Pegaptanib sodium for macular edema due to retinal-vein occlusion among patients intolerant to intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide
Ellen N. Yu, MD, Pik Sha Chan MD, Amadeo A.S. Veloso MD, Harvey S. Uy, MD
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