[Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) iniections for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD)--preliminary results]

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate effects of intravitreal bevacizumab on visual acuity and angiographic lesions characteristics in patients with neovascular AMD and to report safety of such treatement.

Material and methods: 32 patients with confirmed choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) and AMD were treated. Patients received 2 intravitreal bevacizumabu (1.25 mg) iniections on 1-3 months basis. Control ophthalmic evaluations included visual acuity measurements with EDTRS charts, intraocular pressure measurements, complete ophthalmic examination in slit lamp, fluorescein angiography and blond pressure measurements.

Results: In 18 patients (56%) visual acuity improvement at a mean 3 lines on EDTRS charts was observed, in 9 patients (28%) visual acuity did not change and in 5 (16%) cases decreased visual acuity (about 1,5 lines in EDTRS charts) was noted. Mean follow-up period was 3 months after second injection. In most study eyes fluorescein angiography revealed a marked reduction in leakage from CNV. Apart from one case with endophthalmitis symptoms after second bevacizumab injection, we did not observed systemic or ocular adverse effects of the applied treatment.

Conclusions: Short-term results suggest that intravitreal bevacizumab is relatively safe form of AMD treatement and is associated with improvement in visual acuity and reduction in angiographic leakage in most patients with neovascular AMD. Further evaluation of the long-term effectiveness of this treatment is warranted.