Study: Similar results in DEXI behavior in DME patients with various prior treatments

Results from a recent retrospective, real-world study that evaluated anatomical and functional behavior after the first intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEXI) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) according to previous treatment found similar anatomical and functional behavior among naive, early switch (≤3 anti-VEGF injections), or late switch (>3 anti-VEGF injections) groups. The naive group presented better best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) over the study period. Poorer visual acuity at baseline was associated with worse functional outcome despite good anatomic response, according to the study researchers.

While previous studies have found DEXI to be an effective option to treat DME, no consensus has been reached on the best time to introduce the treatment. This study, which included data from 2013 and 2020, examined changes in BCVA and central macular thickness (CMT) at months 2 and 6 after the first DEXI in DME. The study included 3 groups of participants: naive, early switch (≤3 anti-VEGF injections), or late switch (>3 anti-VEGF injections).

Among 112 consecutive eyes, mean BCVA and CMT improved significantly in all groups at month 2, with no difference between them. However, this improvement was not maintained at 6 months. The naïve group presented better BCVA over the study period, while the previously treated groups, which started with worse initial visual acuity, showed more visual gain without reaching the BCVA of the naive group. CMT performance was similar between groups.

Reference
Moreno-Martinez A, Blanco-Marchite C, Copete S. Influence of prior treatment protocol on intravitreal dexamethasone implant behavior in patients with diabetic macular edema in real-world practice. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2024;1-7. doi:10.1080/14740338.2024.2305361