Effect of reflux of drug during intravitreal anti-VEGF therapies on foveal thickness

Semin Ophthalmol. 2011 Mar;26(2):61-3. doi: 10.3109/08820538.2011.559518.

Abstract

Purpose: To report any variation in foveal thickness in eyes with and without reflux during anti-VEGF injection.

Method: Review of electronic case notes and scans.

Results: 18 patients receiving bevazicumab were identified as having reflux (n = 3) or no reflux (n = 15). Pre-injection average central foveal thickness (CFT) was 439 microns (µ) and post-injection average CFT was 417µ. The change in mean CFT was -22 µ (range -330 to 336 µ). 70 patients receiving ranibizumab (lucentis) were identified as having reflux (n = 22) or no reflux (n = 48). Average pre-injection CFT was 336 µ and post-injection average CFT was 289 µ. The change in mean CFT was -48 µ (range -163 to 443 µ). The change in CFT between the group with reflux and no reflux in bevazicumab and ranibizumab injections was statistically insignificant.

Conclusion: Reflux following injection of anti-VEGF agents does not appear to cause a sub-therapeutic effect.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Bevacizumab
  • Female
  • Fovea Centralis / drug effects
  • Fovea Centralis / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure / drug effects
  • Intravitreal Injections
  • Male
  • Ranibizumab
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Vitreous Body / drug effects*
  • Wet Macular Degeneration / drug therapy

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • VEGFA protein, human
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Bevacizumab
  • Ranibizumab