EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AFLIBERCEPT TREATMENT FOR MACULAR EDEMA
M.S. Suleimenov, B.E. Kadyrgaliyev
Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Introduction:
Macular edema is a symptom of various retinal disorders involving the accumulation of fluid in the central part
of the retina (macula), which is essential for central vision. It can result from wet age-related macular
degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, myopic choroidal neovascularization, IrvineGass syndrome, and inflammatory retinal diseases. Treatment depends on etiology and may include topical
therapy, laser, surgery, or anti-VEGF agents that inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor activity.
Methods:
This prospective interventional study aimed to assess the efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept (2 mg) in macular
edema of different origins, considering comorbidities and demographic variables. Thirty patients (31 eyes) were
treated between January 2020 and December 2022 at KazNMU. Functional outcomes were evaluated via bestcorrected visual acuity (BCVA), and anatomical outcomes through central macular thickness (CMT) measured by
SD-OCT.
Results:
Mean BCVA improved from 0.15 ± 0.16 to 0.27 ± 0.22 (p=0.034), while CMT decreased from 397.8 ± 132.1 µm to
249.03 ± 26.48 µm (p<0.0001). The most pronounced therapeutic response was seen in diabetic macular edema
and wet AMD.
Discussion:
Aflibercept showed significant functional and anatomical efficacy, particularly in DME and AMD. Reduced
efficacy in myopic CNV may reflect irreversible retinal changes. The PRN regimen was well tolerated and
applicable to real-world clinical settings. Study limitations include small sample size and single-center design.
Conclusion:
Aflibercept is an effective therapeutic option for various forms of macular edema, especially in cases of diabetic
retinopathy and wet AMD.
Keywords: macular edema, Aflibercept, diabetic retinopathy, a wet form of age-related macular degeneration,
retinal vein occlusion, myopic choroidal neovascularization, Irvine-Gass syndrome, vitreomacular traction
syndro
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