Title

Anti-VEGF vs. Prompt Vitrectomy for VH From PDR
Intravitreous Anti-VEGF vs. Prompt Vitrectomy for Vitreous Hemorrhage From Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Phase

    Phase 2/Phase 3
  • Study Type

    Interventional
  • Intervention/Treatment

    aflibercept ...
  • Study Participants

    205
Although vitreous hemorrhage (VH) from proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) can cause acute and dramatic vision loss for patients with diabetes, there is no current, evidence-based clinical guidance as to what treatment method is most likely to provide the best visual outcomes once intervention is desired. Intravitreous anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy alone or vitrectomy combined with intraoperative PRP each provide the opportunity to stabilize or regress retinal neovascularization. However, clinical trials are lacking to elucidate the relative time frame of visual recovery or final visual outcome in prompt vitrectomy compared with initial anti-VEGF treatment. The Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network Protocol N demonstrated short-term trends consistent with a possible beneficial effect of anti-VEGF treatment in eyes with VH from PDR, including greater visual acuity improvement and reduced rates of recurrent VH as compared with saline injection. It is possible that a study with a longer duration of follow-up with structured anti-VEGF retreatment would demonstrate even greater effectiveness of anti-VEGF for VH to avoid vitrectomy and its attendant adverse events while also improving visual acuity. On the other hand, advances in surgical techniques leading to faster operative times, quicker patient recovery, and reduced complication rates may make prompt vitrectomy a more attractive alternative since it results in the immediate ability to clear hemorrhage and to perform PRP if desired, often as part of one procedure. This proposed study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of two treatment approaches for eyes with VH from PDR: prompt vitrectomy + PRP and intravitreous aflibercept injections.
A participant could have only one eye enrolled in the study.
Study Started
Nov 30
2016
Primary Completion
Jan 31
2020
Study Completion
Jan 31
2020
Results Posted
Jan 19
2021
Last Update
Apr 20
2021

Drug 2-mg Intravitreous Aflibercept Injection

Soluble decoy receptor fusion protein that has a high binding affinity to all isoforms of VEGF as well as to placental growth factor.

  • Other names: Eylea, Vascular endothelial growth factor Trap-Eye

Procedure Prompt Vitrectomy Plus Panretinal Photocoagulation

Surgical removal of the vitreous gel and associated hemorrhage, concurrent delivery of panretinal endolaser

  • Other names: PRP

Intravitreous 2 mg aflibercept injections Active Comparator

Initial injection must be given on the day of randomization. Follow-up injections will be performed as often as every 4 weeks unless criteria for deferral are met.

Prompt vitrectomy plus panretinal photocoagulation Active Comparator

For the prompt vitrectomy + panretinal photocoagulation group, the vitrectomy must be scheduled to be performed within 2 weeks of randomization. Vitrectomy will be performed according to the investigator's usual routine, including pre-operative care, surgical procedure, and post-operative care, although anti-VEGF may not be given post-operatively unless there is recurrent hemorrhage.

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Age >= 18 years Participants <18 years old are not being included because proliferative diabetic retinopathy is so rare in this age group that the diagnosis may be questionable.
Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (type 1 or type 2)

Any one of the following will be considered to be sufficient evidence that diabetes is present:

Current regular use of insulin for the treatment of diabetes
Current regular use of oral anti-hyperglycemia agents for the treatment of diabetes

Documented diabetes by American Diabetes Association and/or World Health Organization criteria 4. Able and willing to provide informed consent. 5. Patient is willing and able to undergo vitrectomy within next 2 weeks and the vitrectomy can be scheduled within that time frame.

6. Vitreous hemorrhage causing vision impairment, presumed to be from proliferative diabetic retinopathy, for which intervention is deemed necessary.

Note: Prior panretinal photocoagulation is neither a requirement nor an exclusion.

Subhyaloid hemorrhage alone does not make an eye eligible; however, presence of subhyaloid hemorrhage in addition to the criteria above will not preclude participation provided the investigator is comfortable with either treatment regimen.

7. Immediate vitrectomy not required (investigator and participant are willing to wait at least 4 months to see if hemorrhage clears sufficiently with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor without having to proceed to vitrectomy).

