1
|
Borrelli E, Boscia G, Gelormini F, Ricardi F, Ghilardi A, Marolo P, Parisi G, Fallico M, Lupidi M, Mariotti C, Bandello F, Sadda S, Reibaldi M. Macular thickness and visual acuity are characterized by a quadratic nonlinear relation in previously treated neovascular AMD eyes. Eur J Ophthalmol 2024:11206721241265998. [PMID: 39094557 DOI: 10.1177/11206721241265998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the associations between visual acuity (VA) and retinal thickness in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) eyes treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. METHODS Sixty-eight patients with neovascular AMD (68 eyes) undergoing anti-VEGF therapy with two years of follow-up imaging data after the initiation of treatment were retrospectively included. Linear and nonlinear regression analyses with curve fitting estimation were performed to explore the relationship between visual acuity and OCT-based parameters at the 3-month and 24-month follow-up visits. Regression analyses were also performed between visual acuity and the retinal thickness deviation which was calculated as the absolute value of the difference between measured and normative retinal thickness values. RESULTS The VA was not associated with either foveal (R2 = 0.011 and p = .401 at 3 months; R2 = 0.032 and p = .142 at 24 months) or parafoveal (R2 = 0.045 and p = .081 at 3 months; R2 = 0.050 and p = .055 at 24 months) retinal thicknesses. Compared with the linear models, a quadratic function yielded a relative increase in the R2 coefficients. Conversely, the VA was linearly associated with foveal retinal thickness deviation (R2 = 0.041 and p = .037 at 24 months) and parafoveal retinal thickness deviation (R2 = 0.062 and p = .040 at 3 months; R2 = 0.088 and p = .014 at 24 months) values. CONCLUSIONS Although there was no linear relationship between retinal thickness and VA, a weak but statistically significant linear relationship could be observed when a retinal thickness deviation was considered. This suggests that deviation-based parameters may be beneficial for structure-function correlations in the context of anti-VEGF therapy for neovascular AMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Borrelli
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giacomo Boscia
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea Ghilardi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Marolo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Fallico
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Lupidi
- Eye Clinic, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Bandello
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - SriniVas Sadda
- Doheny Image Reading Center, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Thinggaard BS, Frederiksen K, Subhi Y, Möller S, Sørensen TL, Kawasaki R, Grauslund J, Stokholm L. VEGF Inhibition Associates With Decreased Risk of Mortality in Patients With Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2024; 4:100446. [PMID: 38313400 PMCID: PMC10837639 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2023.100446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Controversy exists regarding the systemic safety of intravitreal VEGF inhibitors in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). We aimed to investigate the potential impact of VEGF inhibitor treatment on the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) among patients with nAMD. Design A nationwide register-based cohort study with 16 years follow-up. Participants Patients with nAMD exposed with VEGF inhibitors (n = 37 733) and unexposed individuals without nAMD (n = 1 897 073) aged ≥ 65 years residing in Denmark between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2022. Methods Cox proportional hazards analysis was conducted to assess the effect of intravitreal VEGF inhibitor treatment on all-cause mortality and incident CVD. Main Outcome Measures In a predefined analysis plan we defined primary outcomes as hazard ratios (HRs) of all-cause mortality and a composite CVD endpoint in patients with nAMD treated with VEGF inhibitors compared with individuals without nAMD. The secondary outcomes encompassed analyses that explored the impact of the number of doses and the association between exposure and outcome over a specific time period. Results Overall, 63.7% of patients with nAMD were women with an average age of 69.9 years (interquartile range 65.0-76.0 years). Patients exposed to VEGF inhibitors demonstrated a reduced risk of all-cause mortality compared with individuals without nAMD (HR, 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78-0.81), and an increased risk of composite CVD (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07). The decreased risk of all-cause mortality persisted, but there was no significant association between VEGF inhibitor treatment and CVD when patients with nAMD were grouped by the number of doses or considered exposed within 60 days postinjection. Conclusions Our study revealed a decreased risk of all-cause mortality and a 4% increased risk of CVD among patients with nAMD exposed with VEGF inhibitors. The decreased risk of mortality is unlikely to be directly pathophysiologically related to VEGF inhibitor treatment. Instead, we speculate that patients undergoing VEGF inhibitor treatment are, on average, individuals in good health with adequate personal resources. Therefore, they also have a higher likelihood of overall survival. These findings strongly support the safety of VEGF inhibitor treatment in terms of all-cause mortality and CVD among patients with nAMD. Financial Disclosures The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Sommer Thinggaard
