Comparative efficacy of intravitreal pharmacotherapy for macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion: A protocol for the systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Multiple intravitreal pharmacotherapies including different anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), intravitreal steroids, and combined therapy with anti-VEGF and steroids are available for patients with macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). However, the recommendation of multiple therapies remains unknown. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of multiple intravitreal pharmacotherapies in patients with macular edema secondary to RVO. METHODS: We will systematically search the PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library for eligible studies. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with intravitreal pharmacotherapies for patients with macular edema secondary to RVO will be included. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool will be used to assess the risk of bias in the randomized trial. The primary outcome is the mean change in BCVA from baseline. The secondary outcomes are the proportion of patients who gained ≥15 letters in BCVA from baseline, the mean change in central retinal thickness from baseline and the number of serious adverse events. RESULTS: The result will obtain a comprehensive treatment recommendation for macular edema secondary to RVO. CONCLUSION: The results of the network meta-analysis will be submitted in a peer-reviewed journal for publication. ETHICAL STATEMENT: This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.