Intraocular Bevacizumab (Avastin) for the Treatment of Serous Pigment Epithelial Detachments

Abstract

Purpose: : To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab as either rescue therapy or primary treatment for serous pigment epithelial detachments in age–related macular degeneration.

Methods: : A retrospective review was conducted on eyes with serous pigment epithelial detachments (PED) associated with age–related macular degeneration (AMD) that were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25mg in 0.05ml) between August 2005 and December 2005. Treatment efficacy was assessed by comparing pre– and post–treatment Snellen visual acuity and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. Persistent fluid on OCT and leakage on FA were indications for retreatment at 4–6 week intervals.

Results: : 8 eyes of 8 patients with a mean age of 77 years (range 63 to 84) each received one to three intravitreal injections of bevazicumab for serous PEDs associated with AMD. Pre–injection Va ranged from 20/50 to 20/400. After one injection, central foveal thickness (CFT) as measured by OCT decreased in 6 of 8 patients an average of 100um. No injection–related complications or drug–related side effects were observed.

Conclusions: : After one injection, intravitreal bevazicumab produced significant reductions in central foveal thickness in 6 of 8 patients treated. Additional follow–up and a larger patient cohort will likely help determine which subset of patients with serous PEDs in AMD would benefit most from this treatment.

Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • retina • imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound)