Abstract
Purpose::
Retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) is a subgroup of neovascular age related macular degeneration (AMD). Bevacizumab (Avastin®) is a recombinant humanized monoclonal anti-VEGF antibody for intravitreal injection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the function and morphological outcome after intravitral Bevacizumab treatment for patients with RAP.
Methods::
In a retrospective study 38 patients (38 eyes) with RAP who were treated with intravitreal injections of 1.25mg Bevacizumab between October 2005 and November 2006 with a follow-up of at least 6 month were included. All patients had a complete ocular examination including best corrected visual acuity measurement (ETDRS chart), fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, measurement of the central retinal thickness (CRT) by ocular coherence tomography. Indocyane green angiography was available in the majority of cases. Visual acuity equivalents were converted into logMAR units for statistical analysis.
Results::
The mean follow-up time was 9.7 month (range 6-12 month). The average injection rate of Bevacizumab was 3 (range 1-7). The mean visual acuity at baseline was 20/80 (range 20/320 - 20/20) and at the last visit 20/80 (range 1/25 MV-20/20). No statistically significant change in visual acuity was seen (student's t-test). The mean central retinal thickness at baseline was 310µm (SD ± 125µm) and at the final visit 229µm (SD ±103µm). CRT decrease was statistically significant (student's t-test, p < 0.01).
Conclusions::
Intravitreal Bevacizumab treatment in patients with RAP showed a stabilization of visual acuity during a mean follow-up time of 9 month. There was a significant reduction of the macular edema during the treatment. Intravitreal Bevacizumab injections represent a useful therapy option for RAP. Further long-scale, prospective studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effect of Bevacizumab treatment for RAP.
Clinical Trial::
University Tuebingen
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • injection • edema