Research Article
Anila Naz, Rahila Najam, Bu
Abstract
Bevacizumab targets Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A). Bevacizumab specifically binds to the VEGF-A protein, thereby inhibiting the process of angiogenesis.Thrombosis and hypertension are the major systemic side effects of bevacizumab.As thrombosis and hypertension are the major systemic side effects of bevacizumab whether this drug couldpredispose a patient to thrombosis or not after intravitreal administration, as it is absorbed even through intravitreal administration. We determined the safety of the drug.This study was conducted at Al Ibrahim eye hospital for 3months. The drug wasintravitrealy administered by Professor Dr.P.S.Mahar.For this 10 patients were administered three doses of intravitrealbevacizumab at monthlyinterval and followed for chronic effects of drug. Blood samples were taken to determine fibrinogen level, platelet count,prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) andsodium level by kit method. Blood pressure was also monitored of all the patients before and after the drug administration.There has been significant decrease seen in fibrinogen level. Nonsignificant rise in the PT.Platelet counts decrease insignificantly. Slight increase is noted in sodium level.Slight increase is noted in diastolic blood pressure where as systolic blood pressure is insignificantly increased.Thus results of our study indicate that there may be bleeding tendency after bevacizumab so careful monitoring is required in patients receiving this drug, as well as monitoring of blood pressure is required