Long-term follow-up of OCT-guided bevacizumab treatment of macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion

Background

To evaluate the long-term outcome of an OCT-guided reinjection scheme for bevacizumab treatment of macular edema (ME) due to retinal vein occlusion.

Methods

Patients with persistent ME (>250 μm) due to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) or branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) received intravitreal bevacizumab 2.5 mg/0.1 ml. Visual acuity (ETDRS), ophthalmic examination and OCT were performed at baseline and at 6- to 8-week intervals. Reinjections were only performed if OCT showed persistent or recurrent ME.

Results

Sixty-one patients with a minimum follow-up of 25 weeks were included in this analysis. Mean follow-up was 60?±?29 wks. In CRVO patients, central retinal thickness (CRT) decreased from 748?±?265 µm to 372?±?224 µm (p?<?0.001) and visual acuity (VA) improved by 1.9?±?3.2 lines. In BRVO patients, mean CRT decreased from 601?±?206 µm to 386?±?178 µm (p?<?0.001) and VA improved by 1.8?±?2.6 lines. Thirty-three percent of CRVO and 15% of BRVO patients did not show a ME recurrence for ≥25 wks at last visit. Thirty-seven percent of CRVO and 50% of BRVO patients suffered recurrences of ME within the last 25 wks, whereas 30% of CRVO and 35% of BRVO patients did not achieve a complete resolution of ME at any follow-up visit after receiving a minimum of three injections. CRVO patients with dry interval of ≥25 weeks at last visit were significantly younger, had a thinner CRT at baseline and more often had a complete resolution of ME after the first injection. In CRVO and BRVO, final VA was correlated significantly with initial VA, patients’ age and final CRT. Change of VA was correlated with change of CRT in BRVO.

Conclusions

Patients with retinal vein occlusion benefit from treatment with bevacizumab. Favourable long-term results without necessity of further injections were achieved in 33% and 15% of CRVO and BRVO patients respectively. The remaining patients needed repeated injections to treat ME recurrences. However, one third of the CRVO/BRVO patients did not improve in VA, and further injections might be discontinued in these patients.     

Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) patterns and response to intravitreal bevacizumab therapy in macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion

Background

To evaluate the baseline spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) characteristics of macular edema (ME) due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) for visual outcome after intravitreal bevacizumab injection.

Methods

Fifty-nine patients treated in one eye with intravitreal bevacizumab for ME due to BRVO were retrospectively reviewed. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the relative contribution of several variables, including SD-OCT characteristics such as photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) integrity and external limiting membrane (ELM status), baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and baseline central retinal thickness (CRT) with final visual outcome.

Results

Thirty-one patients (52.5 %) had disrupted photoreceptor IS/OS integrity. The mean BCVA improved significantly from 0.50 logMAR (20/63 Snellen equivalent) to 0.10 logMAR (20/25 Snellen equivalent) in the intact photoreceptor group (p?=?0.000, paired t-test). However, the mean BCVA was improved in the disrupted photoreceptor group, from 1.10 logMAR (20/252 Snellen equivalent) to 0.94 logMAR (20/174 Snellen equivalent), which was not statistically significant (p?=?0.177, paired t-test). ELM was disrupted in 23 patients (39.0 %). The mean BCVA improved significantly from 0.63 logMAR (20/85 Snellen equivalent) to 0.26 logMAR (20/36 Snellen equivalent) in the intact ELM group (p?=??0.000, paired t-test), however, not significantly improved in the disrupted ELM group, from 1.09 logMAR (20/246 Snellen equivalent) to 1.01 logMAR (20/205 Snellen equivalent) (p?=??0.563, paired t-test). The strongest individual predictor of final BCVA among patients with ME due to BRVO was the integrity of photoreceptor IS/OS layer on SD OCT (r ²?=?0.514, p?=?0.000, stepwise multiple regression), but the most efficient model was the combination of the photoreceptor IS/OS integrity, ELM status, and baseline BCVA (r ²?=?0.671, p?=?0.000, stepwise multiple regression). The strongest predictor of final BCVA was the status of photoreceptor IS/OS integrity (β?=?0.532, p?=?0.000, stepwise multiple regression), followed by ELM status (β?=?0.325, p?=?0.006, stepwise multiple regression), and the baseline BCVA (β?=?0.238, p?=?0.013, stepwise multiple regression).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that baseline SD-OCT characteristics, the status of photoreceptor IS/OS and ELM can be helpful in predicting the final visual outcome after intravitreal bevacizumab injection in these patients.     

