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

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Summary

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

    Farzan Kianersi & Heshmatollah Ghanbari

  2. Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

    Zahra Naderi Beni

  3. Department of Ophthalmology, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran

    Afsaneh Naderi Beni

Authors
  1. Farzan Kianersi
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  2. Heshmatollah Ghanbari
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  3. Zahra Naderi Beni
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  4. Afsaneh Naderi Beni
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Correspondence to Afsaneh Naderi Beni.

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Kianersi, F., Ghanbari, H., Naderi Beni, Z. et al. Intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor injection in unrecognised early pregnancy. Invest New Drugs 34, 650–653 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10637-016-0361-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10637-016-0361-8

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