Comparison of Effectiveness & Complications of Bevacizumab & Triamcenolone Acetonide, in the Treatment of Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

Abstract

Objective:To evaluate the magnitude of improvement in vision after Intra-Vitreal Bevacizumab (IVB) and intra-vitreal Triamcenolone acetonide (IVTA) injection in Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO).

Study design: Comparative case series study

Place and Duration: Department of Ophthalmology, Al-Ibrahim Hospital and Al-Tibri Medical College Hospital from April 2013 to October 2013.

Subjects and Methods:    32 patients (32 eyes) of BRVO were included in the study using Non- probability purposive sampling according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Informed written consent was taken. Baseline vision (BCVA) was noted using Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) acuity chart. Central macular thickness (CMT) was computed using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Patients were randomly allocated into 2; Group A (Bevacizumab, n=18) and Group B (Triamcenolone acetonide, n=14). Visual findings and central macular thickness of last follow-up (8weeks) was analyzed. The data was analyzed on SPSS 21.0 version using student t-test and Chi square test. A p-value of = 0.05 was taken statistically significant.

Results: Of 32 eyes, 18 eyes (56.3 %) were given intra-vitreal injection of Bevacizumab while 14 (43.8%) received intra-vitreal triamcenolone. No differences were observed in BCVA for distance (p=0.76) and near (p=0.95) between the groups at second follow up (after 4 weeks). Mean central macular thickness was less in group B compared to Group A but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.23). Subconjuctival hemorrhage, raised IOP and cataract were the complications observed.

Conclusion: Triamcenolone is as effective as Bevacizumab in visual improvement due to macular edema secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion. Also, it causes almost similar reduction in Central macular thickness compared to Bevacizumab.