- Department of Ophthalmology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- OPEN, Open Patient Data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Katrine Frederiksen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Yousif Subhi
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Sören Möller
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- OPEN, Open Patient Data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Torben Lykke Sørensen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ryo Kawasaki
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Division of Public Health, Department of Social Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jakob Grauslund
- Department of Ophthalmology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lonny Stokholm
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- OPEN, Open Patient Data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Virgili G, Curran K, Lucenteforte E, Peto T, Parravano M. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for diabetic macular oedema: a network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 2023:CD007419. [PMID: 38275741 PMCID: PMC10294542 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007419.pub7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Background Diabetic macular oedema (DMO) is a common complication of diabetic retinopathy. Antiangiogenic therapy with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) can reduce oedema, improve vision, and prevent further visual loss. These drugs have replaced laser photocoagulation as the standard of care for people with DMO. In the previous update of this review, we found moderate-quality evidence that, at 12 months, aflibercept was slightly more effective than ranibizumab and bevacizumab for improving vision in people with DMO, although the difference may have been clinically insignificant (less than 0.1 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), or five Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters, or one ETDRS line). Objectives The objective of this updated review was to compare the effectiveness and safety of the different anti-VEGF drugs in RCTs at longer followup (24 months). Search methods We searched various electronic databases on 8 July 2022. Selection criteria We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared any anti-angiogenic drug with an anti-VEGF mechanism of action versus another anti-VEGF drug, another treatment, sham, or no treatment in people with DMO. Data collection and analysis We used standard Cochrane methods for pairwise meta-analysis and we augmented this evidence using network meta-analysis (NMA) methods. We used the Stata 'network' meta-analysis package for all analyses. We used the CINeMA (Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis) web application to grade the certainty of the evidence. Main results We included 23 studies (13 with industry funding) that enrolled 3513 people with DMO (median central retinal thickness (CRT) 460 microns, interquartile range (IQR) 424 to 482) and moderate vision loss (median best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 0.48 logMAR, IQR 0.42 to 0.55. One study that investigated ranibizumab versus sham and one study that mainly enrolled people with subclinical DMO and normal BCVA were not suitable for inclusion in the efficacy NMA. Consistent with the previous update of this review, we used ranibizumab as the reference drug for efficacy, and control (including laser, observation, and sham) as the reference for systemic safety. Eight trials provided data on the primary outcome (change in BCVA at 24 months, in logMAR: lower is better). We found no evidence of a difference between the following interventions and ranibizumab alone: aflibercept (mean difference (MD) -0.05 logMAR, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.12 to 0.02; moderate certainty); bevacizumab (MD -0.01 logMAR, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.10; low certainty), brolucizumab (MD 0.00 logMAR, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.07; low certainty), ranibizumab plus deferred laser (MD 0.00 logMAR, 95% CI -0.11 to 0.10; low certainty), and ranibizumab plus prompt laser (MD 0.03 logMAR, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.09; very low certainty). We also analysed BCVA change at 12 months, finding moderate-certainty evidence of increased efficacy with brolucizumab (MD -0.07 logMAR, 95%CI -0.10 to -0.03 logMAR), faricimab (MD -0.08 logMAR, 95% CI -0.12 to -0.05), and aflibercept (MD -0.07 logMAR, 95 % CI -0.10 to -0.04) compared to ranibizumab