovascularization