RECURRENCE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 3 NEOVASCULARIZATION (RETINAL ANGIOMATOUS PROLIFERATION) AFTER INTRAVITREAL RANIBIZUMAB.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence, timing, and characteristics of recurrence in patients with Type 3 neovascularization who were initially treated with ranibizumab.

METHODS: This retrospective study included 42 patients (42 eyes) who were diagnosed with Type 3 neovascularization and treated with 3 monthly injections of ranibizumab. The 12-month follow-up data of these patients were analyzed. The time of recurrence after the initial treatment was recorded. In eyes with recurrence, the association of the duration until the first recurrence and the incidence of multiple recurrences was analyzed.

RESULTS: During the 12 months, recurrence was noted in 32 patients (76.2%), with 20 experiencing multiple recurrences. The first recurrence occurred (mean ± SD) 5.3 ± 1.8 months (range, 2-9 months) after the third ranibizumab injection. The first recurrence was noted in 20 eyes (62.5%) at 4 months to 6 months after the third injection. A significantly higher incidence of multiple recurrences was noted in patients who experienced their first recurrence less than 6 months after the third injection (13 of 16 eyes, 83.3%) compared with patients who had their first recurrence 6 or more months after the third injection (5 of 14 eyes, 35.7%) (P = 0.011).

CONCLUSION: Recurrence did not occur in 23.8% of the patients with Type 3 neovascularization who were initially treated with 3 monthly ranibizumab injections. Close follow-up examination may be needed 4 months to 6 months after the third ranibizumab injection. The close follow-up or continuous injection may also be required for patients with early first recurrences.