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Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical... 2017Some potential role of iron overload in the development of diabetes mellitus have been suggested. Our study aimed to systematically assess the association between the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Some potential role of iron overload in the development of diabetes mellitus have been suggested. Our study aimed to systematically assess the association between the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and iron intakes/body iron status.
METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN
PubMed and Web of Science were searched for relevant articles. Relative risks (RR) of GDM in relation to dietary iron intakes and body iron stores were pooled with the random-effects model. Weighted mean differences of iron blood markers between GDM and non-GDM individuals were also analyzed.
RESULTS
Twenty-five studies were included in the qualitative analysis, and 23 studies with 29,378 participants and 3,034 GDM patients were included in the quantitative analysis. Dietary intake of heme iron was significantly associated with GDM risk (RR=1.65, 95% CI: 1.28 to 2.12), and the pooled RR for each 1mg/day increment of heme iron intake was 1.38 (95% CI: 1.19 to 1.61). No association between GDM and the intakes of nonheme iron, total iron, or supplemental iron was detected. Body iron stores, as represented by serum ferritin level, were correlated with GDM risk (RR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.27 to 2.11). Moreover, the concentrations of both serum ferritin and serum iron were increased in GDM patients, compared with non-GDM individuals.
CONCLUSIONS
Increased dietary intake of heme iron and body iron status are positively associated with the risk of GDM development in pregnant women. Future studies are warranted to better understand the role of iron in GDM development.
Topics: Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Heme; Humans; Iron, Dietary; Nutritional Status; Pregnancy
PubMed: 28917236
DOI: 10.6133/apjcn.022017.09 -
Acta Ophthalmologica Mar 2023Treatment of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC) remains a topic of controversy. As cCSC is a disease that can wax and wane, treatment efficacy is difficult... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Treatment of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC) remains a topic of controversy. As cCSC is a disease that can wax and wane, treatment efficacy is difficult to assess especially when trials compare active treatments without any placebo/control group. In this study, we systematically reviewed short-term efficacies of any cCSC treatment tested in randomized controlled trials (RCT) and employed network meta-analyses to compare to non-treatment controls. We searched 11 literature databases on 20 March 2022 for RCTs of treatment of cCSC. We identified 17 RCTs including a total of 1172 eyes. Treatments included conventional laser (44 eyes), half-dose or half-fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT) (298 eyes), ranibizumab (16 eyes), antioxidants (50 eyes), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (187 eyes), rifampicin (91 eyes), selective retina therapy (SRT) (67 eyes) and subthreshold micropulse laser (192 eyes). Compared with controls, significant benefit on complete subretinal fluid resolution was only obtained from half-dose or half-fluence PDT (OR: 20.6; 95% CI: 6.3-66.7; p < 0.0001) and conventional laser (OR: 36.4; 95% CI: 2.0-655.7; p = 0.015), and at an order of magnitude lower degree from SRT (OR: 3.4; 95% CI: 1.7-6.8; p = 0.00075). Compared with controls and after sensitivity analyses, significant benefit in the change in best-corrected visual acuity was only obtained by half-dose/-fluence PDT (-0.13 logMAR; 95% CI: -0.20 to -0.06 logMAR; p = 0.00021). In conclusion, three treatment options provide significant improvement over no treatment: half-dose/-fluence PDT, conventional laser and to a much lesser degree SRT. Considering that conventional laser can only be applied for extrafoveal leaks, and the long-term data available for PDT-based treatments finding persisting treatment results, half-dose or half-fluence PDT is the only viable treatment option for patients with cCSC. Shortage issues with verteporfin should not lead to employment of ineffective treatment modalities, as they put patients at unnecessary risk of adverse events.
Topics: Humans; Photosensitizing Agents; Central Serous Chorioretinopathy; Photochemotherapy; Network Meta-Analysis; Porphyrins; Visual Acuity; Fluorescein Angiography; Treatment Outcome; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Chronic Disease; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36178171
DOI: 10.1111/aos.15263 -
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy Jun 2024Protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) is the final precursor of heme, forming heme when iron is inserted. Individuals with erythropoietic protoporphyrias (EPP) have accumulation of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) is the final precursor of heme, forming heme when iron is inserted. Individuals with erythropoietic protoporphyrias (EPP) have accumulation of PPIX, causing photosensitivity and increased liver disease risk. Many also have iron deficiency and anemia. We investigated outcomes of oral iron supplements in individuals with EPP.
METHODS
A systematic review identified literature on oral iron supplements in EPP patients. Subsequently, we administered iron supplements to EPP patients with iron deficiency. The primary outcome was impact on PPIX level. Secondary outcomes were adverse events and relative differences in hemoglobin and iron parameters.
