title: Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) in treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
abstract: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab in treatment of minimally classic and occult choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular disease 48 eyes of 48 patients (mean age of 74.8) included in this prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. Median follow-up was 18 weeks (6-24). Intravitreal bevacizumab injection of 0.05 mL (1.25 mg) was administered at baseline and in 6 week intervals until leakage resolved, and repeated in case of leakage recurrence. Visual acuity (VA) improved in the majority of patients (mean baseline VA = 1.078 log MAR) by mean increase of 1.32 lines (last follow-up) (p = 0.001). Central foveal thickness and total macular volume decreased by 51 microm (p = 0.01) and 0.84 mm3 (p < 0.0001) respectively. No serious complications were observed. As initial therapy, intravitreal bevacizumab appears to be safe and effective. A significant functional and anatomical improvement was noted in majority of patients and maintained during follow-up.
authors.affiliation: Eye Clinic 'Svjetlost", Zagreb, Croatia. ratimir.lazic@svjetlost.hr
authors.forename: Ratimir
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lazić
authors.forename: Nikica
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gabrić
authors.forename: Iva
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Dekaris
authors.forename: Borna
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sarić
authors.forename: Morena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gavrić
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014822:Vitreous Body
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068258:Bevacizumab