Effect of preoperative intravitreal bevacizumab injection on visual outcome in vitrectomy for diabetic vitreous haemorrhage.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect and safety of bevacizumab pretreatment on visual acuity after pars plan vitrectomy for diabetic vitreous Haemorrhage. Study design: Prospective, cohort study. Setting: Ophthalmology unit III, Mayo Hospital, King Edward Medical University Lahore Pakistan. Duration: The study was carried out in one year, from 01, January 2013 to 31, December 2013. Materials and methods: A total of sixty patients diagnosed with dense non clearing diabetic vitreous haemorrhage fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified and registered. In group A, thirty (30) eyes were treated preoperatively with Bevacizumab and in group B thirty (30) eyes were not treated with Bevacizumab before vitrectomy for diabetic vitreous haemorrhage. All patients were followed for post operative outcome measures including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), post operative vitreous haemorrhage, and other complications for three to six months. Results: At six (06) months follow up best corrected visual acuity improved significantly in 70 % patients, more than 6/60 in group A versus 46.66 % in group B. Post operative recurrent vitreous haemorrhage occurred significantly less frequently in group A (12 %) than in group B (50 %).The incidence of other post operative complications did not differ significantly between two groups. No significant systemic or ocular side effect encountered. Conclusion: retreatment with intravitreal Bevacizumab improved visual outcome in patients undergoing vitrectomy for diabetic vitreous haemorrhage and reduced incidence of recurrent vitreous haemorrhage. Key words: Bevacizumab, vitrectomy, diabetic vitreous haemorrhage.