Safety and Effectiveness of Intravitreal Brolucizumab Injection in Combination With Sub-Tenon's Capsule Triamcinolone Acetonide Injection for Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy During the Loading Phase

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of combining intravitreal brolucizumab injection with sub-tenon's capsule triamcinolone acetonide injection (STTA) during the loading phase for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).Methods: In this retrospective observational study, untreated patients with PCV receiving intravitreal brolucizumab injections with STTA during loading at Saitama Medical University Hospital's Eye Center from May 2021 to June 2022 were analyzed. Complete regression rates of polypoidal lesions were assessed using indocyanine green angiography 12 weeks post-treatment initiation.Results: Nineteen patients (19 eyes) participated. Best-corrected visual acuity significantly improved at eight weeks compared to baseline. No significant intraocular pressure increases occurred throughout the loading phase, while central foveal and choroidal thickness significantly reduced at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Subretinal fluid was present in all patients before treatment, rapidly resolving post-intravitreal brolucizumab injections and STTA, with residual rates of 36.8% (seven eyes) and 5.3% (one eye) at four and 12 weeks, respectively. Intraocular inflammation did not occur during the loading phase, and the complete regression rate of polypoidal lesions was 89.5% (17 eyes).Conclusions: Combining intravitreal brolucizumab injection with STTA during the loading phase may be one treatment option for PCV management.