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Intensive ranibizumab treatment of AMD linked to vascular adverse events
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Intensity of intravitreal ranibizumab treatment for age-related macular degeneration may be linked to vascular adverse events, but not to an increased risk of mortality, according to researchers.
The researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 11 randomized trials that comprised 6,596 patients with AMD. The trials selected compared systemic safety among varied intensities of ranibizumab (Lucentis, Genentech) treatment for AMD.
Primary outcome measures were the incidence of cerebrovascular accidents, myocardial infarctions, non-ocular hemorrhages, overall arterial thromboembolic events and causes of mortality.
Results showed a significant increase in cerebrovascular accidents with 0.5 mg vs. 0.3 mg/0 mg ranibizumab and with monthly treatment vs. as-needed injections/0 mg.
The incidence of non-ocular hemorrhage was significantly greater among patients who received 0.3 mg or 0.5 mg doses of ranibizumab compared with those who received no ranibizumab.
The incidence of arterial thromboembolic events was greater among patients who received monthly vs. as-needed treatment, but not significantly so, according to the researchers.
Dosage and frequency of treatment had no significant impact on the incidence of myocardial infarction or overall mortality, the researchers found.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.
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