[Usefulness of electrophysiological tests in the evaluation of retinotoxicity and treatment efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab (avastin) injection in some eye diseases].

PURPOSE

The goal of our study is to present on the basis of the current literature the value of electrophysiological tests in the evaluation of retinal toxicity and clinical efficacy of bevacizumab intravitreal injection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Intravitreal toxicity of bevacizumab in rabbits and isolated vertebrate retinas FVEP and ERG were used for testing. Electrophysiological tests in animals were performed according to own laboratory methods. The efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab treatment in exudative AMD and macular edema in retinal vein occlusion or diabetic retinopathy was analysed using PVEP, ERG and mfERG examinations. Electrophysiological tests in human were performed according to ISCEV standards.

RESULTS

Bevacizumab was found to be non-toxic to the retina of animals based on electrophysiological studies (ERG, FVEP). In short-term follow-up, in patients with exudative AMD and macular edema in retinal vein occlusion or diabetic retinopathy mfERG, results revealed stabilization or an improvement of electrophysiological responses from macular area.

CONCLUSIONS

The short-term results after intravitreal bevacizumab injection are promising and indicate lack of retinal toxicity and stabilization or improvement of macular function after treatment. Further long-term investigations on the large group of patients should be performed. Electrophysiological tests are useful, non-invasive, objective and sensitive methods to assess the functional retinal integrity, assist in monitoring treatment efficacy and any abnormalities due to drug retinotoxicity.