Intravitreal Bevacizumab Treatment for Macular Edema due to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion in a Clinical Setting

Purpose: To report the functional and anatomical outcome of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) treatment for macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in a clinical setting. Methods: The files of 45 patients treated with IVB for BRVO-induced macular edema at a tertiary medical center in 2007-2010 were reviewed. All received three loading doses (1.25 mg) and were followed every 6 weeks. Treatment was repeated for persistent or recurrent edema. If the edema did not resolve after 4-6 injections, grid laser photocoagulation was performed. Results: Mean patient age was 70.7 years (SD 8.5); mean follow-up time, 18.8 months (SD 8.3); mean number of injections, 8.8 (SD 3.8). Fourteen patients (33%) received grid laser treatment before bevacizumab and 23 (51%) after. Mean logMAR visual acuity (VA) was 0.63 (SD 0.43) before treatment (Snellen, 20/140) and 0.4 (SD 0.43) (Snellen, 20/70) after (p < 0.0005). Corresponding central macular thickness (CMT) values were 382.2 microns (SD 155.6) and 320.5 microns (SD 172.8) (p= 0.028). Positive correlations were found between initial VA and initial and final CMT (p = 0.004) and between gain in VA and reduction in CMT (p = 0.03). There was no statistically significant difference in mean initial or final VA and CMT between patients who received grid laser treatment before or during the study and those who did not. Conclusions: IVB treatment improves visual function and reduces CMT in patients with BRVO-induced macular edema.     

Twenty-Four-Month Results of Intravitreal Bevacizumab in Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) in macular edema (ME) due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in a real clinical practice setting at a tertiary referral center. Methods: A retrospective analysis of a final total number of 35 eyes of 35 patients with a 24-month follow-up was performed. Results: At 24 months, mean best-corrected visual acuity improved by 0.09 LogMAR units from baseline (95% CI: ?0.03–0.24, p?=?0.0674). The mean CFT decreased by 75 microns (95% CI: 27–123, p?=?0.0026). The median number of injections was 6 (IQR: 3–9). Macular edema showed complete resolution in 12 eyes (34.3%), responded partially in six eyes (17%), recurred in eight eyes (23%), and remained persistent in nine eyes (25.7%, three eyes at six months, one eye at 12 months, three eyes at 18 months and two eyes at 24 months). Conclusion: Our study shows that treatment with IVB in patients with ME due to BRVO during a period of 24 months provided complete resolution of the ME in more than one-third of patients. In one-third of the cases, ME resolved partially or recurred and in less than one-third of patients ME remained persistent. Visual acuity increased significantly in 23% of patients and remained stable in the majority of patients. However, a median number of six injections was necessary to maintain a lasting beneficial effect. Further long-term prospective studies are required comparing intravitreal bevacizumab with other treatment modalities.     

Intravitreous Bevacizumab Treatment for Macular Edema due to Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

Purpose: To investigate the visual and anatomical effects of intravitreal bevacizumab treatment of macular edema due to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Methods: Data were collected by medical chart review for 35 consecutive patients (35 eyes) with CRVO-induced macular edema treated with intravitreal bevacizumab in 2007-2010 and followed for at least 6 months. All patients received 3-4 loading doses (1.25 mg) with follow-up every 6-8 weeks and repeated injections as necessary. Results: Mean patient age was 65.5 years (SD 13.5); mean follow-up time, 17.7 months (SD 10.8); mean number of injections, 9.3 (SD 5). Mean logMAR visual acuity (VA) improved from 0.9 (SD 0.49) at baseline to 0.7 (SD 0.5) at the last visit; corresponding Snellen values were 6/98 and 6/15 (p = 0.009). Four patients (11%) lost ≥3 lines, and 13 patients (37%) gained ≥3 lines. There was a positive correlation between initial and final VA (p < 0.0005). Central macular thickness (CMT) measured 489.5 microns (SD 175) at baseline and 395 microns (SD 223) at the last visit (p = 0.24). VA gain was positively correlated with CMT reduction (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Intravitreal bevacizumab treatment of CRVO-induced macular edema improves vision, especially in patients with good initial VA.     

Comparison Between Intravitreal Bevacizumab and Triamcinolone for Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

Purpose

To compare the effects of intravitreal bevacizumab to those of triamcinolone acetonide injection for the treatment of macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion.

Methods

This retrospective study included 50 eyes of 50 patients who received a single injection of intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 mL, 22 eyes) or triamcinolone acetonide (4 mg/0.1 mL, 28 eyes) as the only treatment for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion; all patients had a post-injection follow-up duration of >24 weeks. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and central macular thickness (CMT) by optical coherence tomography were measured for up to 24 weeks after injection.

