Real-World Experience With Brolucizumab 6 mg for Diabetic Macular Edema

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Pharmacological Treatments

Background:

• Diabetic macular edema (DME) poses a significant challenge in diabetes management, impacting visual function.
• Assessing novel therapeutic options like brolucizumab is crucial for improving patient outcomes in DME.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the functional and anatomical efficacy of a single intravitreal injection (IVI) of brolucizumab in patients with DME.
• To compare outcomes in patients with DME based on prior treatment response.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 59 eyes with DME receiving a single brolucizumab IVI.
• Assessment of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers at baseline and one month.
• Sub-analysis comparing treatment-naïve/responsive patients with those unresponsive to prior therapies.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in BCVA (2 ETDRS letters) and reduction in central foveal thickness after one month.
• Marked decrease in OCT biomarkers including subretinal fluid, hyperreflective dots, and nuclear layer cysts.
• Outcomes were particularly significant in patients with DME previously responsive to treatment.

Conclusions:

• A single intravitreal injection of brolucizumab (6 mg) is effective and safe for managing DME.
• Brolucizumab demonstrates notable functional and anatomical benefits, especially in patients with a history of responding to DME therapies.