Journal
CURRENT OPINION IN OPHTHALMOLOGY
Volume 24, Issue 3, Pages 197-204Publisher
LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS
DOI: 10.1097/ICU.0b013e32835f8bbe
Keywords
adverse events; aflibercept; bevacizumab; ranibizumab; vascular endothelial growth factor
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Funding
- Clinician Scientist Award from the Southeastern Ontario Academic Medical Organization
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research New Investigator Awards from the Institute of Aging
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research
- Canadian Patient Safety Institute chair in Patient Safety and Continuity of Care
- Ontario MOHLTC
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Purpose of review The development of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors has revolutionized the treatment of retinal diseases. However, VEGF functions in many physiological and pathological processes. Consequently, inhibition of this signalling molecule carries the potential to cause serious adverse events. Recent findings Numerous clinical trials, meta-analyses and population-based studies have provided data regarding the safety of intravitreal VEGF inhibitor injections. Although individual trials and some meta-analyses have not found significant risks, other meta-analyses have suggested possible risks, especially in patients with multiple baseline risk factors. Population-based studies have not found increased risks of vascular adverse events. Summary Overall, results across studies with differing methodologies provide some reassurance that the widespread use of intravitreal injections of VEGF inhibitors has not resulted in significant increases in the risks of adverse events. However, ongoing vigilance and further study remain priorities, with a particular need for greater evaluation of high-risk subgroups. Rapidly evolving treatment options for ocular diseases including new drugs and new delivery technologies will require ongoing evaluations of safety.
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