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Combined PDT-intravitreal bevacizumab reduces pigment epithelial detachment
Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2009;247(7):899-906.
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Photodynamic therapy and adjunctive intravitreal bevacizumab minimized pigment epithelial detachment associated with age-related macular degeneration, a study showed.
"Combined PDT and intravitreal bevacizumab may decrease the [pigment epithelial detachment] height and stabilize visual acuity at 1 year," the study authors said.
The prospective study included 22 eyes with severe pigment epithelial detachment (PED) exceeding two disc areas with choroidal vascular abnormalities that received combined PDT and intravitreal injections of Avastin (bevacizumab, Genentech).
Patients were followed about every 6 weeks for more than 1 year. Patients underwent additional treatments for residual or recurrent lesions.
Primary outcome measures were changes in PED height measured by optical coherence tomography and best corrected visual acuity.
PED resolved in 12 eyes and decreased in 10 eyes after one treatment. PED recurred in 14 eyes. Average PED height was 751 µm at baseline and decreased to 413 µm at 1 year; the difference was statistically significant (P < .001).
Results showed improved or stabilized vision in 20 eyes (91%); decreased vision attributed to a retinal pigment epithelial tear and subretinal hemorrhage was seen in two eyes.