RESULTS
The systematic review found 13 case reports and one uncontrolled clinical trial with uncertain results. From our department 10 patients with EPP and iron deficiency took daily dosages of 330 mg of ferrous fumarate for two months. Five of our patients had anemia at baseline. After 2 months of supplementation seven patients had increased PPIX level compared to baseline, two had decrease, one remained unchanged. The administration of iron led to a rise in ferritin, and in four of the anemic patients also to an improvement in blood hemoglobin. A small transiently elevation in plasma alanine transaminase concentration was observed during supplementation.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, iron supplementation in EPP patients replenished iron stores and elevated erythrocyte PPIX and plasma alanine transaminase. For anemic patients, there was some degree of normalization of the hemoglobin level. If iron therapy is needed for EPP patients, monitoring of photosensitivity, PPIX, hemoglobin, and plasma liver enzymes is advisable.
Topics: Humans; Protoporphyria, Erythropoietic; Protoporphyrins; Dietary Supplements; Male; Female; Adult; Iron; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38734198
DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2024.104211 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... 2003In neovascular age-related macular degeneration, new vessels grow under the retina, distorting vision and leading to scarring. This is further exacerbated if the blood... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
In neovascular age-related macular degeneration, new vessels grow under the retina, distorting vision and leading to scarring. This is further exacerbated if the blood vessels leak. Photodynamic therapy, originally used in cancer treatment, has been investigated as a way to treat the neovascular membranes without affecting the retina.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this review is to examine the effects of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched for trials in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials - CENTRAL (which includes the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group trials register) on the Cochrane Library (Issue 4 2002), MEDLINE (1966 to November 2002) and EMBASE (1980 to November 2002). We used the Science Citation Index to search for reports that cited relevant study reports. We contacted experts in the field and we searched the reference lists of relevant studies for further trial reports.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised trials of photodynamic therapy in people with choroidal neovascularisation due to age-related macular degeneration.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two reviewers extracted the data independently. Relative risks were combined using a fixed effect model after testing for heterogeneity using a chi-square test.
MAIN RESULTS
Two published trials were identified that randomised 948 participants to verteporfin therapy compared to 5% dextrose in water. Both trials were performed by the same investigators using largely the same clinical centres and funded by manufacturers of verteporfin. Outcome data were available at 12 and 24 months after the first treatment. Participants received on average five treatments over two years. The relative risk of losing three or more lines of visual acuity at 24 months comparing the intervention with the control group was 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.69 to 0.87). The relative risk of losing six or more lines of visual acuity at 24 months comparing the intervention with the control group was 0.62 (95% confidence interval 0.50 to 0.76). The results at 12 months were similar to those at 24 months.
REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS
Photodynamic therapy in people with choroidal neovascularisation due to age-related macular degeneration is effective in preventing visual loss. Outcomes and potential adverse effects of this treatment should be monitored closely. Further independent trials of Verteporfin are required to establish that the effects seen in this study are consistent and to determine important questions not yet addressed, particularly relating to quality of life and cost.
Topics: Glucose; Humans; Macular Degeneration; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents; Porphyrins; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Retinal Neovascularization; Verteporfin
PubMed: 12804420
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002030 -
The International Journal of... Jul 2013The aim of the study was to evaluate the evidence that serotonin1A (5-HT1A) receptor partial agonists of the azapirone class, which are not antipsychotic, have benefits... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The aim of the study was to evaluate the evidence that serotonin1A (5-HT1A) receptor partial agonists of the azapirone class, which are not antipsychotic, have benefits for adjunctive treatment of overall psychopathology, positive and negative symptoms for patients with schizophrenia. We carried out a systematic review of the literature available through PubMed, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and Google Scholar during September 2012, followed by a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Risk ratio (RR), 95% confidence intervals (CI) and standardized mean difference (s.m.d.) were calculated. Four studies, involving 163 patients with schizophrenia, met inclusion criteria: buspirone: three trials and 137 patients; tandospirone: one trial and 26 patients. As adjunctive therapy, 5-HT1A partial agonists were significantly superior to placebo for overall improvement in psychopathology (s.m.d. = -0.46, CI = -0.79 to -0.13, p = 0.006, N = 4, n = 149) and marginally more effective to improve positive symptoms (s.m.d. = -0.31, CI = -0.64 to 0.01, p = 0.06, N = 4, n = 149). However, 5-HT1A partial agonists were not more efficacious than placebo as adjunctive therapy for improving negative symptoms (s.m.d. = -0.09, CI = -0.60 to 0.42, p = 0.72, N = 4, n = 149). In addition, there was no significant difference in discontinuation rates between 5-HT1A partial agonists and placebo (all cause: RR = 0.98, CI = 0.49-1.98, p = 0.96, N = 4, n = 153, side-effects: RR = 1.96, CI = 0.54-7.19, p = 0.31, N = 4, n = 153). 5-HT1A partial agonists as adjunctive therapy improved overall psychopathology with a trend to improve positive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Because the number of studies was small, additional controlled clinical trials with larger numbers of patients are indicated.
Topics: Adult; Antipsychotic Agents; Buspirone; Confidence Intervals; Drug Synergism; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Online Systems; Porphyrins; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Schizophrenia; Serotonin Receptor Agonists
PubMed: 23551924
DOI: 10.1017/S1461145713000151 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2007In neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) new vessels grow under the retina distorting vision and leading to scarring. This is exacerbated if the blood... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
In neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) new vessels grow under the retina distorting vision and leading to scarring. This is exacerbated if the blood vessels leak. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been investigated as a way to treat the neovascular membranes without affecting the retina.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this review was to examine the effects of PDT in the treatment of neovascular AMD.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched CENTRAL (Issue 1, 2007), MEDLINE (1966 to March 2007), EMBASE (1980 to March 2007). We contacted experts in the field and searched the reference lists of relevant studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised trials of PDT in people with choroidal neovascularisation due to AMD.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently extracted the data. Risk ratios were combined using a fixed-effect model after testing for heterogeneity.
MAIN RESULTS
Three published trials were identified that randomised 1022 participants to verteporfin therapy compared to 5% dextrose in water. The TAP and VIP trials were performed by the same investigators using largely the same clinical centres and funded by manufacturers of verteporfin. Outcome data were available at 12 and 24 months after the first treatment. Participants received on average five treatments over two years. The risk ratio of losing three or more lines of visual acuity at 24 months comparing the intervention with the control group was 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.69 to 0.87). The risk ratio of losing six or more lines of visual acuity at 24 months comparing the intervention with the control group was 0.62 (95% confidence interval 0.50 to 0.76). The results at 12 months were similar to those at 24 months. The most serious adverse outcome, acute (within seven days of treatment) severe visual acuity decrease, occurs in about one in 50 patients. Some outcomes from the more recent VIM trial could be included in the meta-analysis but have not greatly altered the findings.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Photodynamic therapy in people with choroidal neovascularisation due to AMD is probably effective in preventing visual loss though there is doubt about the size of the effect. Outcomes and potential adverse effects of this treatment should be monitored closely. Further independent trials of verteporfin are required to establish that the effects seen in this study are consistent and to examine important issues not yet addressed, particularly relating to quality of life and cost. However, the advent of new interventions for AMD make this unlikely.
Topics: Glucose; Humans; Macular Degeneration; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents; Porphyrins; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Retinal Neovascularization; Verteporfin
PubMed: 17636693
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002030.pub3 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2005In neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) new vessels grow under the retina distorting vision and leading to scarring. This is exacerbated if the blood... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
In neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) new vessels grow under the retina distorting vision and leading to scarring. This is exacerbated if the blood vessels leak. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been investigated as a way to treat the neovascular membranes without affecting the retina.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this review was to examine the effects of PDT in the treatment of neovascular AMD.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (which includes the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register) on The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2005), MEDLINE (1966 to January 2005), EMBASE (1980 to January 2005). We used the Science Citation Index to search for reports that cited relevant studies. We contacted experts in the field and searched the reference lists of relevant studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised trials of PDT in people with choroidal neovascularisation due to AMD.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently extracted the data. Relative risks were combined using a fixed-effect model after testing for heterogeneity.
MAIN RESULTS
Two published trials were identified that randomised 948 participants to verteporfin therapy compared to 5% dextrose in water. Both trials were performed by the same investigators using largely the same clinical centres and funded by manufacturers of verteporfin. Outcome data were available at 12 and 24 months after the first treatment. Participants received on average five treatments over two years. The relative risk of losing three or more lines of visual acuity at 24 months comparing the intervention with the control group was 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.69 to 0.87). The relative risk of losing six or more lines of visual acuity at 24 months comparing the intervention with the control group was 0.62 (95% confidence interval 0.50 to 0.76). The results at 12 months were similar to those at 24 months. The most serious adverse outcome, acute (within 7 days of treatment) severe visual acuity decrease, occurs in about one in 50 patients.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Photodynamic therapy in people with choroidal neovascularisation due to AMD is probably effective in preventing visual loss though there is doubt about the size of the effect. Outcomes and potential adverse effects of this treatment should be monitored closely. Further independent trials of verteporfin are required to establish that the effects seen in this study are consistent and to examine important issues not yet addressed, particularly relating to quality of life and cost.