Intravitreal anti-VEGF agents, oral glucocorticoids, and laser photocoagulation combination therapy for macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion: preliminary report

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, oral glucocorticoid, and laser photocoagulation therapy for macular edema (ME) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). METHODS: This study included 16 eyes of 16 patients with RVO-associated ME. Patients were initially treated with oral prednisone and an intravitreal anti-VEGF agent. Two weeks later, patients underwent standard laser photocoagulation. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), and retinal vessel oxygenation were examined over 12mo. RESULTS: Patients received 1.43±0.81 anti-VEGF injections. Mean baseline and 12-month logMAR BCVA were 0.96±0.51 (20/178) and 0.31±0.88 (20/40), respectively, in eyes with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) (P<0.00), and 1.02±0.45 (20/209) and 0.60±0.49 (20/80), respectively, in eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) (P<0.00). At 12mo, CRT had significantly decreased in eyes with CRVO (P<0.00) and BRVO (P<0.00). Venous oxygen saturation had significantly increased in eyes with CRVO (P<0.00) and BRVO (P<0.00). No examined parameters were significantly different between the 2 RVO groups. No serious adverse effects occurred. CONCLUSION: Anti-VEGF, glucocorticoid, and photocoagulation combination therapy improves visual outcome, prolongs therapeutic effect, and reduces the number of intravitreal injections in eyes with RVO-associated ME.     

Effect of vitreomacular adhesion on antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion

Purpose

To investigate the association between vitreomacular adhesion (VMA) and the visual and anatomic outcomes of antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy for macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Methods

This study included 107 eyes of 107 patients with BRVO who underwent intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg bevacizumab. The presence of VMA was determined with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). All eyes underwent best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) measurements using SD-OCT immediately before the injection and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the injection. The main outcome measures were changes in BCVA and CRT from baseline.

Results

The VMA(+) and VMA(?) groups consisted of 47 and 60 eyes, respectively, and patients’ age differed significantly between the groups (P < 0.001). In both groups, BCVA and CRT improved after the injection. The VMA(+) group showed better improvement in BCVA than did the VMA(?) group (P = 0.0150), and the presence of VMA was associated with a greater decrease in CRT after adjusting for age (P = 0.0019).

Conclusions

Presence of VMA may be associated with superior visual and anatomic outcome for intravitreal bevacizumab in the treatment of macular edema due to BRVO.     

Clinical,anatomical, and electrophysiological assessments of the central retina following intravitreal bevacizumab for macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term visual, anatomical and electrophysiological outcomes of repeated intravitreal injections of bevacizumab for macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and investigate any possible toxic effects on the central fovea. This is a prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. Thirty-three eyes of 33 patients with macular edema secondary to RVO were treated with 1.25 mg/0.05 ml intravitreal bevacizumab. Nine patients had nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and 24 patients had branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity, central retinal thickness (CRT), and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) responses changes at baseline, 1 month after the third injection and at the end of the 2-year long follow-up period. Patients with CRVO had mean best-corrected Snellen visual acuity of 0.10 at baseline, which improved significantly to 0.31 after 2 years (P = 0. 028).The mean CRT at presentation was 756.28 μm and reduced significantly to 439.14 μm after 2 years (P = 0.05). Patients with BRVO had mean best-corrected Snellen visual acuity of 0.19 at baseline, which improved significantly to 0.40 after 2 years (P < 0.001). The mean CRT at presentation was 681.04 μm and reduced significantly to 369.81 μm after 2 years (P < 0.001). Mean mfERG responses within central 10° (ring1, ring2) showed statistically significant differences on P1 parameters in terms of response density and implicit time after 2 years in both CRVO and BRVO patients. Repeated intravitreal bevacizumab injections for macular edema due to either CRVO or BRVO resulted in long-term improvement of visual acuity, a reduction in CRT and statistically significant changes in the mfERG responses with nondemonstrable toxic effects on the central fovea.     

