Combined Use of Anti-VEGF Drugs Before and During Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Severe Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the combined administration of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs before and during pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and to explore its efficacy and safety in the treatment of patients with severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). METHODS: This retrospective case series included consecutive patients who underwent PPV. Patients were categorized into two groups: the preoperative group was injected with anti-VEGF drugs before PPV, and the combination group was injected with anti-VEGF drugs before and during PPV. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative clinical data were collected for analysis. The main outcome measures were changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) and occurrence of postoperative vitreous cavity haemorrhage (POVCH). RESULTS: In total, 63 eyes of 60 patients with severe PDR were analysed. The operative duration and occurrence of intraoperative haemorrhage, iatrogenic retinal breaks, and silicone oil tamponade were similar between the two groups. The benefits on BCVA, and CRT after 1 week postoperatively, were more obvious in the combination group (P < 0.01). Combination therapy had the potential to reduce the incidence of POVCH. No ocular or systemic adverse events occurred in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of anti-VEGF drugs before and during PPV in patients with severe PDR not only includes the advantages of preoperative injection, but also has more significant prognostic benefits and favourable safety profiles.