Results

BCVA was improved at 1, 4, 8,12 weeks post-injection in the bevacizumab group, and at 1, 4, 8 weeks post-injection in the triamcinolone group. No significant difference was found between the two groups except at 12 weeks. CMT decreased significantly within each group, and no significant difference between groups was found. In the bevacizumab group, no elevated IOP was observed, whereas IOP was significantly increased at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after triamcinolone injection; IOP was therefore significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

Intravitreal bevacizumab is a comparatively simple treatment method that can effectively improve BCVA and reduce CMT without ocular and systemic complications. Consequently, intravitreal bevacizumab injections may be useful as both an alternative and primary treatment for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion.     

曲安奈德玻璃体腔注射治疗视网膜黄斑分支静脉阻塞继发黄斑水肿

目的 评价玻璃体腔注射曲安奈德(intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide,IVTA)治疗黄斑分支静脉阻塞(macular branch retinal vein occlusion,MBRVO)继发黄斑水肿的疗效及安全性.方法 经荧光素眼底血管造影(fluorescein fundus angiography,FFA) 、光学相干断层扫描(optical coherence tomography,OCT)等检查确诊为MBRVO继发黄斑水肿并进行IVTA治疗的患者共51例(51眼),观察术前及术后最佳矫正视力、FFA渗漏改变、OCT显示的黄斑水肿变化及并发症.结果 术后所有患者视力得到稳定或提高,相应的平均黄斑中心视网膜厚度降低,差异均有显著统计学意义(P＜0.01).治疗后6个月有44眼(86.3﹪)荧光渗漏消失或减轻,7眼(13.3﹪)不变或有所加重.8眼(16.4﹪)术后一过性眼压升高;3眼(5.9﹪)在术后6个月白内障明显进展;无感染性眼内炎及其他并发症发生.结论 IVTA是治疗MBRVO继发黄斑水肿的一种安全且有效的方法.     

Short-Duration Focal Pattern Grid Photocoagulation for Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

Purpose: To evaluate the safety, functional, and anatomical outcomes of short-duration pattern scanning laser (PASCAL) macular photocoagulation in the treatment of macular edema related to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Methods: Consecutive retrospective analysis of visual acuity (VA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and adverse events from eyes treated with PASCAL macular photocoagulation for BRVO-related macular edema. Two-tailed paired t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-treatment VA and central retinal thickness (CRT).

Results: A total of 35 eyes from 35 patients and 18 eyes from 18 patients met study criteria for VA and OCT analysis, respectively. All treatments were delivered with the same PASCAL photocoagulation unit. Mean laser settings were 133-µm spot size, 15-millisecond pulse duration, 250-mW power, and fluence of 29 J/cm² with an average of 1.4 treatments and 335 shots per patient. Adjunct treatment with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections and pan-retinal photocoagulation was administered in 27 and 16 eyes, respectively. At an average follow-up of 12 months (range 3–43 months) post-treatment, no laser-related ocular complications were observed. Visual acuity was not significantly changed (p?=?0.07), although the number of patients with vision better than 20/40 doubled following treatment. CRT was reduced by an average of 110 µm (p?=?0.0009).

Conclusion: Short-duration PASCAL macular photocoagulation appears to be a safe treatment option that results in significant anatomical improvement in macular edema related to BRVO.     

Intravitreal Aflibercept for Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion in Chinese Patients

Purpose: To investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of intravitreal aflibercept in a case series of patients from Taiwan, China, with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO).Methods: A total of 32 patients with macular edema associated with BRVO,.without prior macular laser or other intervention, were enrolled consecutively from September 2013 to February 2015..The cases received single 2 mg injections of intravitreal aflibercept..Primary outcome measures included changes in central foveal thickness.(CFT;.1 mm increments by spectral-domain optic coherence tomography).and best corrected visual acuity.(BCVA),.determined at 1,.2,.and 3months after the injection. Complications after injections were recorded. The changes in CFT and BCVA were compared with Wilcoxon sign-rank tests.Results:.The CFT was significantly reduced and the BCVA was significantly improved at 1, 2, and 3 months after injection(all P < 0.05). Tomography findings revealed no recurrence within 3 months. No systemic thromboembolic events,elevated intraocular pressure, retinal detachment, or infectious endophthalmitis occurred following injection.Conclusion:.Single intravitreal aflibercept may be useful in treating macular edema associated with BRVO within 3months. No adverse systemic or ocular effects were found in this case series.     

