Incidence of acute onset endophthalmitis following intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) injection

Purpose: To report the incidence of acute endophthalmitis as a complication of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) (IVB) injection in a tertiary vitreoretinal group practice. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 5,233 consecutive eyes that underwent IVB injection at Retina Consultants of Alabama (RCA) from October 1, 2005, to August 31, 2007, was performed to identify cases of acute endophthalmitis. Results: During the 23-month study interval, the overall incidence rate of postinjection endophthalmitis was 0.019% (1/5,233). In the single case of acute endophthalmitis, bacterial cultures revealed coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS) species. Visual acuity after treatment for endophthalmitis was improved (baseline 4/400) to 20/400 at two months after the initial IVB injection. Conclusions: Acute endophthalmitis is a rare potential complication of IVB. Prophylaxis with topical povidone-iodine and adherence to aseptic technique minimizes the risk of postinjection infection. Summary Statement: A retrospective review of 5,233 consecutive intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (Avastin) revealed only a single case of acute endophthalmitis. Adherence to aseptic technique and the use of povidone-iodine prophylaxis minimizes the risk of postinjection intraocular infection.