Treat-and-extend intravitreal bevacizumab for branch retinal vein occlusion

Abstract

Background and objective: To determine the effectiveness and direct medical costs of treat-and-extend (TAE) intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) for the treatment of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)-associated macular edema (ME).

Patients and methods: Retrospective chart review of 52 consecutive patients diagnosed with BRVO-associated ME treated with IVB using a TAE protocol.

Results: Mean change in logMAR vision was -0.30 (P < .001), and mean change in central macular thickness was -244.0 μm (P < .001). The mean number of injections was 8.2 (95% CI; 7.8 to 8.6). The yearly average direct cost of the TAE regimen was calculated to be $2,580.26 per patient.

Conclusion: Treatment of BRVO-associated ME with IVB using a TAE regimen resulted in similar visual outcomes and number of intravitreal injections as did as-needed treatment with 0.5 mg ranibizumab conducted in phase 3 trials but with fewer visits and lower annual medical costs.