Evaluation of the effect of combined intravitreal ranibizumab injection and sub-tenon steroid injection in the treatment of resistant diabetic macular edema.

PURPOSE

To compare sub-tenon steroid plus anti-VEGF injection with anti-VEGF injection solely in the treatment of resistant diabetic macular edema (DME).

METHOD

Patients who exhibited insufficient anatomic [over 350 μm central macular thickness (CMT)] and less than 3 lines of visual gain at least six anti-VEGF injections, were randomly divided into two groups. In group I, the anti-VEGF injection was performed 10 days after the sub-tenon steroid injection [Triamcinolone acetonide (Sinakort-A)]. And anti-VEGF was performed when needed during the follow-up period. In group II, treatment was continued with anti-VEGF only. All patients' visual acuity and CMT were followed up for 6 months.

RESULTS

The baseline BCVA in group I and group II was 0.51 ± 0.667 logMAR and 0.47 ± 0.60 logMAR, respectively (p = 0.52). In group I and II, at the end of 6-month follow-up, BCVA improved to 0.38 ± 0.60 logMAR (p < 0.001) and 0.43 ± 0.60 logMAR (p = 0.20), respectively. The baseline CMT in group I and group II was 494 ± 118.32 and 438.20 ± 90.99 μm, respectively (p = 0.029). In group I and II, at the end of 6 months, CMT decreased to 302.57 ± 69.89 μm (p < 0.001) and 439.20 ± 107.6 μm (p = 0.96), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Adding steroid to routine anti-VEGF treatment is an effective way of treatment method for resistant DME.