Abstract
Purpose: To investigate longer-term functional and morphological outcomes and their predictors in diabetic macular edema (DME) following a treat and extend regimen (TER) without loading dose under ranibizumab.
Methods: Patient data were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively over a period of 24 months after initiation of TER. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), treatment frequency as well as quantitative and qualitative Spectral-domain Optical Coherence Tomography parameters were assessed.
Results: 118 eyes of 87 patients were included. A mean of 9.742.13 injections in the first and 7.632.29 in the second year were applied. There were significant gains of BCVA and reductions in central retinal thickness from baseline to month 12 and 24 (all p<0.001). Percentage of eyes with an intact inner-/outer segment (IS/OS) junction increased from 15.3% at baseline to 42.1% at month 24 (p<0.001). An intact IS/OS junction at baseline increased the probability of having a dry retina after 12 months by 79.3% (p=0.017) and after 24 months by 88.1% (p=0.040). Less IS/OS disruption at baseline predicted longer maximum recurrence-free treatment intervals at 2 years (r=-0.345, p<0.001) and better BCVA at one year (r=-0.347, p<0.001). Baseline bigger intraretinal cysts were associated with more IS/OS disruption at 24 months (r=0.305, p=0.007). Younger age and lower BCVA at baseline were predictive for a higher BCVA gain at 24 months (p=0.046, p<0.001).
Conclusion: Ranibizumab applied in a TER without loading dose in DME significantly improves visual acuity and retinal anatomical structure throughout two years. The evaluated predictors might help to guide routine clinical treatment in DME.
Wavelength‐decomposition‐based embedded cluster density approximation for systems with nonlocal electron correlation
