The Effects of Intravitreal Agents on Systemic Vascular Diseases in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy
Abstract Purpose: To assess the risk for cerebrovascular desease (CVD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) in diabetic patients who were treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF agents and compare the rates of CVD and CAD with diabetic controls. Methods: A retrospective chart review of diabetic patients was performed. The need for intravitreal injection and type of agent were noted. If clinically significant or center-involving diabetic macular edema (DME) were determined, intravitreal anti-VEGF agents were used. The CVD and/or CAD occurred within 6 months of the intravitreal injection were accepted as the main outcomes of the study. The records of diabetic patients who were followed up but not needed intravitreal injections were accepted as the control group of the study. Comparisons between these groups were performed.Results: The number of patients enrolled in the study was 9751 (5243 female, 4508 male patients). Of these patients, 1261 patients were received various intravitreal injections. Patients who had CVD history were divided into two groups according to whether they received intravitreal injection or not. There was statistically significant difference between these groups in terms of CVD history (p<0,001). There was statistically significant difference in the hazard of CVD between different anti-VEGF treatments (p<0,001). Patients who had CAD history were divided into two groups according to whether they received intravitreal injection or not. There was no statistically significant difference between these groups in terms of CAD history (p=0,31). Discussion: The risk for CVD was seen to increase with the intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment in diabetic patients. The rate of CVD was higher in patients who received intravitreal bevacizumab treatment.