Indications for intravitreal injections in Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The influence and contribution of angiogenesis in retinal diseases has been documented in many literature emphasizing the role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) as a major factor in proliferative retinopathies. The use of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (AntiVEGF) is now employed in the treatment of these diseases. With the objective of reviewing the indications of all intravitreal AntiVEGF given in Lagos, this study aimed to describe the common ones and re-emphasizing the need for more awareness.

Methods: The ophthalmic surgical records of patients (n=104) who had intravitreal AntiVEGF at the Guinness Eye Centre of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria from November 2013 to November 2015 were reviewed in a retrospective manner after obtaining ethical approval.

Results: A total of one hundred and four AntiVEGF injections were given in the study period. The commonest indication was clinically significant macular edema from Diabetic Maculopathy, 32 (30.7%) followed by Wet Age Related Maculopathy, 21 (20.2%) and retinal vein occlusion, 18 (17.3%). Newer indication included idiopathic Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy 7, (6.7%).

Conclusion: Diabetic maculopathy and wet age related macular degeneration are the major indications for intravitreal antiVEGF injection in Lagos.

Keywords: Diabetic maculopathy; intravitreal AntiVEGF; idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy