RENAL FUNCTION IMPAIRMENT IN DIABETIC PATIENTS AFTER INTRAVITREAL INJECTION OF ANTI-VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Intravitreal administration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors is the treatment of a wide variety of retinal diseases. Kidney damage caused by systemic administration is widely known. However, there is not enough information in the literature on the renal effect of these drugs after intravitreal injection. The aim of the study is to analyse the effect of intravitreal anti-VEGF on kidney function in diabetic patients. METHOD A prospective cohort study of diabetic patients with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD) who received intravitreal anti-VEGF from January 2018 to December 2019. Clinical and analytical parameters were analysed. The follow-up time was 24 months. RESULTS We included 45 patients (55.6% male) with a mean age of 74.4 ± 11.5 (50–91) years. Approximately 64.4% of patients had CKD [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min]. The types of anti-VEGF used were: bevacizumab 57.8% and ranibizumab 42.2%. The average number of doses administered was 7.6 ± 4.8 (1–22). The initial eGFR was 48.7 ± 25.3 mL/min and the Alb/Cr ratio 145 (49.45) mg/g. A significant decrease in the eGFR was observed at 6, 12 and 24 months (Table 1). There was a significant increase in proteinuria at 12 and 24 months. This drop in eGFR was independent of the presence of CKD, the anti-VEGF type or the number of doses. After the admistration of the first dose, five patients (17.2%) in the CKD group required renal replacement therapy (mean time 22 ± 12 months). CONCLUSION A significant decrease in eGFR and an increase in proteinuria are observed after administration of anti-VEGF in diabetic patients. For this reason, a close monitoring of renal function is needed to establish an early diagnosis and management of possible complications.