Effects of Novel Anti-VEGF Agents with Intravitreal Conbercept in Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal conbercept (IVC) for diabetic retinopathy (DR) compared with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA). PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP database, and Wanfang database were searched from their earliest records to January 2020. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of conbercept in DR patients compared with ITVA. Outcomes included the mean changes from the baseline in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) score, central macular thickness (CMT), quality of life (QoL) over time, and the incidence of adverse events (AEs). A total of 19 RCTs involving 1,811 eyes were included in this meta-analysis. IVC might improve BCVA (WMD = 0.10, 95% CI (0.07, 0.12), $P<0.001$ ) and reduce CMT (WMD = −102.5, 95% CI (−148.48, −56.53), $P<0.001$ ) compared to IVTA. The incidence of AEs in patients receiving IVC was significantly lower than those receiving IVTA (RR = 0.29, 95% CI (0.21, 0.40), $P<0.001$ ). Patients with IVC treatments acquired better self-care, mobility, social, and mental scores compared with IVTA ( $P<0.001$ ). Current evidence shows that IVC has better effects and safety than IVTA in treating DR, and it can significantly enhance the QoL of patients with DR.