Abstract
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of loading-phase treatment with intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) or brolucizumab (IVBr) for treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) associated with type 1 macular neovascularization (MNV). Methods: We retrospectively studied 108 consecutive eyes undergoing IVA and 103 consecutive eyes administered IVBr. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), central choroidal thickness (CCT), dry macula achievement, polypoidal lesion regression, and development of intraocular inflammation (IOI) were all assessed. Results: During the loading-phase treatment, IOI was detected in 18 eyes (17.5%) in the IVBr but none of those in the IVA group (p < 0.01). The loading-phase treatment was completed in 101 eyes in the IVA and 85 eyes in the IVBr group. In those cases, BCVA improved significantly, and CMT and CCT showed significant reductions after the loading-phase treatment in both groups (all p < 0.01). The CCT reduction was significantly greater with IVBr than with IVA (32 ± 28 μm vs. 40 ± 25 μm, p < 0.01). The dry macula achievement rate was significantly higher in the IVBr than in the IVA group (71.3 vs. 85.9%, p < 0.05). We observed complete regression of polypoidal lesions significantly more frequently with IVBr than with IVA (47.5 vs. 77.3%, p < 0.01). Discussion/Conclusion: Loading-phase treatment with IVA or IVBr for treatment-naïve nAMD with type 1 MNV effectively improved BCVA and diminished exudative changes. The CCT reduction, dry macula achievement, and polypoidal lesion regression rates were all significantly greater in the IVBr than in the IVA group. The incidence of IOI was significantly higher with IVBr than with IVA.
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