Indications for Intravitreal Bevacizumab in Ibadan, Sub-Saharan Africa

BACKGROUND Angiogenesis is a contributing factor in some retinal diseases, hence the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as a common pathway in proliferative retinopathies. Bevacizumab has been found to be effective in the treatment of these diseases. The aim of this study was to review all cases of intravitreal bevacizumab given in the retinal unit of the University College Hospital, Ibadan from July, 2010 to June 2012, pointing out the common indications. METHODS After obtaining ethical approval from the University College Hospital/University of Ibadan Review Board for the study, all cases of intravitreal injections of bevacizumab recorded in the retinal register during the study period (July 2010 to June 2012) were retrieved. Age, sex, diagnoses and indication for injection were recorded in the data sheet prepared for the study. Results were analyzed using proportions and percentages. RESULTS A total of one hundred and thirty four injections of bevacizumab were given in the study period. The most common indication was cystoid macular edema from retinal vein occlusion ([26(19.4%)] followed by wet age related maculopathy [23(17.1%)] and sickle cell retinopathy [(22(16.4)]. Emerging indications included idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy [8(6%) and retinal macroaneurism with macular edema [6(4.5%)]. CONCLUSION Cystoid macular edema from vascular occlusion and wet age related macular degeneration are the major indications for intravitreal bevacizumab injection in Ibadan.