Regression of Inflamed Pterygia by Frequent High-Dose Intralesional Ziv-Aflibercept.

PURPOSE: Intralesional single low-dose vascular endothelial growth factor antagonists have traditionally failed in causing regression of pterygia. The current pilot study investigates the role of high-dose repeated intralesional ziv-aflibercept in causing regression of inflamed or recurring pterygia.

METHODS

This prospective study from January 2015 to April 2017 consisted of using high dose of ziv-aflibercept between 0.1 mL (2.5 mg) and 0.3 mL (7.5 mg), depending on the pterygium size and the degree of inflammation. The injection was deep after tunneling the 30-gauge needle away from the injection site to avoid reflux. Reinjection was done at the first sign of recurrence of inflammation. The main outcome measure was regression of pterygial vessels by central retraction as documented by slit-lamp photography and anterior optical coherence tomography.

RESULTS

Four subjects, one with bilateral pterygia, were treated. Regression of new vessels and retraction of the leading edge of pterygial vessels occurred in all treated eyes (5 eyes) with dramatic visual gain in 1 eye from counting fingers to 6/9 (20/30). Numbers of injections were 9 (1 eye; 18 mo), 3 (2 eyes; 12 and 18 mo), and 1 (2 eyes; 2.5 and 7 mo).

CONCLUSIONS

Frequent high-dose intralesional ziv-aflibercept can lead to regression and/or retraction of inflamed pterygia in this pilot study.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02486484.