Main Findings of the Study
This study looked at how well a combination treatment of two medications—Conbercept injections and a dexamethasone implant called Ozurdex—works for patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). DME is a condition that can cause vision loss in people with diabetes.
What Worked?
- The combination treatment showed a significant improvement in vision after 12 months. About 97% of patients in the combination group had better vision compared to 76% in the group that only received Conbercept.
- Both groups saw improvements in their eye health, but the combination group needed fewer injections overall.
What Didn’t Work?
- Some patients in the combination group experienced increased eye pressure, but most were managed well with monitoring or eye drops.
- There were some cases of cataract surgery in both groups, but no serious complications like infections or retinal detachment occurred.
How Does This Help Patients or Clinics?
For patients, this combination treatment can lead to better vision and fewer trips for injections. For clinics, it means they can offer a more effective treatment option and potentially reduce the number of injections needed.
Real-World Opportunities
- Hospitals can start offering the combination treatment to patients with DME.
- Doctors can educate patients about this new option, helping them understand the benefits and what to expect.
Measurable Outcomes
Clinics should track the following after using these results:
- Improvements in patients’ vision (best-corrected visual acuity).
- Changes in eye health, specifically central macular thickness.
- The number of injections given to each patient.
- Any side effects, especially related to eye pressure and cataract development.
AI Tools
Clinics can consider using AI tools for:
- Monitoring patients’ eye pressure and health through digital health platforms.
- Predicting patient outcomes based on treatment responses.
Step-by-Step Plan for Clinics
- Start by training staff on the combination treatment and how to administer it.
- Introduce the treatment to a small group of patients to monitor progress closely.
- Collect data on patient outcomes and side effects consistently.
- Gradually expand the use of the combination treatment based on initial results.
- Regularly review patient feedback and outcomes to improve the treatment approach.
For more information on this research, you can read the full study here.
