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Abstract #46503 Published in IGR 13-3
Sustained elevation of intraocular pressure after intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents
Good TJ; Kimura AE; Mandava N; Kahook MYBritish Journal of Ophthalmology 2011; 95: 1111-1114
Aims: To report the rate of intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation associated with repeated intravitreal injections of antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents and to determine if a pre-existing diagnosis of glaucoma is a risk factor for this phenomenon. Methods: The charts of 215 eyes undergoing intravitreal injection with anti-VEGF agents for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were retrospectively examined with respect to frequency of injections, number of injections and changes in IOP. Data were analysed independently for two groups (1) pre-existing glaucoma and (2) no history of glaucoma. Results: Of the 215 eyes receiving injections with bevacizumab and/or ranibizumab, 6% (n=13) had sustained IOP elevation requiring medical or laser interventions. Of the eyes receiving only bevacizumab, 9.9% (10/101) had sustained elevated IOP, while 3.1% (3/96) of eyes receiving only ranibizumab experienced increases (p=0.049). Patients with pre-existing glaucoma experienced higher rates of elevated IOP when compared with patients without pre-existing glaucoma (33% vs 3.1% respectively; p<0.001). The glaucoma subgroup had a lower median number of injections (6; interquartile range 5-10) compared with the non-glaucoma group (9.5; interquartile range 6-13.7; p=0.031). Conclusions: The incidence of sustained elevated IOP in patients receiving intravitreal anti-VEGF injections is significant. Additionally, these data suggest the possibility of a heightened risk for further elevation of IOP in patients with pre-existing glaucoma who receive either bevacizumab or ranibizumab. Prospective studies are needed to verify these results and better understand the implications of these findings.
M.Y. Kahook. University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute, 1675 Aurora Court, Aurora, CO 80045, United States.
Classification:
11.15 Other drugs in relation to glaucoma (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)
6.1.3 Factors affecting IOP (Part of: 6 Clinical examination methods > 6.1 Intraocular pressure measurement; factors affecting IOP)