Intravitreal Bevacizumab (Avastin) in the Treatment of Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

Abstract

The observed anatomic (by ophthalmic examination, OCT, and/or fluorescence angiography) and visual acuity improvements and lack of serious adverse side effects after intravitreal bevacizumab injection demonstrates, in principle, the potential of bevacizumab for the treatment of ME in this setting.

Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide vs bevacizumab for treatment of macular oedema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion

“…Relapse of macular oedema at an average of 12 weeks after intravitreal bevacizumab has been demonstrated by Jaissle et al 35 Other reports also disclosed similar periods ranging from 2 to 3 months from the last intravitreal bevacizumab to recurrence of macular oedema. 18,19,30 This is similar to our finding that the mean time for recurrence of macular oedema was 201.33 ± 37.07 days in the ITA group and 148.17 ± 30.94 days in the IBe group, respectively. According to the above results, intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide seems to persist longer than intravitreal bevacizumab, which may allow a more prolonged inhibition of VEGF and reduce the numbers of re-injections.…”

“…Recently, various medical and surgical strategies have been tried by many physicians to treat macular oedema secondary to BRVO. Several studies have demonstrated the usefulness of intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide [16][17][18] and of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents, such as bevacizumab 19,20 and ranibizumab, 21 in dealing with macular oedema due to BRVO. These treatment modalities have been reported to be associated with short-term promising anatomical and functional improvement in some patients with macular oedema due to BRVO.…”

Combination therapy of intravitreal bevacizumab with single simultaneous posterior subtenon triamcinolone acetonide for macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion

“…In several clinical studies bevacizumab, one of anti-VEGF agent, was reported to significantly reduce ME and improve visual function in BRVO. [10][11][12] However, its half-life in vitreous is as short as 4.32 days and its effective concentration is maintained for 30 days, thus multiple injection is usually required for maintaining its effect. 13 Multiple injections of bevacizumab increase the risk of injection-related complications such as vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and endophthalmitis, and it can be an economic burden to patients.…”

Intravitreal bevacizumab for macular oedema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion

“…Other reports also disclosed similar periods ranging from 2 to 3 months from the last IVB to recurrence of ME. 11,12,13 In conclusion, this short-term study shows that IVB was useful in decreasing ME and improving visual acuity in patients with BRVO with no side effects. Most eyes will require multiple injections for persistent or recurrent ME.…”