Evaluation of the Effect of Intravitreal Injections of Brolucizumab on Ocular Hemodynamics in Patients with Neovascular Form of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

Purpose. To study the effect of intravitreal injections of brolucizumab on ocular blood flow in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods. 35 patients with wet AMD received intravitreal injections of brolucizumab at a dose of 0,05 ml 120 mg/ml. In all patients, blood flow in the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA), medial and lateral posterior short ciliary arteries (PSCA) was studied using color Doppler mapping (CDM) and pulsed Dopplerography. Maximum systolic velocity (Vsyst), end-diastolic blood flow velocity (Vdiast) and resistance index (RI) were recorded before treatment, 1-7 days and 1 month after each injection for 3 months. Results. In patients with wet AMD, before treatment, a significant decrease in Vsyst in the CCCA (p<0.05) was revealed, as well as an increase in RI in the CAC and CCCA compared with those indicators in healthy individuals. A reliable effect of intravitreal injections of the drug brolucizumab during an observation period of up to 3 months on the state of blood flow velocity in the vessels of the eye has not been established. Normalization of the peripheral resistance index in the CAC and PCCA system in early period after the 2nd injection of brolucizumab.

Conclusion. Intravitreal injections of brolucizumab for neovascular AMD do not have a negative effect on the hemodynamics of the eye.