To investigate the changes of aqueous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin (IL)-6 in patients with acute macular edema secondary to recent-onset branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) after a single intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA)

Aqueous and plasma levels of VEGF and IL-6 were measured by ELISA in ten controls and thirty patients at the time of IVTA and 3 months afterward. We compared the aqueous levels of VEGF and IL-6 and the clinical course between responders and non-responders.

The aqueous levels of VEGF and IL-6 were significantly higher in non-responders than in responders at baseline measurements (495±259 pg/ml vs. 223±110 pg/ml, P <.001; 36±32 pg/ml vs. 16±19 pg/ml, P =.037, respectively). The aqueous levels of VEGF were still higher in non-responders (303±75 pg/ml) 3 months after IVTA, while the aqueous levels of VEGF in responders returned to normal (77±23 pg/ml, P <.001). The aqueous levels of IL-6 normalized in all patients 3 months after IVTA. In non-responders, central foveal thickness was significantly higher, and foveal ischemia and a wide non-perfused area were more common.

Non-IL6-dependent VEGF may contribute to persistent or recurrent ischemic macular edema associated with BRVO after IVTA.