The Results of Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injections for Persistent Neovascularizations in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy After Photocoagulation Therapy

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intravitreal bevacizumab on persistent retinal neovascularizations in proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Methods: Thirty-three eyes of 24 patients (mean age, 52.75 +/- 8.2 years) with proliferative diabetic retinopathy showing recurrences or no regressions in neovascularizations were evaluated in this study. After the intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg/0.05 mL of bevacizumab, the first examination was performed within 3 days and repeated at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. In these examinations, localization and dimensions of neovascularizations were evaluated with red-free photographs and/or fluorescein angiography.

Results: All patients had type II diabetes for a period of 12 +/- 4.4 years (range, 2-20 years). After a single dose of bevacizumab, complete resolution rate of neovascularizations was 78.8% at 1 month, 63.6% at 3 months, and 45.4% at 6 months. When evaluated together with 9 eyes that had a second injection at 3 months, the complete resolution rate was 60.6% at 6 months. Mean best-corrected visual acuity and macular volume were 1.06 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (20/225 in Snellen) and 11.65 mm3 before treatment. Six months after treatment, these were 0.73 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (20/108 in Snellen) and 8.92 mm3 (P = 0.048 and 0.003, respectively).

Conclusion: Bevacizumab can be used safely and successfully in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy who do not experience any resolution or experience recurrences after panretinal photocoagulation.