Effect of Needle Gauge Size on Pain During Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Injection: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Concerns related to pain from intravitreal injections are one of the key factors mentioned by patients when asked about therapy. In this systematic review and network meta-analysis, we evaluate the literature of comparative clinical trials on the relationship between needle gauge size and pain experience during intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy.

Methods

We searched 12 literature databases on 14 October 2023 for comparative studies of gauge sizes for intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. The primary outcome of interest was the reported pain experience immediately after the injection. All outcomes of pain were transformed into standardized effect sizes using Cohen's d. Using a network meta-analysis approach, we were able to comp

SUBMITTER: Butler ETS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10853108 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature