Posters

Avastin use in high risk corneal transplantation

Poster Details

First Author: I.Bahar ISRAEL

Co Author(s):    O. Daphna              

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Corneal neovascularization is a major risk factor for graft failure after corneal transplantation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of subconjunctival, perilimbal bevacizumab (Avastin) on corneal neovascularization in patients with penetrating keratoplasty (PKP).

Setting:

Ophthalmology department, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tiqva, Israel

Methods:

11 eyes of 10 patients with high risk corneal transplantation and corneal neovascularization after PKP (6 men and 4 women with a mean age of 68 years) were included in this non-comparative interventional case series. Indications for PKP were: herpetic keratitis, advanced pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, corneal scar following infectious keratitis and failed corneal grafts. Subconjunctival, perilimbal bevacizumab 2.5 mg/ 0.1 ml/ per affected quadrant was injected at the site of neovascularization in each patient at the end of surgery. One or two injections were applied. Follow-up period was 2 to 18 months (mean 12.1 months).

Results:

Decrease of corneal neovascularization was observed in all patients. All grafts except one remained transparent for the period of observation, and patients maintained good visual acuity. Two cases with initial graft rejection and corneal vascularization, subconjunctival and perilimbal application of bevacizumab in combination with intensive topical steroids treatment was beneficial in overcoming the initial rejection. No adverse reactions have been detected.

Conclusions:

Subconjunctival Bevacizumab injections seem to be safe and effective for the treatment of corneal neovascularization in high-risk corneal transplantation FINANCIAL INTEREST: NONE