Bevacizumab pretreatment in vitrectomy with silicone oil for severe diabetic retinopathy.

Abstract

To evaluate the effects of intravitreal bevacizumab pretreatment in vitrectomy with silicone oil infusion for severe diabetic retinopathy. Forty-one eyes (39 patients) that underwent primary vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade for severe diabetic retinopathy were enrolled in this prospective, comparative case-control clinical study. Cases were alternately divided into the following Group 1, intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25 mg) injection 1 week before surgery; or Group 2, no bevacizumab injection. Cases were followed-up for at least 6 months. Postinjection retinal changes, intra- and postoperative findings, and outcomes were compared between groups. Bevacizumab injections induced regression of neovascularization after 1 week. One case developed increased retinal detachment. In Group 1, there were significantly more cases of subretinal bleeding (P < 0.01). The severity of intraoperative and postoperative bleeding was significantly lower in Group 1. The blood reabsorption time was 11.1 +/- 6.3 days in Group 1 and 34.8 +/- 12.0 days in Group 2 (P < 0.01). One case in Group 1 and 2 cases in Group 2 had ultimate retinal detachment. Multiple regression analyses indicated bevacizumab significantly reduced intra- and postoperative bleeding. Bevacizumab may reduce intra- and postoperative hemorrhage in diabetic vitrectomy with silicone oil infusion. Increased subretinal bleeding are potential complications.