Analysis of inflammatory complications of intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF

Today, intravitreal injections, according to some sources, are ahead of cataract surgery in the number of cases. Due to the increase in the number of injections performed, postoperative complications have become more common, which, according to literary sources, are associated with a particular anti-VEGF drug. The most unpleasant in the practice of an ophthalmic surgeon are postoperative complications of an inflammatory nature, such as iridocyclitis, uveitis, endophthalmitis. Purpose of the study. The goal is to identify possible causes of inflammation, trace the dependence on the administered drug, if any, and formulate basic measures to prevent inflammatory postoperative complications. Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of all cases of intravitreal injections for the period 2021–2024 (a total of 1305 intravitreal injections were made) and complications that arose in the postoperative period was performed on the basis of the State Healthcare Institution of the Nizhny Novgorod Region "City Hospital No. 35". All anti-VEGF drugs available on the market (ranibizumab, aflibercept, faricimab, brolucizumab) were used. A total of 5 inflammatory reactions were recorded during the period taken: 4 vitreitis and 1 iridocyclitis. Conclusions. Preoperative preparation with antibiotic therapy does not exclude the risk of inflammatory complications. Intravitreal injections must be performed in an operating room in compliance with aseptic and antiseptic requirements. Postoperative inflammatory complications did not depend on the drug administered. Keywords: endophthalmitis, angiogenesis inhibitors, anti-VEGF therapy, intravitreal injections