Comparison between combination of intravitreal bevacizumab and triamcinolone injections with intravitreal bevacizumab injections alone in patients with macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion.

Agarwal Abhishek; Kataria Manisha

Volume : VI, Issue : VII, July - 2017

Comparison between combination of intravitreal bevacizumab and triamcinolone injections with intravitreal bevacizumab injections alone in patients with macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion.

Agarwal Abhishek, Kataria Manisha

Abstract :

Background: Macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) may cause permanent visual impairment and requires early treatment. Objectives: To compare combination of intravitreal bevacizumab and triamcinolone injections with intravitreal bevacizumab injections alone on best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) in patients with ME secondary to CRVO with logMAR BCVA ≤ 1. Materials and Methods: 88 patients with ME secondary to CRVO and logMAR BCVA ≤ 1 were enrolled and randomised into two groups. 44 patients in both group A received 3 monthly intravitreal injections of bevacizumab, and 44 patients in group B received 3 monthly intravitreal injections of bevacizumab combined with triamcinolone acetonide. Decrease in CMT and gain in number of letters on ETDRS chart after 1 month, 3 months and 6 months were compared in both groups. Statistical analysis used: Unpaired t test. Results: Decrease in CMT and mean gain in number of letters on ETDRS chart after 1 month, 3 months and 6 months were significantly greater in group B than group A (p value <0.05). Intraocular pressure was transiently increased in 9.1% of patients in group A and 22.7% of patients in group B. No other severe ocular or systemic adverse events were noted. Conclusion: Combined intravitreal injections of bevacizumab with triamcinolone are safe and more effective than bevacizumab alone in patients with ME secondary to CRVO.