Change in cardiac troponin T level after intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment: Prospective pilot study

Background:Evaluate subclinical myocardial injury associated with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy by measuring serum high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T.Methods:This is a prospective pilot comparative study conducted at American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. In total, 40 consecutive patients were randomized to receive either intravitreal bevacizumab or ranibizumab. Patients received three consecutive monthly injections of the assigned drug, then continued treatment as needed. Systemic concentrations of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and vascular endothelial growth factor were obtained at baseline, week 9, and week 24. Primary endpoint measure was change in high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T levels compared to baseline. Secondary endpoint measure was change in systemic vascular endothelial growth factor levels.Results:There was no significant difference in high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T levels over time (p = 0.227) within each treatment group ...