Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin®) for macular oedema secondary to Branch retinal vein occlusion: 3-month results of a prospective clinical trial

Muhammad Tariq Khan

Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate functional and anatomical changes after intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin®) in eyes with intial macular oedema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Methods: Twenty-nine consecutive eyes with macular oedema secondary to BRVO (29) were included in a prospective clinical trial. Eyes were treated with three initial intravitreal bevacizumab injections of 1.25mg/0.05ml one month a part. Follow-up examinations were done at days1, 7 & 28 and at monthly intervals thereafter. On each visit vision with ETDRS chart was examined, OCT was done & slit lamp examination was performed. Systemic and ocular side effects of intravitreal bevacizumab were evauated.

Results: After 3months of follow-up, mean visual acuity increased up to 3 llines on ETDRS chart ( p<0.001) and CRT decreased from 609 μm (365 to 854 μm) at baseline to 274 μm at month 3 (-335 μm p<0.001). No drug-related systemic or ocular side effects following intravitreal bevacizumab treatment were observed. Fluorescein angiography revealed no progression of avascular areas.

Conclusions: Intravitreal therapy using bevacizumab appears to be a safe and effective treatment in patients with macular oedema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion. However, the main limitations of this treatment modality are its short-term effectiveness and high recurrence rate.