Higher BMI, geographic atrophy may suggest poor response to aflibercept

Elevated body mass index and presence of geographic atrophy may be associated with a poor response to aflibercept in patients with age-related macular degeneration who were previously treated with ranibizumab or bevacizumab, according to a study.

The retrospective chart review included 46 patients with AMD who were previously treated with Lucentis (ranibizumab, Genentech) or Avastin (bevacizumab, Genentech) before switching to Eylea (aflibercept, Regeneron).

Visual acuity was assessed before the switch to aflibercept, after 1, 3 and 12 months, and at the most recent office visit.

Investigators examined demographic and ocular features and overall health characteristics, including BMI, smoking status, comorbidities, use of anti-inflammatory medications and steroids, number of ranibizumab or bevacizumab injections, and use of vitamin and mineral supplements.

Vision improved in 29 eyes of 25 patients and declined in 23 eyes of 21 patients.

The average BMI was 28.18 among patients who responded poorly to aflibercept and 25.49 among those who responded well; the difference was statistically significant (P = .0252); 33% of patients who responded poorly to aflibercept and no patients who responded well were clinically obese (P = .0014).

In addition, 43.48% of patients who responded poorly to aflibercept and 17.24% of patients who responded well had geographic atrophy at baseline (P = .0381). – by Matt Hasson

Disclosure: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.

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Source:

Cheng S, et al. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2016;doi:10.3928/23258160-20160419-09.