Article
Ranibizumab for Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion-Associated Macular Edema Study (RABAMES): 3 months results
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Published: | September 21, 2010 |
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Background: To date, there is some evidence that intravitreal anti-VEGF agents may be effective in the treatment of macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). In the current study, we sought to investigate the efficacy of this therapeutic approach in comparison to retinal photocoagulation in patients with BRVO.
Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, controlled multicenter trial in patients with chronic (>3 months) macular edema secondary to BRVO, with a visual acuity between 20/320 and to 20/40. Patients were randomized to either intravitreal ranibizumab (3 times) or argon laser photocoagulation or a combination of both. The primary clinical outcome measure was change in BSCVA from baseline at 6 months. Secondary outcome measures were mean change in BSCVA, mean change in central retinal thickness, proportion of patients who gain ≥5, 10, 15 letters or lose less than 15 letters of BSCVA, change in area and intensity of leakage on fluorescein angiography.
Results: The enrollment has been completed (30 eyes of 30 patients). Each 10 eyes were assigned to one of the three study arms. Initial visual acuity ranged from 20/320 to 20/40 and the time-span from symptom onset to treatment ranged from 3 to 12 months. No major ocular complications such as intravitreal hemorrhage, retinal detachment, or endophthalmitis were observed.
Conclusions: We present for the first time 3 months results of the trial. We examine the hypothesis that combined treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab and laser photocoagulation has a more pronounced therapeutic effect than treatment with ranibizumab or photocoagulation alone.