Abstract
Purpose :
DRCR Protocol S established intravitreal ranibizumab (RBZ) as an acceptable primary treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). The frequency of injections and the larger than expected loss to followup led us to evaluate whether study treatment results could be replicated in a "real life" private office clinical setting.
Methods :
Retrospective review of 63 consecutive PDR eyes (38 patients) treated primarily with RBZ. We reviewed the charts of all patients (n=156) seen in our private office with PDR seen between October 2011 and April 2018. Eyes were eliminated from the analysis if pan retinal photocoagulation or vitrectomy was initially performed for treatment of PDR. Mean age at baseline was 59.54 years; 45.76% were male.
Results :
Of the 63 subject eyes, regression of PDR with RBZ alone was achieved in 59 (94%). Diabetic macular edema requiring RBZ treatment was present at baseline in 12 eyes. At 12 months, mean best available vision improved by greater than 1 line. In eyes with less than or equal to 20/50 baseline vision, 67% (10/15) improved 3 or more lines at 12 months. In the 49 eyes completing 12 months followup, the mean number of injections in the first year was 4.84±2.14. For the first two years (N=28), the cumulative mean number of injections was 7.86±3.43. Vitreous hemorrhage developed in 15 eyes (25%) after starting treatment. One eye developed traction retinal detachment; there were no cases of endophthalmitis. One eye required vitrectomy and three required PRP. At 12 and 24 months, 7.5% and 26.7% of eyes were lost to followup.
Conclusions :
"Real life" treatment of PDR with RBZ as the primary treatment in a private office setting mimics the results in DRCR Protocol S. As in the clinical trial, patient followup remains a concern. RBZ can be administered safely and effectively to treat PDR in a "real life" private clinical setting.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.