alone, but the difference could be clinically insignificant. Compared to ranibizumab alone, NMA of six trials showed no evidence of a difference with aflibercept (moderate certainty), bevacizumab (low certainty), or ranibizumab with prompt (very low certainty) or deferred laser (low certainty) regarding improvement by three or more ETDRS lines at 24 months. There was moderate-certainty evidence of greater CRT reduction at 24 months with brolucizumab (MD -23 microns, 95% CI -65 to -1 9) and aflibercept (MD -26 microns, 95% CI -53 to 0.9) compared to ranibizumab. There was moderate-certainty evidence of lesser CRT reduction with bevacizumab (MD 28 microns, 95% CI 0 to 56), ranibizumab plus deferred laser (MD 63 microns, 95% CI 18 to 109), and ranibizumab plus prompt laser (MD 72 microns, 95% CI 25 to 119) compared with ranibizumab alone. Regarding all-cause mortality at the longest available follow-up (20 trials), we found no evidence of increased risk of death for any drug compared to control, although effects were in the direction of an increase, and clinically relevant increases could not be ruled out. The certainty of this evidence was low for bevacizumab (risk ratio (RR) 2.10, 95% CI 0.75 to 5.88), brolucizumab (RR 2.92, 95% CI 0.68 to 12.58), faricimab (RR 1.91, 95% CI 0.45 to 8.00), ranibizumab (RR 1.26, 95% CI 0.68 to 2.34), and very low for conbercept (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 8.81) and aflibercept (RR 1.48, 95% CI 0.79 to 2.77). Estimates for Antiplatelet Trialists Collaboration arterial thromboembolic events at 24 months did not suggest an increase with any drug compared to control, but the NMA was overall incoherent and the evidence was of low or very low certainty. Ocular adverse events were rare and poorly reported and could not be assessed in NMAs. Authors' conclusions There is limited evidence of the comparative efficacy and safety of anti-VEGF drugs beyond one year of follow-up. We found no clinically important differences in visual outcomes at 24 months in people with DMO, although there were differences in CRT change. We found no evidence that any drug increases all-cause mortality compared to control, but estimates were very imprecise. Evidence from RCTs may not apply to real-world practice, where people in need of antiangiogenic treatment are often under-treated, and the individuals exposed to these drugs may be less healthy than trial participants.
Collapse
Key Words
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors [adverse effects, *therapeutic use]
- Aptamers, Nucleotide [adverse effects, therapeutic use]
- Bevacizumab [adverse effects, therapeutic use]
- Diabetic Retinopathy [*complications]
- Laser Coagulation [methods]
- Macular Edema [*drug therapy, etiology, surgery]
- Network Meta-Analysis
- Quality of Life
- Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
- Ranibizumab [adverse effects, therapeutic use]
- Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor [therapeutic use]
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins [adverse effects, therapeutic use]
- Triamcinolone [adverse effects, therapeutic use]
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A [*antagonists & inhibitors]
- Visual Acuity [*drug effects, physiology]
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gianni Virgili
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Ersilia Lucenteforte
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Tunde Peto
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Mariacristina Parravano
- Ophthalmology, Fondazione G.B. Bietti per lo studio e la ricerca in Oftalmolologia-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fallico M, Macchi I, Maugeri A, Favara G, Barchitta M, Magnano San Lio R, Agodi A, Russo A, Longo A, Avitabile T, Castellino N, Reibaldi M, Pignatelli F, Vadalà M, Patanè C, Nebbioso M, Bonfiglio V. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy or combined with verteporfin photodynamic therapy for retinal angiomatous proliferation: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1141077. [PMID: 37377929 PMCID: PMC10291099 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1141077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To assess functional and anatomical outcomes of intravitreal anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (anti-VEGF) monotherapy versus combined with verteporfin Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for Retinal Angiomatous Proliferation (RAP). Methods: Studies reporting outcomes of intravitreal anti-VEGF monotherapy and/or in combination with verteporfin PDT in RAP eyes with a follow-up ≥ 12 months were searched. The primary outcome was the mean change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 12 months. Mean change in central macular thickness (CMT) and mean number of injections were considered as secondary outcomes. The mean difference (MD) between pre- and post-treatment values was calculated along with 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI). Meta-regressions were performed to assess the influence of anti-VEGF number of injections on BCVA and CMT outcomes. Results: Thirty-four studies