Visual outcomes and growth factor changes of two dosages of intravitreal bevacizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a randomized, controlled trial.

Purpose: To evaluate the visual and growth factor changes of two different intravitreal bevacizumab dosages for neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Methods: Fifty eyes of 50 patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration were randomized to receive 3 monthly intravitreal injections of 1.25 mg (24 eyes) or 2.5 mg (26 eyes) bevacizumab. Patients were observed for 6 months, and the logarithm of minimal angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity, central foveal thickness, aqueous vascular endothelial growth factor, and pigment epithelial derived factor levels were assessed.

Results: Both groups had significant central foveal thickness reductions at 6 months (P < 0.001). Six (23.1%) eyes in the 2.5-mg group lost 3 or more lines compared with none in the 1.25-mg group (P = 0.023). No significant difference in logarithm of minimal angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity, central foveal thickness, or growth factors levels was found between the two groups at all visits. Eyes with persistent angiographic leakage at 3 months had significantly higher baseline aqueous vascular endothelial growth factor levels compared with eyes without leakage (P = 0.013). Logistic regression analysis showed that high baseline aqueous vascular endothelial growth factor level was the only significant factor associated with persistent leakage at 3 months (P = 0.040).

Conclusion: Three monthly intravitreal 1.25-mg bevacizumab injections seemed to result in better visual outcome than 2.5 mg bevacizumab. Baseline aqueous vascular endothelial growth factor level might have a role in predicting angiographic response after bevacizumab injections.