Intravitreal conbercept safe, effective against macular oedema secondary to CRVO

Intravitreal conbercept in three monthly loading doses, followed by a pro re nata (PRN) regimen, is safe and effective for patients with macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a recent China study has shown.

Researchers enrolled 27 patients (mean age, 52.1±16.1 years; 48 percent male) with macular oedema secondary to CRVO, who contributed 27 eyes for retrospective analysis. Participants were given monthly intravitreal conbercept injections for 3 months, then PRN injections monthly for the next 12 months. The primary outcomes were the change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT).

At baseline, participants had a mean BCVA of 45.1±11.0 letters, which jumped to 57.8±14.7 letters after 3 months of treatment. The mean gain of 12.7±7.6 letters was statistically significant (p<0.001). By month 12, BCVA further improved to 59.9±12.6 letters (mean age, 14.8±9.5 letters; p<0.001).

On the other hand, CRT dropped significantly with treatment, from 707.0±252.3 µm at baseline to 312.5±t80.3 µm at month 3 and to 278.8±68.8 µm at month 12 (p<0.001 for both). Half of the patients saw a reduction in CRT to normal levels after three injections.

Intravitreal conbercept was also safe overall. There were no reports of severe drug-related ocular or systemic adverse events, though mild side effects were recorded. These included conjunctival haemorrhage, vitreous opacity, and temporary elevations in intraocular pressure.

“Larger case numbers, control groups with blank, or other popular anti-[vascular endothelial growth factor] agents may be used to further confirm the conclusion or indicate the difference between conbercept and other type of anti-VEGFs in the management of CRVO,” the researchers said.