The Use of Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial
Growth Factor Injection and Its Complications in
Chiang Mai University Hospital
Paradee Kunavisarut MD*,
Nithiracht Saenpen MD*, Nimitr Ittipunkul MD*, Direk Patikulsila MD*,
Janejit Choovuthayakorn MD*, Nawat Watanachai MD*, Kessara Pathanapitoon MD, PhD*
Affiliation :
* Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Objective : To report the use of intravitreal (IVT) injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents (anti-VEGF)
and its complications.
Material and Method: The authors performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients treated with IVT injection of
anti-VEGF between May 2006 and December 2010 at Chiang Mai University Hospital. Demographic data and complications
were registered.
Results : The present study included 1,006 eyes of 878 patients. Mean age was 60 years (range 1 month to 91 years). Mean
follow-up time was 12 months (range 1 month to 54 months). Total injections were 2,077 given as 47, 210, 399, 575, and
846 injection per year between 2006 and 2010, respectively. Anti-VEGF agents were bevacizumab (1,878; 90.42%),
ranibizumab (190; 9.15%), and pegaptanib (9; 0.43%). Indications for injection based on primary diagnosis were neovascular
macular degeneration (38.5%), diabetic retinopathy (38%), and retinal vein occlusion (15.9%). The incidence of
endophthalmitis was 0.048% (1/2,077) for all injections and 0.053% (1/1878) for bevacizumab.
Conclusion : The use of IVT injections of anti-VEGF is increasing, especially the use of bevacizumab. Incidence of ocular
and systemic complications after IVT injection of anti-VEGF was low with no significant difference among the three anti-
VEGFs agents.
Keywords : Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection, Bevacizumab, Ranibizumab, Pegaptanib,
Complication
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