Anti-VEGF for macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion

Compared to no treatment, repeated intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents in eyes with central retinal vein occlusion macular oedema improves visual outcomes at 6 months.

Summary

A Cochrane review included 6 studies with a total of 937 subjects comparing outcomes at 6 months to sham injection for 4 anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents: aflibercept (VEGF Trap-Eye, Eylea), bevacizumab (Avastin), pegaptanib sodium (Macugen) and ranibizumab (Lucentis). Treatment with anti-VEGF agents increased the chance of a significant gain in vision at 6 months compared to sham injections. One study demonstrated sustained benefit at 12 months. The risk of losing significant vision was reduced by 80% in those receiving anti-VEGF therapy compared to those receiving sham treatment. Participants receiving anti-VEGF treatment had a greater reduction in mean central retinal thickness from baseline to 6 months than patients receiving sham, indicating enhanced resolution of macular oedema (table ). No significant safety concerns were identified at 6 or 12 months, but the available studies did not allow a conclusion about their long-term effectiveness and safety to be drawn.

Clinical comments

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Ədəbiyyat

1. Braithwaite T, Nanji AA, Lindsley K et al. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014;(5):CD007325.