Time to Exudative Recurrence After Complete Fluid Resolution Following Anti-VEGF Loading in Neovascular Age-Related...

Background/Objectives: The timing of exudative recurrence after complete fluid resolution following anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) loading in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is unpredictable. We prespecified two questions: whether the speed of fluid resolution during loading, or the baseline pigment epithelial detachment (PED) type, predict recurrence timing. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 72 treatment-naïve nAMD eyes that achieved complete resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF) and intraretinal fluid (IRF) after three monthly loading injections, then observed them under a pro re nata strategy. Time from the post-loading dry-confirmation visit to first detected recurrence was analyzed with Kaplan-Meier and Cox models; baseline variables with univariable p < 0.10 were entered into a multivariable model. Results: Recurrence was detected in 58 eyes (80.6%); median recurrence-free survival was 139 days (95% CI, 118-158). Resolution of SRF or IRF by one month was not significantly associated with recurrence timing (p = 0.586 and 0.054). Fibrovascular PED was associated with earlier detected recurrence compared with non-fibrovascular PED (adjusted hazard ratio 2.40, 95% CI, 1.17-4.92; p = 0.017; median 130 vs. 602 days). Eyes with fibrovascular PED were monitored more frequently, but the association persisted in an interval-censored sensitivity analysis (adjusted HR 2.71, 95% CI, 1.32-5.60). Conclusions: The speed of fluid resolution was not significantly associated with recurrence timing, whereas fibrovascular PED was associated with earlier detected recurrence and may represent a candidate prognostic marker requiring prospective validation.