Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to report the short-term efficacy of aflibercept in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with associated retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) which is refractory or develops tachyphylaxis to bevacizumab and ranibizumab.
Methods
The method comprised a retrospective review of the medical records of patients with neovascular AMD and associated PEDs recently treated with aflibercept and previously treated with bevacizumab and ranibizumab.
Results
Three eyes of three female patients of ages 49, 55, and 65 years old with large serous PEDs and subretinal fluid (SRF) associated with occult choroidal neovascularization and neovascular AMD were treated with aflibercept after intravitreal bevacizumab and/or ranibizumab failed to resolve the lesions. All had complete resolution of SRF and complete or near-complete resolution of the PEDs after aflibercept injections over a 3-month period. Visual acuity improved in all three eyes.
Conclusion
Intravitreal aflibercept may be an effective treatment option for serous PED in neovascular AMD patients after bevacizumab and ranibizumab have previously failed. Larger studies with longer follow-up are required to determine the role of aflibercept in treatment of PED in neovascular AMD.
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Dr Mieler receives compensation as a consultant for Alcon, Allergan, Genentech, Alimera Sciences, and QLT/Novartis. Dr Lim receives compensation as a consultant for Genentech, Regeneron, Allergan, QLT, Quark, and Santen. She has also received royalties from Informa and compensation for developing the Johns Hopkins CME programs, and she has an RPB grant. Dr Leiderman receives compensation as a consultant for Alcon. The remaining authors declare no potential conflict of interest.
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Patel, K., Chow, C., Rathod, R. et al. Rapid response of retinal pigment epithelial detachments to intravitreal aflibercept in neovascular age-related macular degeneration refractory to bevacizumab and ranibizumab. Eye 27, 663–668 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/eye.2013.31
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/eye.2013.31
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