Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (Avastin) as adjunctive treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
OBJECTIVE
To report the use of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) as an adjunctive treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).


METHODS
Retrospective case review.


METHODS
Institutional review board approval to review patient data was obtained for this retrospective study. Three patients underwent intravitreal injection of bevacizumab as part of their treatment for PDR after informed consent was signed. Each patient also underwent fundus photographs before the bevacizumab injection and then one to three weeks after.


RESULTS
All three patients showed complete regression of their neovascularization elsewhere (NVE) and neovascularization of the disk (NVD) between one and three weeks after injection.


CONCLUSIONS
The speed and degree of neovascular regression after the injection of intravitreal bevacizumab may make this procedure an important adjunctive treatment in the management of selected cases with severe PDR.
Mason
John O
JO
Retina Consultants of Alabama, Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
Nixon
Peter A
PA
White
Milton F
MF
D000328:Adult; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015861:Retinal Neovascularization / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D014822:Vitreous Body
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000068258:Bevacizumab