Publication:

Indications for intravitreal anti vascular endothelial growth factor in Kano, North Western, Nigeria

Background To review the common indications for intravitreal anti vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) medications given at the retinal unit of Makkah Specialist Eye Hospital, Kano, Nigeria from January 2014 to December 2015.

Methods The case records of all patients given intravitreal anti VEGF medications were reviewed and age, diagnosis and indication for injection were recorded. Results were analyzed using the PAWS statistics version 18.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL).

Results A total of 174 injections consisting of 170 bevacizumab and 4 ranibizumab injections were given in the study period. The common indications for intravitreal injections were diabetic macula edema (42.5%), retinal vein occlusion (25.9%) and vitreous heamorrhage (9.8%).

Conclusions Diabetic macula edema and retinal vein occlusions are the major indications for intravitreal anti VEGF injections in Kano.