Topics: Glucose; Humans; Macular Degeneration; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents; Porphyrins; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Retinal Neovascularization; Verteporfin
PubMed: 16235294
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002030.pub2 -
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy Dec 2022The aim of this systematic review was to critically analyze and summarize the currently available scientific evidence concerning antifungal efficacy of aPDT against... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The aim of this systematic review was to critically analyze and summarize the currently available scientific evidence concerning antifungal efficacy of aPDT against Candida on acrylic surface.
METHODS
The focused question was: '"Is aPDT effective in minimizing the counts of Candida on acrylic dentures". A literature search was conducted interpedently on the following electronic research databases: PubMED/MEDLINE, Cochrane, Google Scholar and Embase. The MeSH terms used were: ((antimicrobial photodynamic therapy) OR (light) OR (laser) OR (photodynamic)) AND ((Candida) OR (denture stomatitis)) AND ((denture) OR (acrylic) OR (polymethylmethacrylate) OR (dental prosthesis)). Data was extracted from the studies and quality assessment was carried out using a modified version of the CONSORT checklist.
RESULTS
Eighteen in-vitro anti-microbial studies and 5 clinical studies were included. Twenty-two studies suggested that aPDT was effective in reducing the Candida count on acrylic dentures and one study did not have a significant effect. 19 out of 23 studies were graded as having 'medium' quality and 4 studies were graded as 'high'. Several photosensitizers, including methylene blue, porphyrin derivatives, toluidine blue-O and others were used. LED was the most popular light source used for photo-activation of the photosensitizers.
CONCLUSION
Within the limitations of this review, aPDT is effective in reducing Candida growth on acrylic dentures and may prove to be clinical effective in preventing or treating denture stomatitis. However, more long-term clinical research is required before its clinical efficacy can be determined.
Topics: Photochemotherapy; Candida; Biofilms; Photosensitizing Agents; Antifungal Agents; Candida albicans; Dentures
PubMed: 35809827
DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2022.102980 -
Brain Communications 2024New treatments are needed to improve the prognosis of pneumococcal meningitis. We performed a systematic review on adjunctive treatments in animal models of pneumococcal... (Review)
Review
New treatments are needed to improve the prognosis of pneumococcal meningitis. We performed a systematic review on adjunctive treatments in animal models of pneumococcal meningitis in order to identify treatments with the most potential to progress to clinical trials. Studies testing therapy adjunctive to antibiotics in animal models of pneumococcal meningitis were included. A literature search was performed using Medline, Embase and Scopus for studies published from 1990 up to 17 February 2023. Two investigators screened studies for inclusion and independently extracted data. Treatment effect was assessed on the clinical parameters disease severity, hearing loss and cognitive impairment and the biological parameters inflammation, brain injury and bacterial load. Adjunctive treatments were evaluated by their effect on these outcomes and the quality, number and size of studies that investigated the treatments. Risk of bias was assessed with the SYRCLE risk of bias tool. A total of 58 of 2462 identified studies were included, which used 2703 experimental animals. Disease modelling was performed in rats (29 studies), rabbits (13 studies), mice (12 studies), gerbils (3 studies) or both rats and mice (1 study). Meningitis was induced by injection of into the subarachnoid space. Randomization of experimental groups was performed in 37 of 58 studies (64%) and 12 studies (12%) were investigator-blinded. Overall, 54 treatment regimens using 46 adjunctive drugs were evaluated: most commonly dexamethasone (16 studies), daptomycin (5 studies), complement component 5 (C5; 3 studies) antibody and Mn(III)tetrakis(4-benzoicacid)porphyrin chloride (MnTBAP; 3 studies). The most frequently evaluated outcome parameters were inflammation [32 studies (55%)] and brain injury [32 studies (55%)], followed by disease severity [30 studies (52%)], hearing loss [24 studies (41%)], bacterial load [18 studies (31%)] and cognitive impairment [9 studies (16%)]. Adjunctive therapy that improved clinical outcomes in multiple studies was dexamethasone (6 studies), C5 antibodies (3 studies) and daptomycin (3 studies). HMGB1 inhibitors, matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, neurotrophins, antioxidants and paquinimod also improved clinical parameters but only in single or small studies. Evaluating the treatment effect of adjunctive therapy was complicated by study heterogeneity regarding the animal models used and outcomes reported. In conclusion, 24 of 54 treatment regimens (44%) tested improved clinically relevant outcomes in experimental pneumococcal meningitis but few were tested in multiple well-designed studies. The most promising new adjunctive treatments are with C5 antibodies or daptomycin, suggesting that these drugs could be tested in clinical trials.
