Long-term safety and efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) for the management of central retinal vein occlusion.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab injections (Avastin, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA) for the treatment of macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusions.


METHODS
A retrospective review was performed of eyes treated from May 2005 to August 2006 with follow-up through February 2007. The dose of bevacizumab was 1.25 mg (0.05 mL). Retreatment was performed at monthly or longer intervals at the discretion of the treating physician.


RESULTS
Fifty-seven eyes received intravitreal bevacizumab at baseline. Visual acuity improved by a mean of 14 letters (N = 53; P < 0.001) at 1 month, 13 letters at 3 months (N = 53; P < 0.001), 9 letters at 6 months (N = 30; P = 0.001), 9 letters at 12 months (N = 17; P = 0.004). The mean optical coherence tomography thickness decreased by 299 microm at 1 month (N = 53; P < 0.001), 144 microm at 3 months, (N = 53; P < 0.001), 127 microm at 6 months (N = 30; P = 0.011), and 276 microm at 12 months (N = 17; P < 0.001). No ocular or systemic adverse events were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Improvements in visual acuity and optical coherence tomography were observed during the first year following intravitreal bevacizumab for macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusions. These retrospective results provide additional evidence to support the perceived safety and efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab in this disorder.
Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 900 NW 17th St., Miami, FL 33136, USA.
Ninel Z
NZ
Gregori
Jaime
J
Gaitan
Philip J
PJ
Rosenfeld
Carmen A
CA
Puliafito
William
W
Feuer
Harry W
HW
Flynn
Audina M
AM
Berrocal
Luma
L
Al-Attar
Sander
S
Dubovy
William E
WE
Smiddy
Stephen G
SG
Schwartz
Wen-Hsiang
WH
Lee
Timothy G
TG
Murray
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D008269:Macular Edema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012170:Retinal Vein Occlusion / Q000150:complications*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000187:drug effects; D014822:Vitreous Body
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000068258:Bevacizumab