COMPARISON OF TWO REGIMENS USING BEVACIZYMAB FOR WET AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

Fedaa A. Alsmadi MD, Mohammad N. Al Aqarbeh MD, Hala K. Haddad MD, Emad A. Alaqarbeh MD, Osama F. Odiebat* MD and Ahmed E. Khatatbeh MD

ABSTRACT

Aim: to compare the effect and visual outcome using fixed regimen to treat and extend regimen. Method: this retrospective study was conducted at the ophthalmology clinic in King Hussein medical center between January 2022 and July 2023. All patient who were known to have wet AMD and received bevacizumab were included in the study. The visual acuity, central macular thickness, and the presence of any sign of activity were recorded at each visit. The patients were randomly divided into two groups; group A are those who used the pro re nata (PRN) regimen and group B who used the treat and extend regimen. The results of the two groups will be compared and analyzed. Results: 60 patients (70 eyes) with a mean age of (67.0 ±4.9 years) were enrolled. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the baseline BCVA and CRT. At 48 weeks, there was significant improvement in both groups regarding BCVA, CRT, percentage of eyes with retinal free fluids when compared to the baseline indices. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at this time regarding the baseline BCVA, CRT, percentage of reduction in CRT, percentages of eyes with retinal free fluids and number of injections. At 96 weeks more, significant improvement in BCVA and CRT was noted in both groups. However, the improvement, was more significant in group B when compared to group A. Conclusion: The T&E regimen demonstrated long-term superior effect compared to PRN regimen. The T&N regimen showed capacity to achieve greater vision improvement with fewer injections and smaller number of visits.

Keywords: Bevacizumab, pro re nata regimen, Treat and Extend regimen, Wet age-related macular degeneration.