Incidence of acute endophthalmitis after intravitreal bevacizumab injection in a single clinical center

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the rate of infectious endophthalmitis in a single clinical center in Iran and to compare the rate of endophthalmitis in patients receiving postinjection antibiotics with those who did not.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients who received intravitreal injections of bevacizumab was undertaken. Cases of clinical diagnoses of endophthalmitis were reviewed. Bevacizumab was obtained at the time of injection from a commercially available vial after aseptic cleansing of the rubber cover.

Results: Five patients (six eyes) developed clinical endophthalmitis after the intravitreal bevacizumab injection. The risk per injection was 0.10% (6/5,901). One culture-positive case was found overall. Postinjection antibiotic drops were prescribed for 68% of eyes. All endophthalmitis cases were among those who received postoperative antibiotic eye drops. The difference in the rates of endophthalmitis between those receiving postinjection antibiotics and those who did not was not statistically significant (P = 0.18).

Conclusion: A low risk of endophthalmitis consistent with the range of previous studies was observed notwithstanding the usage of multiple use of a single vial. Postinjection antibiotic drops may not be necessary.