Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Visual Impairment in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Aim: To assess treatment outcomes in eyes that received an anti-VEGF injection in the medical retina unit of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, Nigeria, in terms of visual acuity and central macular thickness. Study Design: A retrospective descriptive study. Place and duration of study: Medical Retina Record Unit, Department of Ophthalmology, ABUTH, Zaria, from January to April 2025. Methodology: We reviewed the records of patients who received intravitreal anti-VEGF injections for retinal diseases at ABUTH, Zaria. Approximately 30 patients had received about 90 anti-VEGF injections, primarily bevacizumab, as of October 2024. Total population sampling was adopted, and all eligible patients with retrievable case files were included. Demographic, clinical, treatment, visual acuity, and OCT data were extracted. Visual acuity was converted to logMAR, and outcomes were assessed using a gain of ≥15 ETDRS letters at two months. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U test, chi-square test, and logistic regression in SPSS version 23. A total of 14 patient case files were reviewed between January and April 2025. Results: The median age was 59.0 years. Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) (57.1%) and diabetic macular oedema (DMO) (35.7%) were the most common indications. All patients received bevacizumab. Most patients presented with moderate to severe visual impairment. Statistically significant improvements in visual acuity and reductions in central macular thickness were noted (p = 0.006 and p = 0.012, respectively). Minor complications included subconjunctival haemorrhage and raised intraocular pressure (7.1% each). Diagnosis, presenting visual acuity, and systemic disease status were associated with treatment outcome, although no independent predictors were identified. Conclusion: Bevacizumab significantly improved visual and anatomical outcomes in patients with retinal diseases. Early presentation, systemic disease control, and adherence to follow-up are important for optimising outcomes in resource-constrained settings.