Effect of bevacizumab on recurrent Pterygia

Pterygium is caused by a type of angiogenesis process and Bevacizumab (Avastin) acts against all kinds of VEGF and inhibits angiogenesis. According to the anti-angiogenic effect of Avastin and the considerable recurrence of Pterygium after surgery as the treatment choice, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of this medication on recurrent Pterygium. This single arm clinical trial study was performed on 17 recurrent Pterygium patients who referred to the ophthalmology clinic of one of Tehran military hospitals during November 2008 to March 2009 and were selected by simple sampling method. Symptoms, refraction, astigmatism, angiogenesis and Pterygium size were measured at the beginning, at the first week and 1 and 3 months after injection of 1.25 mg Avastin in Pterygium bed. Data was analyzed by SPSS 11.5 software using Wilcoxon and Chi-square tests. Eye irritation (p=0.04) and Pterygium angiogenesis (p=0.001) significantly improved. No significant difference was observed in astigmatism, Pterygium size and the level of refraction (p>0.05). Avastin has significant effect on eye irritation and angiogenesis but has less effect on other symptoms; therefore, judgment about its efficacy on recurrent ptrygia needs further study