Combined intravitreal injection of bevacizumab and a ROCK inhibitor (fasudil) for refractory macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND

To investigate the adjunctive effect of an intravitreal ROCK inhibitor (fasudil) in combination with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) on refractory macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

METHODS

In this prospective interventional case series, 17 eyes of 17 patients (10 men, 7 women) with refractory RVO-related macular edema underwent three consecutive intravitreal injections of bevacizumab plus fasudil. Monthly evaluation was continued up to 12 months and IVB injection was performed if needed during the follow-up. Changes in the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was the primary outcome measure. The secondary outcome measures included central macular thickness (CMT) changes and any adverse events.

RESULTS

BCVA significantly improved (mean change: -0.15 LogMAR; P = 0.017) after 3 consecutive intravitreal injections of fasudil in combination with bevacizumab. CMT significantly decreased (mean change: -206 µm; P = 0.028). The anatomical and functional improvement was maintained during the 12 month follow-up. No adverse effects were noticed.

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal ROCK inhibitors may break the resistance to anti-VEGF therapy and improve the RVO induced macular edema via affecting the VEGF-independent pathways.