Purpose: To evaluate the role, safety, and effectiveness of intravitreal conbercept (KH902) injections as an adjunct to vitrectomy in the management of severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was performed on 36 eyes of 36 patients affected by vitreous hemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment, which occurred as a consequence of active proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups. The patients in one of the groups received an intravitreal injection of conbercept in the inferior temporal sector 4 mm from the sclerocorneal limbus with a sterile technique 1 week before vitrectomy.
Results: In the group without conbercept, intraoperative bleeding occurred in 14 patients (77.8%), and in five of these cases, bleeding was significant. The use of endodiathermy was necessary in 8 patients (44.4%). In 3 patients (16.6%), iatrogenic retinal breaks occurred, and in 1 patient (5.5%), a relaxing retinotomy was performed. Endotamponade with silicone oil was performed in 12 patients (66.6%). In the group treated with conbercept, intraoperative bleeding occurred in 2 cases (11.1%). The use of endodiathermy was necessary in 1 patient (5.5%). No patients experienced iatrogenic breaks or relaxing retinotomy during the surgery. Endotamponade with silicone oil was performed in 2 patients (11.1%).
Conclusion: Preoperative intravitreal injection of conbercept could reduce the chances of intraoperative bleeding, which are beneficial in the management of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.