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Visual improvement in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) following intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (Avastin ® )
Author(s) -
Algvere Peep V.,
Von Wendt Gunvor,
Gudmundsson Johann,
Seregard Stefan,
Kvanta Anders
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2009.01758.x
Subject(s) - medicine , central retinal vein occlusion , ophthalmology , bevacizumab , visual acuity , intraocular pressure , retinal , fluorescein angiography , surgery , macular edema , chemotherapy
Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: 836–841 Abstract. Purpose: To perform a prospective study on central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) to evaluate whether visual acuity can be improved and macular oedema reduced in response to intravitreal injections of bevacizumab. Methods: The case material comprised 13 patients (aged 34–79 years), duration of CRVO was 2 weeks to 6 months, baseline ETDRS visual acuity 0.06–0.4 (mean Snellen 0.13, derived from logMAR value) and intraocular pressure (IOP) 12–20 (mean 15.2) mmHg. Clinical examination, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), was carried out at baseline and every 6 weeks, digital fluorescein angiography at baseline, at 3 months and 6 months. Intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (1.25 mg) were given under microscopic control at baseline and every 6 weeks during the 6‐month follow‐up. Results: Following one intravitreal injection of bevacizumab, average visual acuity improved by 13 ETDRS letters at 1 month (p < 0.05) and in response to 4 injections by 24 letters (logMAR 0.48) at 6 months (p < 0.05). Foveal thickness as measured by OCT decreased from 596 μm at baseline to 288 μm at 6 months (p < 0.05) concomitant with resorption of intra‐ and subretinal fluid. IOP ranged from 10 to 24 (17.3) mmHg at 6‐month follow‐up. No adverse events occurred. Conclusions: In response to four intravitreal injections of bevacizumab during 6 months, a substantial improvement in visual acuity and reduction in central retinal thickness were achieved. A randomized clinical trial is warranted to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of this treatment modality.