Assessment of ocular and systemic complcations after intravitreal bevacizumab injection for macular edema in branch retinal vein occlusion

• Main Authors: Yasir Iqbal, Sohail Zia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Gomal Medical College, D.I.Khan, Pakistan 2012-07-01
• Series: Gomal Journal of Medical Sciences
• Online Access: http://gjms.com.pk/ojs24/index.php/gjms/article/view/539

Background: Intravitreal bevacizumab is being used for macular edema caused by retinal vascular diseases. There is no long-term information on safety and adverse effects of the drug used for intraocular purposes in Pakistan. The purpose of this study was to assess the ocular and systemic complications after intravitreal bevacizumab injection in macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion. Methods: It was a descriptive study conducted from June 2008 to July 2010 at REDO Eye Hospital Rawalpindi. Twenty patients with acute branch vein occlusion were included in the study. All the complications were noted and properly documented. Results: A total of 20 eyes of 20 patients; 11(55%) males and 9(45%) females were included in the study. No systemic complications like thrombo-embolic or serious drug-related adverse events were encountered during the follow-up period. Sub-conjunctival hemorrhage was encountered in 4(20%); 3(15%) patients had ocular hypertension (IOP>30mmHg), and 2(10%) patients developed endophthalmitis. Conclusion: We did not encounter any systemic complication but a serious complication of sterile endophthalmitis occurred in 10% patients.