Intravitreal bevacizumab for proliferative diabetic retinopathy with new dense vitreous hemorrhage after full panretinal photocoagulation

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injections for the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) with new dense vitreous hemorrhage (VH) after previous full panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). Methods Prospective study of consecutive PDR with prior complete PRP patients, who presented with new dense VH, were treated with IVB injection. Complete ophthalmic examination and/or ocular ultrasonography were performed at baseline and 1, 6, and 12 weeks and 6, 9, and 12 months after the first injection. Reinjection was done in non-clearing and recurrent VH. Results Eighteen eyes of 18 patients, mean age 47.7+/-12.69 years were included. In all, 14 (77.78%) patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus. Systemic hypertension and dyslipidemia were the most common systemic diseases. All cases were phakic eye with previous complete PRP. Patients received 1.6+/-0.42 intravitreal injections over a 12-month period. VH cleared completely in 7 (38.89%), 9 (50%), and 13 (72.22%) eyes after 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months, respectively. Re-bleeding, however, occurred in 10 (56%) eyes during the follow-up period, and 5 (28%) eyes still had residual VH at the last visit. Statistically significant visual gain was observed in 9 (50%) eyes. Unfortunately, 2 (11%) eyes had severe visual loss because of the tractional retinal detachment (TRD). Mild ocular complication was detected in one patient. Conclusion IVB injection had good efficacy and safety for treatment of new VH in patients with PDR and prior complete PRP. This procedure may be especially relevant for diabetic patients at high-risk for surgical intervention.