Diclofenac may serve as useful adjunct to anti-VEGF in DME treatment

Intravitreal injection of diclofenac as an adjunct or alternative to other treatments such as anti-VEGF drugs might enhance the functional outcomes in eyes with naïve diabetic macular oedema (DME), according to a study presented at the 13th EURETINA Congress.

“The efficacy of intravitreal diclofenac (IVD) is probably due to its effect on retinal perfusion rather than on leakage reduction. Diclofenac may enhance both rod- and cone-mediated inner retinal responses,” said Masoud Soheilian MD.

The purpose of the study was set out to compare single injection of IVD (VD) with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) in the treatment of eyes with naïve diabetic macular oedema (DME).

In this randomised clinical trial, 57 eyes of 57 patients were randomly assigned to IVD group (30 eyes) who received a single intravitreal injection of diclofenac and IVB group (27 eyes) who received a single intravitreal injection of bevacizumab. Change in best-corrected visual acuity in logMAR at week 12 was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes included changes in central macular thickness, macular leakage and potential injection-related complications.