Indications of Intravitreal Injection of Bevacizumab in a sample of Iraqi patients

Abstract

Background: Anti-vascular endothelial growth factors commonly used intravitreally for treatment of variable retinal disease worldwide, which help to regulate the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factors due to ischemia or/and other retinal insult.

Objective: To review all cases of intravitreal bevacizumab given in the retinal unit of the Eye Specialty Private Hospital in Iraq from December 2015 to June 2016, pointing out the common indications.

Methods: A retrospective study including all cases of intravitreal injections of bevacizumab recorded at the Eye Specialty Private Hospital from December 2015 to June 2016 were retrieved. Age, sex, laterality, diagnosis and the indication for injection were recorded in the data sheet prepared for the study.. The indications for intravitreal injection of bevacizumab are classified into four groups: Group 1: Intravitreal injection for diabetic complications. Group 2: Intravitreal injection for retinal vein occlusion. Group 3: Intravitreal injection for choroidal neovascul-arization Group 4: Intravitreal injection for other retinal disease.

Results: A total of 306 patients underwent intravitreal injection of bevacizumab were enrolled in the study period. The most common indication was group 1 (intravitreal injection for diabetic complications [213 patients (69.6%)] followed by group 3 (choroidal neovascularization) [45 patients (14.7%)] and then group 2 (intravitreal injection for retinal vein occlusion) [42 patients (13.7%)] and lastly group 4 (intravitreal injection for other retinal disease) represent [6 patients (1.96%)].

 Conclusion The most common indication for intravitreal bevacizumab was diabetic retino-pathy that need more care for early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy and good screening programs to avoid complications.