8. Visual acuity letter score ≤78 (approximate Snellen equivalent 20/32) and at least light perception.

9. Investigators should use particular caution when considering enrollment of an eye with visual acuity letter score 69 to 78 (approximate Snellen equivalent 20/32 to 20/40) to ensure that the need for vitrectomy and its potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Exclusion Criteria:

A potential participant is not eligible if any of the following exclusion criteria are present:

History of chronic renal failure requiring dialysis (including placement of fistula if performed in preparation for dialysis) or kidney transplant.
A condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would preclude participation in the study (e.g., unstable medical status including blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and glycemic control).
Initiation of intensive insulin treatment (a pump or multiple daily injections) within 4 months prior to randomization or plans to do so in the next 4 months.
A condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would preclude participant undergoing elective vitrectomy surgery if indicated during the study.

Participation in an investigational trial within 30 days of randomization that involved treatment with any drug that has not received regulatory approval for the indication being studied.

• Note: participants cannot receive another investigational drug while participating in the study.

Known allergy to any component of the study drug or any drug used in the injection prep (including povidone iodine).
Blood pressure > 180/110 (systolic above 180 or diastolic above 110).
If blood pressure is brought below 180/110 by anti-hypertensive treatment, potential participant can become eligible.

Systemic anti-vascular endothelial growth factor or pro-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment within 4 months prior to randomization.

• These drugs cannot be used during the study.

For women of child-bearing potential: pregnant or lactating or intending to become pregnant within the next two years.

• Women who are potential participants should be questioned about the potential for pregnancy. Investigator judgment is used to determine when a pregnancy test is needed.

Potential participant is expecting to move out of the area of the clinical center to an area not covered by another clinical center during the two years.

Evidence of traction detachment involving or threatening the macula.

• If the density of the hemorrhage precludes a visual assessment on clinical exam to confirm eligibility, then it is recommended that assessment be performed with ultrasound as standard care.

Evidence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

• If the density of the hemorrhage precludes a visual assessment on clinical exam to confirm eligibility, then it is recommended that assessment be performed with ultrasound as standard care.

Evidence of neovascular glaucoma (iris or angle neovascularization is not an exclusion).
Known diabetic macular edema (DME), defined as either
Optical coherence tomography central subfield thickness (microns):
Zeiss Cirrus: ≥290 in women; ≥305 in men
Heidelberg Spectralis: ≥305 in women; ≥320 in men OR
Diabetic macular edema on clinical exam that the investigator believes currently requires treatment.
History of intravitreous anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment within 2 months prior to current vitreous hemorrhage onset or after onset.
History of intraocular corticosteroid treatment within 4 months prior to current vitreous hemorrhage onset or after onset.
History of major ocular surgery (including cataract extraction, scleral buckle, any intraocular surgery, etc.) within prior 4 months or major ocular surgery other than vitrectomy anticipated within the next 6 months following randomization.
History of vitrectomy.
History of YAG capsulotomy performed within 2 months prior to randomization.
Aphakia.
Uncontrolled glaucoma (in investigator's judgment).
Exam evidence of severe external ocular infection, including conjunctivitis, chalazion, or substantial blepharitis.

Summary

Intravitreous 2 mg Aflibercept Injections

Prompt Vitrectomy Plus Panretinal Photocoagulation

All Events

Event Type Organ System Event Term Intravitreous 2 mg Aflibercept Injections Prompt Vitrectomy Plus Panretinal Photocoagulation

E-ETDRS Visual Acuity Letter Score (Area Under the Curve From Baseline)

The area under the curve (units = letters·weeks) was divided by 24 weeks (units = weeks) to obtain an average change in letter score (units = letters) over the 24-weekr follow-up. Best-corrected visual acuity following protocol-defined refraction. Visual Acuity was measured with the Electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (E-ETDRS) visual acuity test on a scale from 100 letters (Snellen equivalent of 20/10) to 0 letters (Snellen equivalent of <20/800). Higher scores indicate better visual acuity and lower scores indicate worse visual acuity.

Intravitreous 2 mg Aflibercept Injections

59.3
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 21.9

Prompt Vitrectomy Plus Panretinal Photocoagulation

63.0
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 21.7

E-ETDRS Visual Acuity Letter Score

Best-corrected visual acuity following protocol-defined refraction. Visual Acuity was measured with the Electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (E-ETDRS) visual acuity test on a scale from 100 letters (Snellen equivalent of 20/10) to 0 letters (Snellen equivalent <20/800). Higher scores indicate better visual acuity and lower scores indicate worse visual acuity.

