Intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor injection in unrecognised early pregnancy

Invest New Drugs. 2016 Oct;34(5):650-3. doi: 10.1007/s10637-016-0361-8. Epub 2016 Jun 2.

Abstract

The use of intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor medications has widened considerably to include indications affecting females of reproductive age. Our patient was inadvertently exposed to bevacizumab within the first trimester when placental growth and fetal organogenesis take place and patient suffered pregnancy loss. There is insufficient information to suggest that such use is safe, nor is there definitive evidence to suggest that it causes harm. We advise that ophthalmologists discuss pregnancy with women of childbearing age undergoing intraocular anti-VEGF injections and in pregnant woman counselling is needed to explain the potential risks and benefits.

Keywords: Complication; Intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor; Pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Spontaneous*
  • Adult
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Bevacizumab / therapeutic use*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / drug therapy*
  • Diabetic Retinopathy / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intravitreal Injections
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, First
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • VEGFA protein, human
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Bevacizumab