Efficacy and safety of Ziv-aflibercept in patients with central retinal vein occlusion

Background Retinal vein occlusion is one of the most common vascular disorders that can cause visual loss. It is classified into central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and branch retinal vein occlusion. The most common cause of visual loss in CRVO is cystoid macular edema. Intravitreal injection of many antivascular endothelial growth factor agents can treat cystoid macular edema that occur owing to CRVO. Purpose The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new drug (Ziv-aflibercept) in the management of patients with CRVO. Patients and methods This is a prospective interventional study that was conducted on 15 eyes of 15 patients of recently diagnosed nonischemic CRVO of less than 2-month duration. Three loading doses of 1.25 mg of Ziv-aflibercept were given 1 month apart for each patient and then continued as needed in a pro re nata regimen. Complete ophthalmic evaluation was done at the Ophthalmology Department of Tanta University, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus examination, intraocular pressure measurement, and anterior segment examination. Optical coherence tomography (TOPCON 3D optical coherence tomography machine) was done for all patients at presentation and 1 month after each injection and then monthly during the follow-up period, which persisted for 6 months. Results The intraocular pressure did not show a statistically significant increase after intravitreal injection of Ziv-aflibercept. The BCVA improved significantly from 0.87±0.10 to 0.32±0.12 LogMAR after injection (P=0.001). The central macular thickness decreased significantly from a baseline value of 771±141.87 μm before injection to 306.67±91.51 μm after the three loading doses and to 208.07±12.97 μm after 6 months (P=0.001). There was no statistically significant correlation between the final BCVA and the final central macular thickness after 6 months (r=0.054, P=0.848). No serious complications were reported, such as endophthalmitis, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, or stroke. Conclusion Ziv-aflibercept is a highly effective drug in cases of nonischemic CRVO with a high safety profile and a relatively low cost.