Outcomes when Switching from a pro re nata Regimen to a Treat and Extend Regimen Using Aflibercept in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Ophthalmologica. 2016;236(4):201-206. doi: 10.1159/000452929. Epub 2016 Dec 2.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate outcomes in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) switched from a pro re nata regimen (PRN) to a treat and extend regimen (TER) under aflibercept.

Procedure: Thirty-two patients were observed over 2 years: the first year on PRN and the second year on TER. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were evaluated. Intra- and subretinal fluid as well as the number of visits and injections were assessed.

Results: Both regimens resulted in a stable BCVA. Patients in TER had a significant decrease of CRT after 1 year compared to 1 year of treatment on PRN (p < 0.0001). TER resulted in significantly less visits; however, significantly more injections were observed over the course of 1 year compared to PRN (10.25 vs. 7.5, p < 0.0001 and 5.97 vs. 7.5, p = 0.0002, respectively).

Conclusion: A switch from PRN to TER in patients treated with aflibercept for AMD appears to be safe.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Intravitreal Injections
  • Macular Degeneration / complications
  • Macular Degeneration / diagnosis
  • Macular Degeneration / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / administration & dosage*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / administration & dosage*
  • Retina / diagnostic imaging*
  • Retinal Neovascularization / diagnosis
  • Retinal Neovascularization / etiology
  • Retinal Neovascularization / prevention & control*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Visual Acuity*

Substances

  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • aflibercept
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor