Pegaptanib sodium for macular edema due to retinal-vein occlusion among patients intolerant to intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide

Abstract

Objective: To report the efficacy and safety of intravitreal pegaptanib sodium (IVP) on macular edema (ME) due to branch retinal-vein occlusion (BRVO) among patients intolerant to intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA). Methods: Four eyes with ME due to BRVO were included in this interventional case series. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and adverse effects. Results: There was a significant decrease in mean CMT from 524.50 ± 141.12 to 293.75 ± 130.75 microns (p = 0.009) after IVP injection. BCVA improved in all 4 eyes after IVP. Mean IOP after IVP was 13.60 ± 3.21. No ocular or systemic complications were observed. Conclusion: IVP appears to be safe and effective in decreasing retinal thickness and improving VA in eyes with ME due to BRVO. IVP is a potential treatment for eyes that are intolerant to IVTA.

Keywords

• retinal-vein occlusion
• macular edema
• intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide
• anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-vegf)