Idiopathic multifocal choroiditis and punctate inner choroidopathy: an evaluation in pregnancy

Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections in pregnancy and breastfeeding: a case series and systematic review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents may occasionally need to be considered for sight-threatening macular pathology in pregnant and breastfeeding women. This is controversial due to the dearth of data on systemic side effects for mother and child. We aimed to expand the evidence base to inform management.

METHODS

Retrospective case series of pregnant and breastfeeding women treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections at Oxford Eye Hospital between January 2015 and December 2022. In addition, we conducted a systematic review and combined eligible cases in a narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

We treated six pregnant women with anti-VEGF for diabetic macular oedema(DMO) (n = 5) or choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) (n = 1). Four received ranibizumab whilst two (not known to be pregnant) received aflibercept. Patients known to be pregnant underwent counselling by an obstetric physician. Five pregnancies resulted in live births. Combining our cases with those previously published, treatment of 41 pregnant women (42 pregnancies) are reported. Indications for treatment included CNV (n = 28/41,68%), DMO (n = 7/41,17%) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (n = 6/41,15%). Bevacizumab (n = 22/41,54%) and ranibizumab (n = 17/41,41%) were given more frequently than aflibercept (n = 2/41,5%). Many (n = 16/41,40%) were unaware of their pregnancy when treated. Most pregnancies resulted in live births (n = 34/42,81%). First trimester miscarriages (n = 5/42,12%) and stillbirths (n = 3/42,7%) mostly occurred in women with significant risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections may not necessarily compromise obstetric outcomes, although clear associations cannot be drawn due to small numbers and confounders from high rates of first trimester miscarriages in general and inherently high-risk pregnancies. It may be worth considering routinely investigating pregnancy and breastfeeding status in women of childbearing age prior to each injection, as part of anti-VEGF treatment protocols.

Non-Infectious Uveitis and Pregnancy, is There an Optimal Treatment? Uveitis Course and Safety of Uveitis Treatment in Pregnancy

In pregnancy, a plethora of factors causes changes in maternal immunity. Uveitis flare-ups are more frequent in the first trimester and in undertreated patients. Management of non-infectious uveitis during pregnancy remains understudied. A bibliographic review to consolidate existing evidence was performed by a multidisciplinary group of Ophthalmologists, Gynaecologists and Rheumatologists. Our group recommends initial management with minimum-required doses of corticosteroids, preferably locally, to treat intraocular inflammation whilst ensuring good neonatal outcomes. If ineffective, clinicians should consider addition of Cyclosporine, Azathioprine or Certolizumab pegol, which are seemingly safe in pregnancy. Other therapies (such as Methotrexate, Mycophenolate Mofetil and alkylating agents) are teratogenic or have a detrimental effect on the foetus. Furthermore, careful multidisciplinary preconception discussions and close follow-up are recommended, monitoring for flare-ups and actively tapering medication doses, with a primary endpoint focused on protecting ocular tissues from inflammation, whilst giving minimal risk of poor pregnancy and foetal outcomes.

Idiopathic Choroidal Neovascularization in Pregnancy: A Case Report

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the abnormal growth of vessels from the choroidal vasculature to the neurosensory retina through the Bruch's membrane and is usually associated with "wet" age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Other causes include myopia, traumatic rupture of the choroid, multifocal choroiditis, and histoplasmosis. CNV is a major cause of visual loss and treatment is aimed at halting progression and stabilizing vision. Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (IVT anti-VEGF) injection is the treatment of choice for CNV regardless of etiology. However, its use in pregnancy is debatable, due to its mechanism of action and lack of evidence of safety in pregnancy. Herein, we report a 27-year-old pregnant female, who complained of blurred and decreased vision in her left eye for two weeks. On examination, her unaided vision was 6/6 in her right eye and 6/18 partial in her left eye with no further improvement. Based on history, examination, and investigations she was diagnosed as a case of idiopathic CNV in pregnancy, being only the sixth reported case worldwide. Citing the risk of possible fetal adverse effects, the patient did not consent to the treatment despite extensive counseling. She was advised to follow up regularly and to receive IVT anti-VEGF injections immediately after delivery. A literature review was therefore undertaken to broaden our understanding of the treatment protocols and outcomes of using IVT anti-VEGF in pregnancy. This helped us to develop an understanding of the possible relative safety of such a treatment when individually tailored with a multi-disciplinary approach.

Association between Obstetric Complications and Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents or Intravitreal Corticosteroids

This nationwide population-based cohort study aimed to describe the use of intravitreal injections (IVTs) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents and corticosteroids in pregnant women in France and to report on the incidence of obstetric and neonatal complications. All pregnant women in France who received any anti-VEGF or corticosteroid IVT during pregnancy or in the month preceding pregnancy from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2018 were identified in the national medico-administrative databases. Between 2009 and 2018, there were 5,672,921 IVTs performed in France. Among these IVTs, 228 anti-VEGF or corticosteroid IVTs were administered to 139 women during their pregnancy or in the month preceding their pregnancy. Spontaneous abortion or the medical termination of pregnancy occurred in 10 women (16.1%) who received anti-VEGF agents and in one (3.1%) of the women who received corticosteroids (p = 0.09). This is the first national cohort study of pregnant women treated with anti-VEGF or corticosteroid IVTs. We found a high incidence of obstetric complications in pregnant women treated with anti-VEGF or corticosteroid IVTs but could not demonstrate a statistically significant association between the intravitreal agents and these complications. These agents should continue to be used with great caution in pregnant women.