Intravitreous 2 mg Aflibercept Injections

52.6
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 29.4

Vitrectomy With Panretinal Photocoagulation

62.3
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 26.8

E-ETDRS Visual Acuity Letter Score

Best-corrected visual acuity following protocol-defined refraction. Visual Acuity was measured with the Electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (E-ETDRS) visual acuity test on a scale from 100 letters (Snellen equivalent of 20/10) to 0 letters (Snellen equivalent <20/800). Higher scores indicate better visual acuity and lower scores indicate worse visual acuity.

Intravitreous 2 mg Aflibercept Injections

63.7
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 25.0

Prompt Vitrectomy Plus Panretinal Photocoagulation

67.3
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 24.7

E-ETDRS Visual Acuity Letter Score

Best-corrected visual acuity following protocol-defined refraction. Visual Acuity was measured with the Electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (E-ETDRS) visual acuity test on a scale from 100 letters (Snellen equivalent of 20/10) to 0 letters (Snellen equivalent <20/800). Higher scores indicate better visual acuity and lower scores indicate worse visual acuity.

Intravitreous 2 mg Aflibercept Injections

69.4
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 23.8

Prompt Vitrectomy Plus Panretinal Photocoagulation

69.0
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 23.1

E-ETDRS Visual Acuity Letter Score

Best-corrected visual acuity following protocol-defined refraction. Visual Acuity was measured with the Electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (E-ETDRS) visual acuity test on a scale from 100 letters (Snellen equivalent of 20/10) to 0 letters (Snellen equivalent <20/800). Higher scores indicate better visual acuity and lower scores indicate worse visual acuity.

Intravitreous 2 mg Aflibercept Injections

70.5
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 20.3

Prompt Vitrectomy Plus Panretinal Photocoagulation

72.7
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 20.3

E-ETDRS Visual Acuity Letter Score

Best-corrected visual acuity following protocol-defined refraction. Visual Acuity was measured with the Electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (E-ETDRS) visual acuity test on a scale from 100 letters (Snellen equivalent of 20/10) to 0 letters (Snellen equivalent <20/800). Higher scores indicate better visual acuity and lower scores indicate worse visual acuity.

Intravitreous 2 mg Aflibercept Injections

73.7
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 16.4

Prompt Vitrectomy Plus Panretinal Photocoagulation

71.0
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 24.0

E-ETDRS Visual Acuity Letter Score (Area Under the Curve From Baseline)

Best-corrected visual acuity following protocol-defined refraction. Visual Acuity was measured with the Electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (E-ETDRS) visual acuity test on a scale from 100 letters (Snellen equivalent of 20/10) to 0 letters (Snellen equivalent <20/800). Higher scores indicate better visual acuity and lower scores indicate worse visual acuity. The area under the curve (units = letters·years) was divided by 2 years (units = years) to obtain an average change in letter score (units = letters) over the 2-year follow-up. Best-corrected visual acuity following protocol-defined refraction. Visual Acuity was measured with the Electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (E-ETDRS) visual acuity test on a scale from 100 letters (Snellen equivalent of 20/10) to 0 letters (Snellen equivalent of <20/800). Higher scores indicate better visual acuity and lower scores indicate worse visual acuity.

Intravitreous 2 mg Aflibercept Injections

68.7
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 15.0

Prompt Vitrectomy Plus Panretinal Photocoagulation

70.0
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 18.8

Snellen Equivalent Range (Visual Acuity Score)

Best-corrected visual acuity following protocol-defined refraction. Visual Acuity was measured with the Electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (E-ETDRS) visual acuity test on a scale from 100 letters (Snellen equivalent of 20/10) to 0 letters (Snellen equivalent <20/800). Higher scores indicate better visual acuity and lower scores indicate worse visual acuity.

Intravitreous 2 mg Aflibercept Injections

20/200 or worse (<=38)

20/32 or better (>=74)

Prompt Vitrectomy Plus Panretinal Photocoagulation

20/200 or worse (<=38)

20/32 or better (>=74)

Snellen Equivalent Range (Visual Acuity Score)

Best-corrected visual acuity following protocol-defined refraction. Visual Acuity was measured with the Electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (E-ETDRS) visual acuity test on a scale from 100 letters (Snellen equivalent of 20/10) to 0 letters (Snellen equivalent <20/800). Higher scores indicate better visual acuity and lower scores indicate worse visual acuity.