单次玻璃体腔注射雷珠单抗联合激光治疗视网膜分支静脉阻塞继发黄斑水肿

目的：观察单次玻璃体腔注射雷珠单抗联合激光光凝治疗视网膜分支静脉阻塞继发黄斑水肿的临床疗效。方法：回顾性系列病例研究。选择2014 年6月至2016 年12 月在台州市眼科医院经荧光素眼底血管造影确诊的视网膜分支静脉阻塞继发黄斑水肿的患者52例（52眼）,根据是否联合雷珠单抗治疗分为单纯激光组和联合治疗组,联合治疗组又根据接受雷珠单抗及激光治疗的先后顺序分为先激光组和后激光组。分别测量并记录患者治疗前,治疗后1、6 个月最佳矫正视力（BCVA）及黄斑中心凹厚度（CMT）。采用重复测量方差分析、单因素方差分析和配对t检验对数据进行统计学分析。结果：治疗前,治疗后1、6个月3组间BCVA总体差异有统计学意义（F=18.28,P=0.011）。治疗后1、6个月同一时间点3 组间BCVA比较,单纯激光组分别低于先激光组和后激光组（P < 0.01）。3 组治疗后6 个月BCVA较治疗前均有所提高,差异均有统计学意义（t=8.49、14.57、20.12,P < 0.01）。治疗前,治疗后1、6 个月3 组间CMT值总体差异有统计学意义（F=5.72,P=0.025）。治疗后1、6 个月同一时间点3 组间CMT值比较,单纯激光组分别大于先激光组和后激光组（P < 0.01）。3 组治疗后1、6 个月较治疗前CMT值均有所下降,差异均有统计学意义（P < 0.01）。结论：单次玻璃体腔注射雷珠单抗联合视网膜激光光凝治疗可有效减轻视网膜分支静脉阻塞继发黄斑水肿,提高患者的视力,其作用较单纯激光光凝治疗更加明显。     

Massive Macular Hard Exudates Associated with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

Purpose

To report four cases of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) with the complication of serous retinal detachment (SRD).

Methods

We retrospectively studied four eyes of four patients with macular edema and macular hard exudates associated with midperipheral BRVO. Visual acuity, ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography findings were evaluated. Three of the four eyes underwent laser photocoagulation in the BRVO area 1 month after the initial visit.

Results

Macular edema consisted of SRD without cystoid macular edema in all eyes. Late-phase fluorescein angiography showed extensive dye leakage in the BRVO area. When SRD was resolved 4 months after the initial examination, hard exudates had increased in the macular area. Although macular hard exudates decreased 1 year after the initial examination, visual acuity remained under 20/20 because of macular atrophy.

Conclusions

SRD is one type of macular edema observed in BRVO. In macula-spared midperipheral BRVO, the SRD originates from a vascular leaking area, and there is a high risk that massive macular hard exudates will develop, which may affect visual recovery. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2005;49:527–529© Japanese Ophthalmological Society 2005     

Macular Branch Vein Occlusion

Occlusion of a small macular tributary branch vein, not involving a major arcade, can be extremely subtle and the correct diagnosis is frequently missed. Capable of adversely affecting central visual acuity, macular vein occlusion has a variable clinical presentation and course which may elude more conventional examination techniques and require fluorescein angiography to confirm or establish its presence. Recognizing the need for increased awareness of this disorder, emphasis is placed on orientation through case presentations depicting the clinical and angiographic features of this subgroup of branch retinal vein occlusions. A retrospective evaluation of the cl inical data and angiographic features of 75 individuals with macular branch vein occlusion permitted evaluation of 64 patients with follow-up ranging from two months to ten years. Various forms of medical therapy were used in the management of many of these individuals, but argon laser photocoagulation was only used in 22 patients. The limitations inherent in interpreting data from uncontrolled studies are acknowledged. Our observations support the need for recognition and intensive evaluation of this special group of vein occlusions.     

Rapid Resolution of Macular Edema Associated with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Using Ranibizumab after Failure with Multiple Bevacizumab Injections

Purpose: To report improvement in cystoid macular edema from central retinal vein occlusion with one injection of ranibizumab after failure with seven injections of bevacizumab.

Methods: Case report.

Results: A 74-year-old female developed persistent blurred vision for three months. Ocular examination revealed macular edema secondary to nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion. The patient was treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25?mg in 0.05?mL). She received seven injections (every 5–6 weeks). Vision fluctuated between 20/30 and 20/60 with minimal variation in central foveal thickness (449-574 μm). However, weeks after one injection of ranibizumab the patient’s vision improved to 20/20 with near resolution of macular edema (CFT?=?343 μm).

Conclusions: Patients with no response to bevacizumab injections can show a rapid and large improvement with ranibizumab. This underscores the important differences between these two medications. Further study is required to determine if these initial effects of ranibizumab can be maintained.     

