AIM: To investigate the therapeutic effects of intravitreal injection of conbercept combined with triamcinolone acetonide for diabetic macular edema(DME).

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study comprised of 43 eyes in 40 patients who suffered from DME. There were 2 groups, groups A and B, according to the different therapies. Group A(22 eyes of 21 patients)were treated with intravitreal injection of 0.5mg/0.05mL conbercept and 2mg triamcinolone acetonide(TA). Group B(21 eyes of 19 patients)were treated with intravitreal injection of 0.5mg/0.05mL conbercept. All the patients were followed up to 24wk. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), intraocular pressure(IOP), central macular thickness(CMT)and complications were recorded and analyzed prior to operation and 1d, 1wk, 4wk, 8wk, 12wk and 24wk after operation.

RESULTS:Group A: the BCVA of 22 eyes of 21 patients treated with intravitreal injection of 0.5mg/0.05mL and 2 mg triamcinolone acetonide on 1d, 1wk, 4wk, 8wk, 12wk and 24wk were significantly different from that(LogMAR 0.83±0.03)prior to treatment(P<0.05), and the BCVA was achieved at 8wk(LogMAR 0.23±0.04). The CMT were significantly different from that(612.4±47.6μm)prior to treatment(P<0.05). The average number of injections was 2.7 injections within 24wk; Group B: the VA of 21 eyes in 21 patients treated with intravitreal injection of 0.5mg/0.05mL on 1d, 1wk, 4wk, 8wk, 12wk and 24wk were significantly different from that(LogMAR 0.79±0.09)prior to treatment(P<0.05), and the BCVA was achieved at 4wk(LogMAR 0.25±0.06). The CMT were significantly different from that(597.8±62.4μm)prior to treatment(P<0.05). The average number of injections was 3.6 injections within 24wk.There was statistically significant difference in the interval between the first and second injections of two groups(P<0.05). There were no significant difference in IOP.

CONCLUSION: In summary, combined intravitreal injection of conbercept and TA is a safe and effective treatment for DME. The effect is more durable and the injection frequency can be reduced. The combination of anti-VEGF and corticosteroids may be an effective treatment for DME.