The Changes of Aqueous Vasopermeability Factors After Intravitreal Triamcinolone Injection for Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the changes of aqueous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin (IL)-6 in patients with acute macular edema secondary to recent-onset branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) after a single intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) METHODS: Aqueous and plasma levels of VEGF and IL-6 were measured by ELISA in ten controls and thirty patients at the time of IVTA and 3 months afterward. We compared the aqueous levels of VEGF and IL-6 and the clinical course between responders and non-responders. RESULTS: The aqueous levels of VEGF and IL-6 were significantly higher in non-responders than in responders at baseline measurements (495+/-259 pg/ml vs. 223+/-110 pg/ml, P<.001; 36+/-32 pg/ml vs. 16+/-19 pg/ml, P=.037, respectively). The aqueous levels of VEGF were still higher in non-responders (303+/-75 pg/ml) 3 months after IVTA, while the aqueous levels of VEGF in responders returned to normal (77+/-23 pg/ml, P<.001). The aqueous levels of IL-6 normalized in all patients 3 months after IVTA. In non-responders, central foveal thickness was significantly higher, and foveal ischemia and a wide non-perfused area were more common. CONCLUSIONS: Non-IL6-dependent VEGF may contribute to persistent or recurrent ischemic macular edema associated with BRVO after IVTA.