Total macular volume as a potential biomarker in the assessment of anti-VEGF response in patients with diabetic macular edema: real-life data analysis

Authors : Eren EKİCİ, Ayşegül KOÇAK ALTINTAŞ

Pages : 65-70

Doi:10.38053/acmj.1205486

View : 22 | Download : 9

Publication Date : 2023-01-20

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: To evaluate the functional and anatomic efficacy of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(anti-VEGF); therapy in patients with diabetic macular edema insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(DME); and investigate the association between central macular thickness insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(CMT); and total macular volume insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(TMV); in real-life settings. Material and Method: In this retrospective, observational, longitudinal study 38 eyes of 23 consecutive patients with center-involving DME were included. A loading phase of three monthly intravitreal anti-VEGF injections was initiated, followed by anti-VEGF injections if needed as per clinicians’ discretion. Results: Mean Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(ETDRS); letters gained was 3.2 letters at month 12. The reduction in the mean of CMT and TMV were 60 μm and 1.33 mm3 respectively at the end of 12 months. Best-corrected visual acuity insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(BCVA); was negatively correlated with CMT insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r=-0.573, p < 0.01); and TMV insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r=-0.533, p < 0.01); initially. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the CMT and the TMV initially insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r=0.765, p < 0.01); and month 12 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r=0.937, p < 0.01);. Baseline TMV was found to be more predictive of treatment response at the 9th month than baseline CMT. Conclusion: It is demonstrated that TMV may be a suitable biomarker in the assessment of treatment response of the macular region when regarded as a complete three-dimensional macular unit instead of central vertical thickness only. Although the present study contributes to a better understanding of managing DME in real-life settings, further prospective, and controlled investigations are needed.
Keywords : Aflibercept, anti VEGF, central macular thickness, diabetic macular edema, total macular volume