Bevacizumab pretreatment in vitrectomy with silicone oil for severe diabetic retinopathy

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.