Author Interviews, General Medicine, Macular Degeneration, Stroke / 31.10.2014
Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Lucentis Raises Stroke Risk
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Takashi Ueta, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology
Graduate School and Faculty of Medicine
The University of Tokyo
Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Dr. Ueta: In 2009 we had reported an initial systematic review and meta-analysis which include pivotal RCTs but the number of the included studies were only 3 (MARINA, ANCHOR, FOCUS). During the following several years, more trials comparing different dosages and frequencies of ranibizumab treatment were conducted, which made us to update our meta-analysis.
Based on our updated meta-analysis, increase in several systemic vascular adverse events was observed: 86% increase in odds ratio (OR) for the risk of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) when 0,5 mg ranibizumab used. 89% increase in OR for the risk of CVA when monthly ranibizumab of any dosage is used. 57% increase in OR for the risk of non-ocular hemorrhage when ranibizumab of any dosage with any frequency is used. (more…)