Management of Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion in an Eye with Prior Vitrectomy and Lensectomy

An 82-year-old male with a history of pars plana vitrectomy and lensectomy 6 years before presented with symptomatic macular edema (ME) from superotemporal branch retinal vein occlusion. He was sequentially treated with intravitreal agents, bevacizumab (IVB) 1.25 mg, ranibizumab (RBZ) 0.5, 1.0 and 2 mg, triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) 1 mg, and aflibercept (IAI) 2 mg. The therapeutic benefit from IVB and RBZ was short-lived – although a decrease in ME and improvement in visual acuity were observed, a completely dry macula was not achieved even after 1 week of treatment with any dose of these agents, including 2.0 mg RBZ. IVTA achieved a dry macula for 7 weeks. IAI yielded a dry macula and improved vision with monthly injections. However, regression of the therapeutic benefit was noted at 5 weeks after the IAI injection. A stronger affinity of IAI to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) compared to other anti-VEGF agents is likely responsible for the observed therapeutic effect for 1 month, making this agent preferable for the management of symptomatic ME in a vitrectomized eye.Key words: Branch retinal vein occlusion, Macular edema, Intravitreal injections, Ranibizumab, Bevacizumab, Aflibercept     

玻璃体内注射曲安奈德治疗视网膜中央静脉阻塞引起的黄斑水肿

目的：探讨玻璃体内注射丙酮化曲安奈德用于治疗视网膜中央静脉阻塞（CRVO）引起黄斑水肿的安全性和有效性。方法：在Wisconsin大学和Bascom Palmer眼科研究所．对13例（13只眼）连续的CRVO引起黄斑水肿的患者应用玻璃体内注射丙酮化曲安奈德（4mg）治疗．回顾研究其病历记录。每次玻璃体内注射时应用27G或30G针头通过睫状体平坦部注射。主要结果测量：Snellen视力的变化、黄斑水肿的临床表现、应用光学相干断层扫描仪（OCT）测量中心凹的增厚以及并发症的出现频率。结果：13例患者的平均年龄为67岁（四分位数间距为57—77岁）．注射前症状的平均持续时间为8个月（四分位数间距为4—9个月）。患眼在初诊时的平均视力为20／500．在6个月随诊检查时的平均视力为20／1踟。所有13例患者都完成了6个月的随诊检查。非缺血型CRVO患眼（n=5）的视力有显著的提高．而缺血型CRVO患眼（n=8）没有显著的视力提高。患者没有出现视力下降。初诊时OCT测量的平均中心凹厚度为590μm（视网膜增厚=416μm）。12例患者在1个月随诊检查时OCT测量的平均中心凹厚度为212pm（视网膜增厚=38μm）。13例患者在3个月随诊检查时OCT测量的平均中心凹厚度为193μm（视网膜增厚=19μm）。在3和6个月随诊检查之间．4例患者的黄斑水肿复发．其中3例患者再次接受了曲安奈德的注射。这3例患者中的2例经过再次治疗视力提高。在6个月随诊检查时．13例患者OCT测量的平均中心凹厚度为281μm（视网膜增厚=107μm）。没有发生视网膜脱离或眼内炎等并发症。1例患者出现了眼压的升高．应用2种房水生成抑制剂治疗得以控制。结论：在部分CRVO引起黄斑水肿的患者中．玻璃体内注射曲安奈德可能是一种有效的治疗方法。与缺血型CRVO患者相比．非缺血型CRVO患者可以获得更令人满意的效果。部分患者可能需要重复治疗。在本组患者中未发现严重的并发症。     

Comparison of Injection of Intravitreal Drugs with Standard Care in Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

Purpose

To compare the long-term efficacy and safety of intravitreal triamcinolon with or without rescue laser therapy (intravitreal triamcinolone injection [IVTA] group), bevacizumab with or without rescue laser treatment (intravitreal bevacizumab injection [IVB] group), or a combination of both with or without rescue laser therapy (IVTA + IVB group), with standard care for patients with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 151 patients treated with intravitreal injection with or without rescue laser for treatment of macular edema caused by BRVO, and who were followed up at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. During the observation period, rescue grid laser or repeated intravitreal injection with initial drug was performed if recurrence of macular edema was confirmed. Visual acuity, change in visual acuity, and intraocular pressure were compared in each phase.

Results

Totals of 16%, 5.6%, and 0% of participants in the three groups showed significant visual loss of more than three lines of the Snellen chart at last follow-up. The IVTA group was the least effective treatment modality, with statistical significance. The development rates of elevated intraocular pressure were similar among the groups.

Conclusions

Although IVTA yielded effects similar to those of standard grid photocoagulation based on the Standard Care vs Corticosteroid for Retinal Vein Occlusion study, IVB or IVTA + IVB with or without rescue laser treatment resulted in improvement in visual acuity at 24 months after the start of treatment and was associated with few serious adverse side effects. Thus, these approaches could be useful for treating macular edema arising secondary to BRVO.     

The Treatment of Branch Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

S ummary
T he treatments of branch retinal vein occlusion are reviewed and discussed.
In the early stages, the loss of visual acuity is the result of the retinal arterial spasm induced by the thrombotic process. In the later stages the loss of vision is the result of the retinal osdema, the impaired blood supply, the increase in cell population and the leakage from deep capillaries.