Study on the efficacy of different injection regimens of aflibercept in the treatment of diabetic macular edema

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of different regimens of aflibercept injection in the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME).
 Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 78 DME patients admitted to Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, China from January 2021 to December 2022. The patients, categorized into control group (39 patients) and study group (39 patients), received varying regimens of aflibercept injections pro re nata (PRN); 3 + PRN regimen and 5 + PRN regimen, respectively. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were measured at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months following treatment. The proportions of BCVA improvement by 10 and 15 letters at 12 months and incidence of visual acuity instability during the as-needed period were calculated. Adverse events were also recorded.
 Results: The BCVA significantly improved in both groups at 3, 6, and 12 months (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). The proportions of BCVA improvement by 10 and 15 letters at 12 months were similar between the groups. Study group had a significantly lower rate of visual acuity instability during the as- needed period (p < 0.05) compared to control group. The CMT significantly reduced in both groups at all time points (p < 0.05), with no significant difference observed between the groups. Study group had significantly fewer injections during the as-needed period (p < 0.05) compared to control group. Adverse events did not significantly differ between the two groups.
 Conclusion: Both 3 + PRN and 5 + PRN regimens of Aflibercept injection are effective in treating DME. However, the 5 + PRN regimen demonstrates a lower rate of visual acuity instability and requires fewer injections during the as-needed period. Future studies are needed to analyze the efficacy and differences between various injection regimens for treating DME.