Author/Authors :
Nourinia, Ramin Ophthalmic Research Center - Labbafinejad Medical Center - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Ahmadieh, Hamid Ophthalmic Research Center - Labbafinejad Medical Center - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Shahheidari, Mohammad-Hassan Ophthalmic Research Center - Labbafinejad Medical Center - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Zandi, Souska Center for Excellence in Functional and Molecular Imaging, Brigham and Women’s Hospital - and Department of Radiology - Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
Abstract :
Purpose: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal injection of a Rho-associated protein kinase
(ROCK) inhibitor (Fasudil, Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) combined
with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) on refractory diabetic macular edema (DME).
Methods: This prospective, interventional case series included 15 eyes of 15 patients
with DME unresponsive to previous IVB injections. Eligible eyes underwent intravitreal
injection of 0.025 mg Fasudil and 1.25 mg bevacizumab. Best corrected visual acuity
(BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were evaluated before and 4 weeks after
treatment.
Results: Mean age was 64.6±7.3 (range, 49-79) years and mean number of previous
IVB injections was 2.8. Mean pre-injection BCVA was 0.84±0.35 LogMAR, which was
improved to 0.49±0.29 LogMAR four weeks after intervention (P=0.003). Mean CMT was
decreased from 448±123 μm before treatment, to 347±76 μm at four weeks (P=0.001);
no adverse event was observed during the study period.
Conclusion: Intravitreal ROCK inhibitors seem to entail structural and visual benefits
in eyes with DME refractory to IVB monotherapy.
