DME patients lost to follow-up at higher risk of developing proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) who did not adhere to intravitreal aflibercept therapy had significantly worse visual outcomes compared to patients who adhered to treatment, according to a study.

Of the 200 patients included in this study, 51% (n = 51%) adhered to intravitreal aflibercept therapy and follow-up. Significant decrease in visual acuity was noted in 47% of patients lost to follow-up who returned for further treatment after 48 months. In the adherent group and the return group, 1% and 17% developed proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

The authors concluded that patients who were lost to follow-up had 13 times great chance of developing a proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Reference
Angermann R, Hofer M, Huber AL, et al. The impact of compliance among patients with diabetic macular oedema treated with intravitreal aflibercept: a 48-month follow-up study. Acta Ophthalmol. 2021;https://doi.org/10.1111/aos.14946