Abstract
Purpose :
To compare the outcomes of one initial anti-VEGF injection followed by pro re nata (PRN) dosing to that of three monthly injection followed by PRN dosing for macular edema (ME) associated with a branch retinal vein occlusion.
Methods :
This was a retrospective study of 37 eyes of 37 patients with a branch retinal vein occlusion. Eighteen of the 37 eyes received one initial anti-VEGF (Ranibizumab [0.5mg/0.05mL] or Aflibercept [2mg/0.05mL] ) injection followed by PRN dosing (1+PRN). Nineteen eyes received three monthly injection followed by PRN dosing (3+PRN).
Results :
After 12 months, the best-corrected visual acuity was -0.24 ± 0.24 logMAR units in the 1+PRN group and - 0.29 ± 0.31 logMAR units in the 3+PRN group. The central retinal thickness was -305 ±193 μm in the 1+PRN and -324±168 μm in the 3 + PRN group. In both groups, the improvement of the BCVA and central retinal thickness were not significantly different. The mean total number of anti-VEGF injections was 3.1±1.6 in the 1+PRN group and 5.1±1.7 in the 3+PRN group (P=0.001).
Conclusions :
The lack of a significant differences in the outcomes and the significantly fewer injection during the 12 months after the two treatment protocols suggests that the 1+PRN protocol should be preferred for patients with macular edema associated with a BRVO. This will be more convenient for the patient and doctor and will be more cost effective for the patient.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2018 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Honolulu, Hawaii, April 29 - May 3, 2018.