were included. A mean gain of 5.16 letters (95% CI = 3.30-7.01) and 10.38 letters (95% CI = 8.02-12.75) was shown in the anti-VEGF group and combined group, respectively (anti-VEGF group vs. combined group, p < 0.01). A mean CMT reduction of 132.45 µm (95% CI = from -154.99 to -109.90) and 213.93 µm (95% CI = from -280.04 to -147.83) was shown in the anti-VEGF group and combined group, respectively (anti-VEGF group vs. combined group, p < 0.02). A mean of 4.9 injections (95% CI = 4.2-5.6) and 2.8 injections (95% CI = 1.3-4.4) were administered over a 12-month period in the anti-VEGF group and combined group, respectively. Meta-regression analyses showed no influence of injection number on visual and CMT outcomes. High heterogeneity was found across studies for both functional and anatomical outcomes. Conclusion: A combined approach with anti-VEGF and PDT could provide better functional and anatomical outcomes in RAP eyes compared with anti-VEGF monotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Fallico
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Iacopo Macchi
- Newcastle Eye Unit, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Maugeri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “GF Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuliana Favara
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “GF Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Martina Barchitta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “GF Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Roberta Magnano San Lio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “GF Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonella Agodi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “GF Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Russo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Longo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Michele Reibaldi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Eye Clinic Section, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Maria Vadalà
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Ophthalmology Section, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Clara Patanè
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Ophthalmology Section, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marcella Nebbioso
- Department of Sense Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenza Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Ophthalmology Section, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chou YI, Chang HY, Lin MY, Tseng CH, Wang TJ, Lin IC. Risk analysis for patients with arterial thromboembolic events after intravitreal ranibizumab or aflibercept injections. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7597. [PMID: 37165045 PMCID: PMC10172364 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34128-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents have been increasingly applied in the treatment of retinal neovascular diseases. Concerns have arisen that these intravitreal agents may be associated with a potential risk of arterial thromboembolic (ATE) events. We conducted a retrospective, nationwide population-based cohort study to analyze the risks for ATE events in patients receiving intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) or intravitreal aflibercept (IVA). Data (2011-2018) were obtained from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Cox proportional-hazards model was used to identify the risk factors for ATEs. Of the total 3,469 patients, 1393 and 2076 patients received IVR and IVA, respectively. In our result, 38 ATEs occurred within 6 months after IVR or IVA. The risk of ATEs was lower in patients receiving IVR than in those receiving IVA (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11-0.66). Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) exhibited a higher risk of ATEs than did those without CAD (aHR, 3.47; 95% CI, 1.41-8.53). The risk of ATEs was higher in patients with an event of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or ischemic stroke (IS) within 6 months prior to index IVI than in those without recent AMI/IS events (aHR, 23.8; 95% CI, 7.35-77.2 and IS: aHR, 290.2; 95% CI, 103.1-816.4). In conclusion, compared with IVA, IVR was associated with a lower risk of ATEs. When strategies for anti-VEGF agents are devised, risk factors, such as CAD and a history of AMI or IS within 6 months should be considered. Further large-scale studies are warranted to elucidate the safety of anti-VEGF injections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-I Chou
- Department of Medical Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Yun Chang
