Healio
Healio
August 10, 2015
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Endophthalmitis rate low after anti-VEGF injections

The rate of endophthalmitis after intravitreal anti-VEGF injections is low, although the risk is not entirely eliminated, according to a study.

The noncomparative consecutive case series assessed the incidence and outcomes of endophthalmitis after intravitreal anti-VEGF injections by reviewing patient records at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute from 2005 to 2014. MarketScan data were used to establish the population-based rate of endophthalmitis for 2011 to 2013.

Approximately one patient per 6,064 injections (0.016%) at Bascom Palmer and one patient per 1,895 injections (0.053%) from the MarketScan database were clinically diagnosed with endophthalmitis. Of the 20 eyes diagnosed at Bascom Palmer, eight occurred after Avastin (bevacizumab, Genentech) injections, six occurred after Lucentis (ranibizumab, Genentech) injections and six occurred after Eylea (aflibercept, Regeneron) injections.

Nine of the 20 cases were culture-positive — five Streptococcus species, three coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species and one non-anthracis Bacillus species — with final visual acuity ranging from 20/40 to no light perception. Final visual acuity for all 20 eyes ranged from 20/25 to no light perception.

“Patients should be counseled about the possibility of post-injection inflammation, which may result in visual loss,” the study authors said. “Moreover, the importance of immediate medical attention should be stressed if visual loss or redness and pain occur.” – by Kristie L. Kahl

Disclosure: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.

Sources/Disclosures

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Source:

Gregori NZ, et al. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2015;doi:10.3928/23258160-20150610-08.