Abstract
Purpose: :
To investigate the therapeutic properties of bevacicumab (Avastin®) for treatment of neovascular age related macular degeneration within the first 24 to 48 hours after injection.
Methods: :
In this open labeled, uncontrolled clinical study 42 eyes of 42 patients with neovascular age related macular degeneration were enrolled. Each eye received an intravitreal injection of 1.0 mg bevacicumab (Avastin®) under sterile conditions via pars plana. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed at baseline and 24 to 48 hours for documentation of changes in retinal morphology and measurement of retinal thickness.
Results: :
Reduction of edema and / or retinal thickness was seen in 85.7 Percent, pigment epithelium detachment decreased in 16.8 Percent. Significant changes in retinal morphology were seen in all patients.
Conclusions: :
Our results indicate the effectiveness of intravitreal injection of bevacicumab (Avastin®) in patients with neovascular AMD for fast reduction of cystic formations in retinal morphology. Further studies will determine long term efficacy and safety.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • retinal neovascularization • imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound)