@article{MAKHILLRJMS2024181131684,
    title = {Evaluating Renal Safety of Intravitreal Anti‐VEGF Agents in Diabetic Macular Edema},
    journal = {Research Journal of Medical Sciences},
    volume = {18},
    number = {11},
    pages = {616-620},
    year = {2024},
    issn = {1815-9346},
    doi = {makrjms.2024.11.616.620},
    url = {https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?issn=1815-9346&doi=makrjms.2024.11.616.620},
    author = {Mathew,S.,Biju,V.,J. and},
    keywords = {Diabetic macular edema, anti‐VEGF therapy, intravitreal injection, renal function, EGFR, bevacizumab, aflibercept, ranibizumab, nephrotoxicity, chronic kidney disease},
    abstract = {<p style="text-align:justify">Intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (anti‐VEGF) therapy has become the mainstay for treating diabetic macular edema (DME). While systemic administration of anti‐VEGF agents is known to affect renal function in oncology patients, the renal safety profile of intravitreal injections remains uncertain, particularly in patients with diabetes who are at higher risk of nephropathy. To evaluate the risk of renal function deterioration following intravitreal administration of anti‐VEGF agents in patients with diabetic macular edema. This observational, retrospective study included 66 patients treated with intravitreal anti‐VEGF injections for DME at Infanta Leonor Hospital, Madrid, Spain, between December 2019 and January 2021. Renal function was assessed using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum creatinine levels measured at baseline and after treatment. Changes in renal parameters were analyzed in relation to the number of injections, baseline renal status and type of anti‐VEGF agent used. The mean age of patients was 67.5 years and 56.1% were male. Bevacizumab was the most frequently administered agent (68.2%), followed by aflibercept and ranibizumab. Across the cohort, no statistically significant decline in renal function was observed post‐treatment. Mean eGFR remained stable (from 68.9&plusmn;17.2mL/min /1.73m&sup2; at baseline to 68.2&plusmn;16.9mL/min/1.73m&sup2; post‐treatment., p=0.31). Subgroup analysis showed no significant renal impact even in patients with pre‐existing chronic kidney disease (CKD) or in those receiving multiple injections. Intra vitreal anti‐VEGF therapy for diabetic macular edema does not appear to significantly compromise renal function in routine clinical practice. These findings support the renal safety of intravitreal anti‐VEGF agents, even in patients with underlying renal impairment, reinforcing their continued use in DME management.</p>
}
    }