Intravitreous 2 mg Aflibercept Injections

20/200 or worse (<=38)

20/32 or better (>=74

Prompt Vitrectomy Plus Panretinal Photocoagulation

20/200 or worse (<=38)

20/32 or better (>=74

Snellen Equivalent Range (Visual Acuity Score)

Best-corrected visual acuity following protocol-defined refraction. Visual Acuity was measured with the Electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (E-ETDRS) visual acuity test on a scale from 100 letters (Snellen equivalent of 20/10) to 0 letters (Snellen equivalent <20/800). Higher scores indicate better visual acuity and lower scores indicate worse visual acuity.

Intravitreous 2 mg Aflibercept Injections

20/200 or worse (<=38)

20/32 or better (>=74

Prompt Vitrectomy Plus Panretinal Photocoagulation

20/200 or worse (<=38)

20/32 or better (>=74

Snellen Equivalent Range (Visual Acuity Score)

Best-corrected visual acuity following protocol-defined refraction. Visual Acuity was measured with the Electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (E-ETDRS) visual acuity test on a scale from 100 letters (Snellen equivalent of 20/10) to 0 letters (Snellen equivalent <20/800). Higher scores indicate better visual acuity and lower scores indicate worse visual acuity.

Intravitreous 2 mg Aflibercept Injections

20/200 or worse (<=38)

20/32 or better (>=74

Prompt Vitrectomy Plus Panretinal Photocoagulation

20/200 or worse (<=38)

20/32 or better (>=74

Snellen Equivalent Range (Visual Acuity Score)

Best-corrected visual acuity following protocol-defined refraction. Visual Acuity was measured with the Electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (E-ETDRS) visual acuity test on a scale from 100 letters (Snellen equivalent of 20/10) to 0 letters (Snellen equivalent <20/800). Higher scores indicate better visual acuity and lower scores indicate worse visual acuity..

Intravitreous 2 mg Aflibercept Injections

20/200 or worse (<=38)

20/32 or better (>=74

Prompt Vitrectomy Plus Panretinal Photocoagulation

20/200 or worse (<=38)

20/32 or better (>=74

Recurrent Vitreous Hemorrhage

Assessed by the investigator and defined as presence of vitreous hemorrhage after a period of absence. Excludes eyes in which vitreous hemorrhage could not be assessed during follow-up.

Intravitreous 2 mg Aflibercept Injections

Prompt Vitrectomy Plus Panretinal Photocoagulation

Retinal Neovascularization on Clinical Exam

Defined as neovascularization of the disc or elsewhere. Excludes eyes in which retinal neovascularization could not be determined.

Intravitreous 2 mg Aflibercept Injections

Prompt Vitrectomy Plus Panretinal Photocoagulation

Retinal Neovascularization on Clinical Exam

Defined as neovascularization of the disc or elsewhere. Excludes eyes in which retinal neovascularization could not be determined

Intravitreous 2 mg Aflibercept Injections

Prompt Vitrectomy Plus Panretinal Photocoagulation

Retinal Neovascularization on Clinical Exam

Defined as neovascularization of the disc or elsewhere. Excludes eyes in which retinal neovascularization could not be determined

Intravitreous 2 mg Aflibercept Injections

Prompt Vitrectomy Plus Panretinal Photocoagulation

Total

205
Participants

Age, Continuous

57
years (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 11

Body Mass Index

31
kg/m^2 (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 7

Duration of Diabetes

20
years (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 11

E-ETDRS visual acuity letter score

34.5
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 28.4

Hemoglobin A1c

8.5
Hemoglobin A1c percentage (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 2.0

Intraocular Pressure

15
mmHg (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 4

Kidney Disease

38
Participants

Mean Arterial Blood Pressure

102
mmHg (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 12

Prior anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for diabetic macular edema

51
Eyes

Prior anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for diabetic retinopathy

45
Eyes

Prior focal/grid laser for Diabetic Macular Edema

31
Eyes

Prior Myocardial Infarction

22
Participants

Prior panretinal photocoagulation

100
Eyes

Prior Stroke

13
Participants

Prior Treatment for Diabetic Macular Edema

66
Eyes

Traction Retinal Detachment, Macula Not Threatened

8
Eyes

Approximate Duration of Vitreous Hemorrhage

Daily Cigarette Smoking

Diabetes Type

Insulin Used

Lens Status on Clinical Exam

Race/Ethnicity, Customized

Region of Enrollment

Sex: Female, Male

Overall Study

Intravitreous 2 mg Aflibercept Injections

Vitrectomy With Panretinal Photocoagulation

Drop/Withdrawal Reasons

Intravitreous 2 mg Aflibercept Injections

Vitrectomy With Panretinal Photocoagulation