COMBINATION OF INTRAVITREAL INJECTION OF DEXAMETHAZONE AND AVASTIN FOR AGE-RELATED MACILA DEGENERATION

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 Athens naval hospital

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PURPOSE

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The investigation of whether the combined intravitreal use of dexamethasone and bevacizumab (Avastin) may prolong the beneficial effect and reduce the need for monthly injections, for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

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METHODS

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Study of 18 eyes from 18 patients with liquid macular degeneration and a follow-up time of 9 months. A complete ophthalmological examination including best-corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp biomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography was performed. Patients received a combination intravitreal infusion of 5 units of insulin dexamethasone (0.2 mg) and 5 units of insulin Avastin 0.05 ml = 1.25 mg (total 0.1 ml). Patients underwent a mean of 2.4 intravitreal infusions.

 

RESULTS

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All patients completed at least 9 months of follow-up and were included in the study. Significant improvement in OCT examination was achieved from the first postoperative week. Visual acuity stabilized or improved in all cases. The mean initial visual acuity was 0.15 and the mean final 0.35. The average thickness of the macula initially 430μm and finally 290μm. Of the 18 eyes, the second injection was given in 9 the following month, in 5 two months later, in 3 four months later and in 1 a second injection was not needed again. No increase in pressure was observed in any case.

 

CONCLUSION

 

The combination of dexamethasone and avastin seems to be promising in stabilizing the results, reducing the number and increasing the intervals of injections. However, to derive definitive results, prospective studies with groups of controls, a larger number of patients and a longer follow-up time are required.