FLATTENING OF A TREATMENT-RESISTANT RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIAL DETACHMENT AFTER A SINGLE INTRAVITREAL INJECTION OF ZIV-AFLIBERCEPT.

PURPOSE

To report flattening of a treatment-resistant retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) due to neovascular age-related macular degeneration after a single intravitreal injection of ziv-aflibercept (Zaltrap).

METHODS

A 67-year-old woman with a neovascular age-related macular degeneration-related PED was treated with intravitreal injections of bevacizumab and ranibizumab, and in combination with verteporfin photodynamic therapy, before receiving a single intravitreal injection of ziv-aflibercept (1.25 mg/0.05 mL).

RESULTS

The patient presented with a visual acuity of 20/30 in the right eye, a PED height of 581 μm, and a central macular thickness of 381 μm. She received eight intravitreal injections of bevacizumab and ranibizumab, one in combination with photodynamic therapy. The height of the PED and the central macular thickness varied over time, but 3 years later, they measured 382 μm and 418 μm, respectively. A single intravitreal injection of ziv-aflibercept resulted in a dramatic reduction in PED height to 140 μm, which was maintained 2 months later. The visual acuity remained stable, and there were no clinical signs of toxicity.

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal ziv-aflibercept safely and effectively improved a treatment-resistant PED. Intravitreal ziv-aflibercept could become a treatment option for neovascular age-related macular degeneration in countries where aflibercept (Eylea) is not available or its cost is prohibitive, but further studies are necessary to establish efficacy and safety.