PubMed: 38707710
DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae131 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2014Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of uncorrectable severe vision loss in people aged 55 years and older in the developed world. Choroidal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of uncorrectable severe vision loss in people aged 55 years and older in the developed world. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to neovascular AMD accounts for most AMD-related severe vision loss. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents, injected intravitreally, aim to block the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye to prevent vision loss and, in some instances, improve vision.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate: (1) the ocular and systemic effects of, and quality of life associated with, intravitreally injected anti-VEGF agents (pegaptanib, ranibizumab, and bevacizumab) for the treatment of neovascular AMD compared with no anti-VEGF treatment; and (2) the relative effects of one anti-VEGF agent compared with another when administered in comparable dosages and regimens.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register) (2014, Issue 3), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE Daily, Ovid OLDMEDLINE (January 1946 to March 2014), EMBASE (January 1980 to March 2014), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database (LILACS) (January 1982 to March 2014), the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) (www.controlled-trials.com), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov) and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (www.who.int/ictrp/search/en). We used no date or language restrictions in the electronic searches for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 27 March 2014.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated pegaptanib, ranibizumab, or bevacizumab versus each other or a control treatment (e.g., sham treatment or photodynamic therapy). All trials followed participants for at least one year.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently screened records, extracted data, and assessed risks of bias. We contacted trial authors for additional data. We analyzed outcomes as risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MDs). We used the standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 12 RCTs including a total of 5496 participants with neovascular AMD (the number of participants per trial ranged from 28 to 1208). One trial compared pegaptanib, three trials ranibizumab, and two trials bevacizumab versus controls; six trials compared bevacizumab with ranibizumab. Four trials were conducted by pharmaceutical companies; none of the eight studies which evaluated bevacizumab were funded by pharmaceutical companies. The trials were conducted at various centers across five continents (North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia). The overall quality of the evidence was very good, with most trials having an overall low risk of bias.When compared with control treatments, participants who received any of the three anti-VEGF agents were more likely to have gained 15 letters or more of visual acuity, lost fewer than 15 letters of visual acuity, and had vision 20/200 or better after one year of follow up. Visual acuity outcomes after bevacizumab and ranibizumab were similar when the same regimens were compared in the same RCTs, despite the substantially lower cost for bevacizumab compared with ranibizumab. No trial directly compared pegaptanib with other anti-VEGF agents; however, when compared with controls, ranibizumab or bevacizumab yielded larger improvements in visual acuity outcomes than pegaptanib.Participants treated with anti-VEGFs showed improvements in morphologic outcomes (e.g., size of CNV or central retinal thickness) compared with participants not treated with anti-VEGF agents. There was less reduction in central retinal thickness among bevacizumab-treated participants than among ranibizumab-treated participants after one year (MD -13.97 μm; 95% confidence interval (CI) -26.52 to -1.41); however, this difference is within the range of measurement error and we did not interpret it as being clinically meaningful.Ocular inflammation and increased intraocular pressure after intravitreal injection were the most frequently reported serious ocular adverse events. Endophthalmitis was reported in fewer than 1% of anti-VEGF treated participants; no cases were reported in control groups. The occurrence of serious systemic adverse events was comparable across anti-VEGF-treated groups and control groups; however, the numbers of events and trial participants may have been insufficient to detect a meaningful difference between groups. Data for visual function, quality of life, and economic outcomes were sparsely measured and reported.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The results of this review indicate the effectiveness of anti-VEGF agents (pegaptanib, ranibizumab, and bevacizumab) in terms of maintaining visual acuity; ranibizumab and bevacizumab were also shown to improve visual acuity. The information available on the adverse effects of each medication do not suggest a higher incidence of potentially vision-threatening complications with intravitreal injection compared with control interventions; however, clinical trial sample sizes may not have been sufficient to detect rare safety outcomes. Research evaluating variable dosing regimens with anti-VEGF agents, effects of long-term use, combination therapies (e.g., anti-VEGF treatment plus photodynamic therapy), and other methods of delivering the agents should be incorporated into future Cochrane reviews.
Topics: Aged; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Aptamers, Nucleotide; Choroidal Neovascularization; Humans; Intravitreal Injections; Macular Degeneration; Middle Aged; Porphyrins; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Ranibizumab; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Verteporfin; Visual Acuity
PubMed: 25170575
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005139.pub3