Efficacy and mechanism of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs for diabetic macular edema patients.

backgroundDiabetes is a serious public health concern in China, with 30% of patients developing retinopathy, and diabetic macular edema (DME) having the biggest impact on vision. High blood glucose level can cause retinal cell hypoxia, thus promoting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) formation and increasing vascular permeability, which induces DME. Moreover, cell hypoxia can accelerate the rate of apoptosis, which leads to the aging of patients. In severe cases, optic cell apoptosis or retinal fibrosis and permanent blindness may occur.

aimTo investigate and compare the efficacy, mechanism, and differences between two anti-VEGF drugs (Compaq and ranibizumab) in DME patients.

methodsNinety-six patients with DME who attended our hospital from April 2018 to February 2020 were included and randomly divided into two groups (Compaq group and ranibizumab group). The groups received vitreal cavity injections of 0.5 mg Compaq and 0.5 mg ranibizumab, respectively, once a month. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), macular retinal thickness (CMT), macular choroidal thickness (SFCT), foveal no perfusion area (FAZ), superficial capillary density, deep capillary density, treatment effect, and adverse reactions were compared before and after treatment and between the two groups.

resultsBefore treatment and 1-mo post-treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the estimated BCVA in both groups (

conclusionAnti-VEGF drugs can effectively improve CMT and SFCT, without affecting microcirculation, thus providing an effective and safe treatment for patients with DME.