Intravitreal conbercept as an adjuvant in vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal conbercept (IVC) in pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Methods A meta-analysis of randomized control trials (RCTs) using online databases was performed. The intraoperative outcome measures were the incidence of intraoperative bleeding and endodiathermy application, and the mean surgical time. The postoperative outcome measures were mean change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline, postoperative vitreous clear-up time and incidence of recurrent vitreous hemorrhage (VH). Results Eight RCTs were selected for meta-analysis. They included 409 eyes (215 eyes in IVC group and 194 eyes in no conbercept group). Preoperative IVC application was associated with less intraoperative bleeding and endodiathermy applications (RR = 0.34, 95% CI, 0.23-0.50, P < 0.00001, and RR = 0.26, 95% CI, 0.12-0.56, P = 0.0005) compared to no conbercept. It also shortened surgical time (WMD = -15.87, 95% CI, -22.04 to -9.69, P < 0.00001). In addition, preoperative or intraoperative IVC achieved better BCVA outcome (WMD = -0.37, 95% CI, -0.62 to -0.13, P = 0.003), shorter vitreous clear-up time postoperatively (WMD = -5.44, 95% CI, -6.31 to -4.57, P < 0.00001) and a lower rate of VH recurrence (RR = 0.45, 95% CI, 0.22-0.91, P = 0.03). Conclusion IVC is an effective adjuvant in PPV for PDR, with better intraoperative and postoperative outcomes.