CHSJ

Curr Health Sci J, vol. 49, no. 4, 2023

Aflibercept Versus Bevacizumab as First-Line Therapy in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

[Original Paper]

M.C.P. Salavat(1), E.P. Seclaman(2), A.A. Muat(3), M. Boruga(4), C. Patoni(3,5), M.N. Popescu(3,6), O.E. Teodorescu(7), O. Muat(3,7), S.I.P. Patoni(2,7)


(1)Department of Ophthalmology, “Victor Babe?” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara,
(2)Department of Biochemistry, “Victor Babe?” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara,
(3)Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest,
(4)Department of Toxicology and Drug Industry, “Victor Babe?” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara,
(5)Department of Gastroenterology, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010825 Bucharest,
(6)Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine-Elias Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest,
(7)Department of Ophthalmology, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010825 Bucharest.


Abstract:

Background: AMD (age-related macular degeneration) is the main cause of central vision loss in the population over 60 years old. AMD does not affect peripheral vision and complete blindness does not occur, instead, central vision is affected both for distance and for near. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the neovascular form of AMD treatment and compare ocular and systemic effects after intravitreal injection of aflibercept, respectively after bevacizumab when administered in comparable dosages and regimens. We conducted a retrospective, single-center study from June 2021 to December 2022 and enrolled 20 patients with neovascular AMD who had not received any prior treatment for this condition. We randomly assigned them to two groups of 10: group one received aflibercept and group two received bevacizumab as intravitreal injections under aseptic conditions. We excluded 2 patients who did not meet the criteria and ended up with two groups of 9 patients who received monocular treatment. We gave the patients 3 monthly injections of anti-VEGF agent and followed them up at 1 month, 3 months, and 9 months after the treatment. We assessed their visual acuity, intraocular pressure and OCT appearance at each follow-up visit. The primary outcome was visual acuity. All 18 patients included in the study reported an improvement in visual acuity after the intervention. When comparing the two anti-VEGF agents, data revealed the effect of aflibercept was prompter and more long-lasting. Areas of retinal ischemia appeared in both cases. However, they were observed faster in the case of patients treated with aflibercept. Thus, neovascular AMD is a disease that occurs with age, it can be early detected by OCT and slowed the progression to central blindness with intravitreal treatment.


Keywords: AMD, Bevacizumab, Aflibercept, Avastin, Eylea.



Corresponding: Cristina Patoni, Department of Gastroenterology, "Dr. Carol Davila", Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, e-mail: patonicristina@gmail.com; Madalina-Casiana Palfi Salavat, Department of Ophthalmology, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, e-mail: mada_palfi@yahoo.com


DOI 10.12865/CHSJ.49.04.04 - Download PDF
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