Factors Affecting Intensive Aflibercept Treatment Response in Diabetic Macular Edema: A Real-World Study

Objective. To investigate the systemic and ocular factors that affect response to intensive aflibercept treatment in diabetic macular edema (DME) a real-world setting. Methods. This retrospective cohort study evaluated 30 eyes of 23 patients with DME who underwent intravitreal injections (five monthly loading doses). Treatment was assessed by central retinal thickness (CRT) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at each visit. The were categorized as good (<300 μm) suboptimal (≥300 responders based on CRT after phase. Baseline associated investigated. Results. mean BCVA significantly improved five ( 486.87 ± 95.46 id="M2"> 334.90 69.47 μm id="M3"> 0.51 0.30 id="M4"> 0.35 0.25 LogMAR, respectively, all id="M5"> p < 0.05 ). During 12 months follow-up, 16 (53.33%) maintained without additional treatment. Eyes diabetes mellitus (DM) for ≥15 years, estimated glomerular filtration rate id="M6"> eGFR 80 mL/min/1.73 m2, serum id="M7"> creatinine ≥ 0.95 mg/dL id="M8"> potassium 4.7 mmol/L, presence epiretinal membrane (ERM) more likely have Conclusions. Five doses injection provided significant anatomical improvements DME. Patients longer DM duration, lower eGFR, higher creatinine or potassium levels, ERM predisposed response. Individual can be predicted these risk factors.