Publication:

Effect of bevacizumab, which remain after withdrawal of the first dose/s from a single-use vial on diabetic macular edema

Background The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of bevacizumab remaining after withdrawal of the first dose/s from a single-use vial in diabetic macular edema (DME) secondary to diabetic retinopathy.

Methods Patients were divided into four groups according to duration of storage of the single-use vial of bevacizumab in the refrigerator: Group 1 received IVB when the vial was first opened, and Groups 2, 3, and 4 received IVB after 3, 7, and 15 days, respectively, after the first dose or doses had been withdrawn with an insulin (27-gauge) needle from the single-use vial. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the results in four groups. p 0.05). Preinjection mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.41±0.2; 0.39±0.2; 0.39±0.2 and 0.34±0.2 logMAR Group 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Preinjection mean central macular thickness (CMT) was 503±88; 502±99; 565±63 and 491±107 µm in Group 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. After injection mean BCVA was 0.30±0.16; 0.28±0.20; 0.29±0.19 and 0.25±0.20 logMAR and mean CMT was 321±75; 315±97; 360±83 and 279±82 in Group 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The mean BCVA increased significantly, and CMT decreased significantly after injection in all groups. No observed serious ophthalmologic or systemic side effects.

Conclusion Bevacizumab which remain in the single use vial after first dose/s is safe and effective for treatment of DME. These results are useful for poor countries.