LONG-TERM SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB (AVASTIN) FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF CENTRAL RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab injections (Avastin®, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA) for the treatment of macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusions. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of eyes treated from May 2005 to August 2006 with follow-up through February 2007. The dose of bevacizumab was 1.25 mg (0.05 mL). Retreatment was performed at monthly or longer intervals at the discretion of the treating physician. Results: Fifty-seven eyes received intravitreal bevacizumab at baseline. Visual acuity improved by a mean of 14 letters (N = 53; P < 0.001) at 1 month, 13 letters at 3 months (N = 53; P < 0.001), 9 letters at 6 months (N = 30; P = 0.001), 9 letters at 12 months (N = 17; P = 0.004). The mean optical coherence tomography thickness decreased by 299 &mgr;m at 1 month (N = 53; P < 0.001), 144 &mgr;m at 3 months, (N = 53; P < 0.001), 127 &mgr;m at 6 months (N = 30; P = 0.011), and 276 &mgr;m at 12 months (N = 17; P < 0.001). No ocular or systemic adverse events were observed. Conclusion: Improvements in visual acuity and optical coherence tomography were observed during the first year following intravitreal bevacizumab for macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusions. These retrospective results provide additional evidence to support the perceived safety and efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab in this disorder.