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Yin Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Han Tseng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Jen Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Chan Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bahr TA, Bakri SJ. Update on the Management of Diabetic Retinopathy: Anti-VEGF Agents for the Prevention of Complications and Progression of Nonproliferative and Proliferative Retinopathy. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051098. [PMID: 37240743 DOI: 10.3390/life13051098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular disease caused by poorly controlled blood glucose, and it is a leading cause of vision loss in people with diabetes. In this review we discuss the current management of DR with particular focus on the use of intraocular anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents. Intraocular anti-VEGF agents were first studied in the 1990s, and now several of these agents are either FDA approved or used off-label as first-line treatments for DR. Recent evidence shows that anti-VEGF agents can halt the progression of markers of DR severity, reduce the risk of DR worsening, and reduce the onset of new macular edema. These significant benefits have been demonstrated in patients with proliferative DR and the milder nonproliferative DR (NPDR). A wealth of evidence from recent trials and meta-analyses has detailed the intraoperative and postoperative benefits of adjunctive anti-VEGF therapy prior to pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for proliferative DR with vitreous hemorrhage. In this review, we also discuss literature comparing various anti-VEGF injection regimens including monthly, quarterly, as-needed, and treat and extend protocols. Combination protocols with panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) or PPV are also discussed. Current evidence suggests that anti-VEGF therapies are effective therapy for NPDR and PDR and may also provide significant benefits when used adjunctively with other DR treatment modalities such as PRP or PPV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler A Bahr
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Ophthalmology, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Sophie J Bakri
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Ophthalmology, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lin TY, Hsieh YT, Garg SJ, Chen LJ, Chen KJ, Wu WC, Lai CC, Hwang YS, Kang EYC. Systemic Outcomes of Intravitreal Injections of Dexamethasone and Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor. Ophthalmol Ther 2023; 12:1127-1140. [PMID: 36729247 PMCID: PMC10011242 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-023-00659-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intravitreal dexamethasone and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medications have revolutionized ocular disease management and favorable ocular safety profiles, but few studies have compared their systemic adverse events (SAEs). This study investigated the SAEs of intravitreal dexamethasone and anti-VEGFs by using real-world data. METHODS This retrospective cohort study sourced medical records from the largest multi-institutional database in Taiwan. Patients who received intravitreal dexamethasone (n = 137) or anti-VEGFs (n = 10,345) between 2014 and 2019 were enrolled. Propensity score matching was performed to achieve homogeneity between the two groups. Subdistribution hazard ratios (SHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the Fine-Gray model. Systemic as well as ocular clinical events and systemic biomarkers after 1-year follow-up were compared. RESULTS Both groups demonstrated comparable risks of major cardiac adverse events (SHR 1.57, 95% CI 0.29-8.55), heart failure (SHR 0.62, 95% CI 0.07-5.33), major bleeding (SHR 0.23, 95% CI 0.03-1.77), all-cause admission (SHR 0.73, 95% CI 0.41-1.30), and all-cause death (SHR 2.11, 95% CI 0.35-12.71). There were no significant differences in longitudinal changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin, low-density lipoprotein, estimated glomerular filtration rate, or alanine aminotransferase between the groups. Both groups had a similar incidence of cataract surgery. Although the dexamethasone group exhibited a relatively high prevalence of antiglaucomatous medication use, there was not a significantly higher incidence of glaucoma surgery. CONCLUSION Intravitreal dexamethasone and anti-VEGF medications had comparable systemic safety profiles in our study. Both drugs represent efficacious and safe therapies for ocular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Yi Lin
- Department of Education, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Hsieh
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sunir J Garg
- MidAtlantic Retina, The Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lee-Jen Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Jen Chen
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 5, Fu Shin St., Kuei-Shan, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chi Wu
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 5, Fu Shin St., Kuei-Shan, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chun Lai
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Shiou Hwang
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 5, Fu Shin St., Kuei-Shan, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Jen-Ai Hospital Dali Branch, Taichung, Taiwan. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Xiamen Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Xiamen, China.
