Korobelnik, Jean-François 
ORCID: 0000-0002-4438-9535, Loewenstein, Anat, Eldem, Bora, Joussen, Antonia M, Koh, Adrian, Lambrou, George N, Lanzetta, Paolo ORCID: 0000-0003-3746-141X, Li, Xiaoxin, Lövestam-Adrian, Monica, Navarro, Rafael et al (show 5 more authors)
(2021)
Anti-VEGF intravitreal injections in the era of COVID-19: responding to different levels of epidemic pressure.
Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology = Albrecht von Graefes Archiv fur klinische und experimentelle Ophthalmologie, 259 (3).
pp. 567-574.
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Abstract
<h4>Purpose</h4>Following the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, the easing of strict measures to reduce its spread has led to a resurgence of cases in many countries at both the national and local level. This article addresses how guidance for ophthalmologists on managing patients with retinal disease receiving intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) during the pandemic should be adapted to the local epidemic pressure, with more or less stringent measures implemented according to the ebb and flow of the pandemic.<h4>Methods</h4>The Vision Academy's membership of international retinal disease experts analyzed guidance for anti-VEGF intravitreal injections during the COVID-19 pandemic and graded the recommendations according to three levels of increasing epidemic pressure. The revised recommendations were discussed, refined, and voted on by the 14-member Vision Academy Steering Committee for consensus.<h4>Results</h4>Protocols to minimize the exposure of patients and healthcare staff to COVID-19, including use of personal protective equipment, physical distancing, and hygiene measures, should be routinely implemented and intensified according to local infection rates and pressure on the hospital/clinic or healthcare system. In areas with many COVID-19-positive clusters, additional measures including pre-screening of patients, postponement of non-urgent appointments, and simplification of complex intravitreal anti-VEGF regimens should be considered. Treatment prioritization for those at greatest risk of irreversible vision loss should be implemented in areas where COVID-19 cases are increasing exponentially and healthcare resources are strained.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Consistency in monitoring of local infection rates and adjustment of clinical practice accordingly will be required as we move forward through the COVID-19 era. Ophthalmologists must continue to carefully weigh the risk-benefits to minimize the exposure of patients and healthcare staff to COVID-19, ensure that patients receive sight-saving treatment, and avoid the potential long-term impact of prolonged treatment postponement.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Humans, Retinal Diseases, Angiogenesis Inhibitors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A, Practice Guidelines as Topic, Disease Transmission, Infectious, Intravitreal Injections, Personal Protective Equipment, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 01 Nov 2022 11:54 |
| Last Modified: | 18 Jan 2023 19:48 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s00417-021-05097-0 |
| Related URLs: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3165933 |
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