First Author: V.Mema ALBANIA
Co Author(s): N. Burda N. Taneja
Purpose:
To report the efficacy and safety of combination therapy comprising of intravitreal bevacizumab and triamcinolone acetonide after focal/grid laser for treatment of recurrent diabetic macular edema.
Setting:
: UHC” Mother Teresa ”, Eye Department, Policlynic of Speciatites Nr.2 Eye Service, Tertiary Eye Clinic.
Methods:
In this prospective interventional case series 39 eyes of 29 patients with diagnosed Diabetes Mellitus with recurrent refractory diabetic macular edema were included. All eyes had received prior macular laser photocoagulation but had persistent macular edema with no improvement in visual acuity. The eyes were treated with intravitreal injections of bevacizumab and triamcinolone acetonide(4mg/0.1ml) simultaneously. Primary outcome measure was improvement in Log Mar visual acuity. Secondary outcome measure was reduction in foveal thickness and any complications related to intravitreal injection. All the patients were followed up with serial visual acuity measurement and OCT every 6 weeks. IOP elevated in 9 patiens ,in a values of 24 / 26 mmHg.
Results:
Patients were followed for a mean of 6 months. At the end of 6 months, the mean visual acuity improved from 20/ 200 at baseline to 20/93 .The mean foveal thickness at baseline was 485 ± 181?m, which decreased to 274 ± 104.8?m (P<0.001) at end of 6 months. Mean number of injections was 1.9.
Conclusions:
Combination therapy consisting of intravitreal bevacizumab and triamcinolone acetonide decreases the macular thickness and improves visual acuity in recalcitrant diabetic macular edema patients. Slightly elevation of IOP was observed ,further studies need to be undertaken
Financial Disclosure:
None
