Switching from Intravitreal Ranibizumab to Bevacizumab for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. (21st December 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yamada, Kisaburo; Kimoto, Kenichi; Kono, Hirofumi; Kubota, Toshiaki
• Other Names: Bui B. Academic Editor.; Inan U. U. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: ISRN ophthalmology. Volume 2011(2011)
• Publication Date: 2011-12-21
• Subjects: Eye -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; Eye Diseases; Ophthalmology; Eye -- Diseases; Ophthalmology; Electronic journals; Periodical; Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.5402/2011/916789
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-5688

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose . To report our experiences in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treated initially with intravitreal ranibizumab and then switched to bevacizumab. Methods . We retrospectively reviewed the records of 7 patients (7 eyes) who were treated with monthly injections of intravitreal ranibizumab and then switched to injections of bevacizumab (every 6 weeks) for six months. The best-corrected visual acuity measurements (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed at the baseline examination and then at each visit. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for the statistical analysis. Results . Following three monthly ranibizumab treatments, there was no significant difference in the BCVA, while the foveal retinal thickness (FRT) significantly decreased (P < 0.01 ). Switching from ranibizumab to bevacizumab resulted in maintenance (57.2%) of the BCVA and a further decrease in the FRT (P < 0.01 ) after 6 months. Conclusions . Switching to intravitreal bevacizumab may be effective in patients who wish to discontinue intravitreal ranibizumab treatment due to the high cost.