| | - Eugene Yu-Chuan Kang
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 5, Fu Shin St., Kuei-Shan, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kang EYC, Lin TY, Garg SJ, Wang NK, Chen LJ, Huang PW, Chan MJ, Chen KJ, Wu WC, Lai CC, Hwang YS. The Association of Intravitreal Injections of Different Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor with Systemic Outcomes in Diabetic Patients. J Pers Med 2023; 13:544. [PMID: 36983725 PMCID: PMC10057023 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13030544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the systemic effects of three commonly available anti-vascular endothelial growth factor intravitreal injections in patients with diabetes, using data taken from a multi-institutional database in Taiwan. Patient data were sourced from the multi-institutional Chang Gung Research Database. Participants were divided into groups based on treatment with bevacizumab, ranibizumab, or aflibercept. Baseline characteristics were matched among the groups by the inverse probability of treatment weighting. The incidence rate of outcome events was calculated as the number of events divided by 100 person-years of follow-up. The cumulative incidence function was used to estimate the incidence rate of the outcome events among groups. The incidence of ischemic stroke was higher in the ranibizumab group than the bevacizumab and aflibercept groups (1.65, 0.92, and 0.61 per 100 person-years, respectively). The incidence of major adverse lower-limb events was higher in the bevacizumab group (2.95), followed by ranibizumab (2.00) and aflibercept (0.74). Major bleeding was relatively higher in bevacizumab (12.1) compared to ranibizumab (4.3) and aflibercept (3.8). All-cause death was higher for both bevacizumab (3.26) and aflibercept (2.61) when compared to ranibizumab (0.55), and all-cause admission was found to be highest with bevacizumab (58.6), followed by aflibercept (30.2), and ranibizumab (27.6). The bevacizumab group demonstrated a greater decrease in glycated hemoglobin compared to the baseline level (-0.33%). However, a few differences in the clinical condition between the groups were still observed after matching. In conclusion, this study suggests that different anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents may be associated with various and differing systemic adverse events. The differences might also be attributed to differences in patient characteristics and clinical status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Yu-Chuan Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Yi Lin
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Education, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Sunir J. Garg
- MidAtlantic Retina, The Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Nan-Kai Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Lee-Jen Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 104, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Wei Huang
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jen Chan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Kidney Research Center, Department of Nephrology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Jen Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chun Lai
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung 204, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Shiou Hwang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jen-Ai Hospital Dali Branch, Taichung 412, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiamen Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Xiamen 361000, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Frederiksen KH, Stokholm L, Möller S, Thinggaard BS, Kawasaki R, Peto T, Grauslund J. Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition in retinal vein occlusion does not associate with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Ophthalmol Retina 2023:S2468-6530(23)00074-X. [PMID: 36822322 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Intravitreal treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors have proven safe in clinical trials, but often on selected patient groups and without statistical power to investigate rare safety events. Data on anti-VEGF treatment in retinal vein occlusion (RVO) patients are sparsely represented and studies providing population-based, long-term follow-up are needed to assess the risks in a nationwide setting. We aimed to evaluate the association between treatment with anti-VEGF and risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality in patients with RVO, and whether this association was affected by selected risk factors. DESIGN Cohort study from January 2012 to December 2018 using Danish nationwide registries linked on an individual level. Subjects, Participants, and/or Controls: RVO patients (n=7235), exposed (n=3508) and unexposed (n=3727) to anti-VEGF, aged 40 years or more, alive and living in Denmark. Methods, Intervention, or Testing: Cox proportional hazards analysis evaluating the effect of intravitreal VEGF inhibitory treatment on incident CVD and all-cause mortality. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES A pre-defined analysis plan specified primary outcomes as hazard ratios (HR) of a composite CVD endpoint and all-cause mortality in patients treated with anti-VEGF compared with untreated. Secondary outcomes included cumulative dose analysis, HRs on subgroups of CVD and stratified analyses evaluating the effect of sex, age, diabetes, intensive treatment, and pre-existing CVD on the HRs. RESULTS We found no increased risk of composite CVD (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.29) or all-cause mortality (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.00) in RVO patients treated with anti-VEGF. In the secondary analyses we found no dose-response relationship. We found an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.71), but no increased risks in remaining subgroups of CVD. We found no increased risk associated with selected pre-disposing risk factors, and no increased risk in patients with pre-existing CVD. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with anti-VEGF in RVO patients is safe, when evaluated in a nationwide, population-based setting. An increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage might be present, but cannot be reliably quantified and should be further elucidated by larger population-based studies including all indications for anti-VEGF treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrine Hartmund Frederiksen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Lonny Stokholm
