Intravitreal bevacizumab for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization associated with pathological myopia.
BACKGROUND
The recent discovery of vascular endothelial growth factor and its role in the pathogenesis of ocular neovascularization has led to the development of new pharmacological agents that could block its action. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of intravitreal injections of bevacizumab on choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with pathological myopia.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients who had CNV secondary to pathological myopia and who had been treated with intravitreally administered bevacizumab between November 2005 and April 2007 at Notre-Dame Hospital in Montréal, Québec. Data on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), previous treatments, number of injections, fundus photography, and fluorescein angiography were collected.


RESULTS
Ten eyes from 9 patients were followed for a mean period of 9.7 (range 2.5-14) months. At baseline the mean (SD) logMAR BCVA was 0.62 (0.25) (Snellen equivalent 6/24). The mean number of injections per eye was 2.6 (range 1-5). At the end of the study the mean (SD) logMAR BCVA had significantly improved to 0.26 (0.16) (Snellen equivalent 6/10.5; p < 0.001). Vision improved by a mean of 3.9 (range 0-7) lines on the Snellen visual acuity chart. Leakage from the CNV on fluorescein angiography had resolved in 7 of the 10 eyes and was reduced in the 3 other eyes. No drug-related side effects or complications were observed during the follow-up period.


CONCLUSIONS
Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab appears to be a safe and effective treatment alternative for CNV associated with pathological myopia.
Rhéaume
Marc-André
MA
Department of Opthamology, Notre-Dame Hospital, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montreal, Montréal, Quebec. marcandre80@hotmail.com
Sebag
Mikaël
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D047728:Myopia, Degenerative / Q000150:complications*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014822:Vitreous Body
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000068258:Bevacizumab