New Research on Macular Edema Treatment Shows Positive Results

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, have published a new study on the treatment of macular edema, a common cause of vision loss in people with diabetes. The study, which was presented in the Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology, found that a treatment protocol involving cycles of three injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs was effective in improving or stabilizing vision in over 85% of patients over a 24-month period.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study retrospectively reviewed 97 eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with a protocol of cycles consisting of 3 monthly injections of anti-VEGF drugs on a "as needed" basis.
  • The mean 12-month improvement in visual acuity was +3.3 letters (95% CI = +0.36-+7.05, P = 0.0186) after an average of 8.72 injections over a mean of 2.9 three-injection cycles.
  • The most important factor in improvement of vision was the increasing number of injections and visits.
  • Of bevacizumab patients, 17 (18.2%) were eventually switched to aflibercept.
  • The mean central macular thickness (SD) at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months was 374 ± 120, 322 ± 88, and 305 ± 70 μm, respectively.
  • Optical coherence tomography was fluid-free at 12 and 24 months in 27.6% and 46% of eyes, respectively.

Statistics:

  • 97 eyes with DME were included in the study.
  • The mean age of patients was 60.9 ± 9.96 years.
  • The mean follow-up period was 22.17 ± 12.30 months.
  • 17 (18.2%) of bevacizumab patients were eventually switched to aflibercept.
  • The mean 12-month improvement in visual acuity was +3.3 letters (95% CI = +0.36-+7.05, P = 0.0186).
  • The mean central macular thickness (SD) at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months was 374 ± 120, 322 ± 88, and 305 ± 70 μm, respectively.

Sources:

  • Pro re nata Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema with Cycles of Three Injections of Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injections. Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology, 2023,30(3).
  • NewsRx. Research from University of Texas Medical Branch Provide New Insights into Macular Edema (Pro re nata Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema with Cycles of Three Injections of Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injections). Immunotherapy Weekly. October 2, 2024; p 174.