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; OPEN - Open Patient data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital
| | - Sören Möller
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; OPEN - Open Patient data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital
| | - Benjamin Sommer Thinggaard
- Department of Ophthalmology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ryo Kawasaki
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Department of Vision Informatics, Osaka University School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tunde Peto
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Jakob Grauslund
- Department of Ophthalmology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gan G, Michel M, Max A, Sujet-Perone N, Zevering Y, Vermion JC, Zaidi M, Savenkoff B, Perone JM. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis after intravitreal vascular growth factor inhibitor injections: A case report and review of the literature. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 89:401-409. [PMID: 36208427 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic administration of agents that inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and therefore vascular proliferation is often used to treat various cancers. However, these agents are associated with a number of side effects, including proteinuria and renal injury. Intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents has become the cornerstone of macular disease treatment. Since these agents cross the blood-retina barrier and enter the circulation, systemic side effects have been reported. We report the novel case of a 57-year-old patient who presented with macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion, underwent three monthly loading-dose injections with the anti-VEGF agent ranibizumab, and 2 weeks after the second injection presented with biopsy-verified membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Twelve weeks after presenting with renal failure and 10 weeks after his last anti-VEGF injection, the patient demonstrated spontaneous recovery of his kidney function. The patient had a history that promoted renal fragility, including hypertension, liver transplantation 6 years earlier for alcohol-related cirrhosis and new-onset diabetes mellitus after transplant. Our literature review and case suggest that although adverse renal events after intravitreal anti-VEGF injections are very rare, ophthalmologists and nephrologists should be aware of this risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace Gan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital Center, Mercy Hospital, Metz, France
| | - Mathis Michel
- Department of Nephrology, Mercy Hospital, Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital Center, Metz, France
| | - Antoine Max
- Cypath Metz, Cytopathology Laboratory, Metz, France
| | - Nicolas Sujet-Perone
- Department of Nephrology, Robert Debré Hospital, Reims University Hospital Center, Reims, France
| | - Yinka Zevering
- Department of Ophthalmology, Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital Center, Mercy Hospital, Metz, France
| | - Jean-Charles Vermion
- Department of Ophthalmology, Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital Center, Mercy Hospital, Metz, France
| | - Mohamed Zaidi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital Center, Mercy Hospital, Metz, France
| | - Benjamin Savenkoff
- Department of Nephrology, Mercy Hospital, Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital Center, Metz, France
| | - Jean-Marc Perone
- Department of Ophthalmology, Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital Center, Mercy Hospital, Metz, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chauhan MZ, Rather PA, Samarah SM, Elhusseiny AM, Sallam AB. Current and Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema. Cells 2022; 11:1950. [PMID: 35741079 PMCID: PMC9221813 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a major ocular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), leading to significant visual impairment. DME's pathogenesis is multifactorial. Focal edema tends to occur when primary metabolic abnormalities lead to a persistent hyperglycemic state, causing the development of microaneurysms, often with extravascular lipoprotein in a circinate pattern around the focal leakage. On the other hand, diffusion edema is due to a generalized breakdown of the inner blood-retinal barrier, leading to profuse early leakage from the entire capillary bed of the posterior pole with the subsequent extravasation of fluid into the extracellular space. The pathogenesis of DME occurs through the interaction of multiple molecular mediators, including the overexpression of several growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor-1, angiopoietin-1, and -2, stromal-derived factor-1, fibroblast growth factor-2, and tumor necrosis factor. Synergistically, these growth factors mediate angiogenesis, protease production, endothelial cell proliferation, and migration. Treatment for DME generally involves primary management of DM, laser photocoagulation, and pharmacotherapeutics targeting mediators, namely, the anti-VEGF pathway. The emergence of anti-VEGF therapies has resulted in significant clinical improvements compared to laser therapy alone. However, multiple factors influencing the visual outcome after anti-VEGF treatment and the presence of anti-VEGF non-responders have necessitated the development of new pharmacotherapies. In this review, we explore the pathophysiology of DME and current management strategies. In addition, we provide a comprehensive analysis of emerging therapeutic approaches to the treatment of DME.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Z. Chauhan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (M.Z.C.); (P.A.R.); (S.M.S.); (A.M.E.)
- Miami Integrative Metabolomics Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Peyton A. Rather
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (M.Z.C.); (P.A.R.); (S.M.S.); (A.M.E.)
| | - Sajida M. Samarah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (M.Z.C.); (P.A.R.); (S.M.S.); (A.M.E.)
| | - Abdelrahman M. Elhusseiny
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (M.Z.C.); (P.A.R.); (S.M.S.); (A.M.E.)
| | - Ahmed B. Sallam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (M.Z.C.); (P.A.R.); (S.M.S.); (A.M.E.)
| |
Collapse
|