Adjunctive Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection at the End of Sutureless 23 G Vitrectomy for Diabetic Vitreous Hemorrhage

This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) at the end of vitrectomy in prevention of rebleeding in patients with diabetic vitreous hemorrhage. Methods: This is a retrospective interventional study comprised of 30 eyes from 30 patients who underwent 23 G pars plana vitrectomy for diabetic vitreous hemorrhage (VH). IVB (1.25 mg/0.05 ml) was injected at the end of vitrectomy. Main outcome measure was the postoperative VH and reoperation 1 and 3 months of follow-up. Other outcome measures were Best-Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) and Intraocular Pressure (IOP). Results: Early rebleeding within one month postoperatively occurred in 3.3%. The rate of early rebleeding was significantly reduced (p=0.002). Late VH after 1 month occurred in 6.6%. BCVA at 1 and 3 ms postoperative significantly improved (p < 0.01). There was no significant increase in the rate of reoperation (p=0.27). Conclusion: Adjunctive IVB injection at the end of vitrectomy for diabetic vitreous hemorrhage is safe and effective in reduction of early rebleeding. Keywords: Vitrectomy; Diabetic retinopathy; Bevacizuma