Effects of vitreomacular adhesion on ranibizumab treatment in Japanese patients with age-related macular degeneration

Purpose

To investigate the effects of vitreomacular adhesion (VMA) on intravitreal ranibizumab treatment in Japanese patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods

This was a retrospective comparative study that included 123 eyes from 123 patients with exudative AMD. The presence or absence of VMA was examined by spectral domain optical coherence tomography. The association of VMA with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) at 3, 6, and 12 months after ranibizumab treatment was evaluated.

Results

In the group of eyes without VMA [VMA(?)], the mean BCVA was 0.41 logMAR at baseline and significantly improved to 0.28, 0.30, and 0.29 logMAR at 3, 6, and 12 months following the initiation of treatment (P < 0.0001, <0.0001, <0.0001), respectively. In the group of eyes with VMA [VMA(+)], the mean BCVA was 0.42 logMAR at baseline, and there was no improvement at any of the measurement time-points during the follow-up period [0.39, 0.40, and 0.39 logMAR at 3, 6, and 12 months (P = 0.53, 0.75, 0.67), respectively]. The mean baseline CRT in the VMA(?) and VMA(+) groups was 326 and 370 µm, respectively, decreasing to 195 and 293 µm (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0070), respectively, at 12 months. A better baseline BCVA was associated with poor visual response to intravitreal ranibizumab.

Conclusions

Our study of Japanese patients with AMD managed in real-world clinical practice revealed that both VMA and BCVA at baseline were associated with a poor visual response to intravitreal ranibizumab. These results are in agreement with previously reported findings for other ethnic groups.     

Evaluation of hyperreflective foci as a prognostic factor of visual outcome in retinal vein occlusion

AIM: To evaluate the potential role of hyperreflective foci (HF) as a prognostic indicator of visual outcome in patients with macular edema (ME) due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 50 eyes of 50 patients with ME due to ischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), non-ischemic CRVO and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) who were treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) at Beijing Tongren Eye Center from January 2013 to July 2016. All patients underwent best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) at baseline and follow-up. Such factors were evaluated and compared among three groups as baseline and final BCVA, central retinal thickness (CRT), external limiting membrane (ELM) status and the numbers of HF in different position. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to analyze the relationship between baseline HF and final BCVA. Changes of HF before and after treatment were evaluated too. RESULTS: Among three groups, HF could be located in each retinal layers, as well as in vitreous cavity. The mean HF in outer retinal layer (ORL) at baseline was 5.29±8.48 in ischemic CRVO with intact ELM, 1.93±2.76 in non-ischemic CRVO, and 1.75±2.05 in BRVO. With disrupted ELM, the mean HF in ORL increased. There was statistically difference of HF in ORL between intact and disrupted ELM. The numbers of HF in ORL were associated with poor visual outcome among three groups. However, HF in inner retinal layer (IRL) and vitreous cavity were not associated with poor visual outcome. Meanwhile, the baseline HF in ORL and vitreous cavity reduced significantly in non-ischemic CRVO and BRVO after anti-VEGF treatment. CONCLUSION: The numbers of HF in ORL are prognostic factors associated with the final BCVA in patients with ME due to RVO after anti-VEGF treatment.     

Behandlung der Patienten mit einem Venenastverschluss in Abhängigkeit von der Verschlussdauer

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of intravitreal treatment with bevacizumab (IVB) compared with triamcinolone (IVT) in patients with macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) depending on the duration of BRVO.

Methods

A total of 65 BRVO patients were divided into 2 subgroups: group 1 with early treatment (≤?3 months since onset of BRVO) and group 2 with late treatment (>?3 months since onset). For the two groups IVB was injected into 17 eyes as early (IVB1) and into 18 eyes as late (IVB2) treatment. For comparison IVT was injected into 14 eyes as early (IVT1) and into 16 eyes as late (IVT2) treatment. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were analyzed at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment.

Results

In both subgroups a significant improvement of BCVA and CRwas observed. After 6 months, for patients with early treatment, IVB1 showed better results than IVT1 (BCVA: p?=?0.008, CRT: p?=?0.021). In the late treatment no significant differences between IVT2 and IVB2 were found.

Conclusions

Bevacizumab and triamcinolone significantly improved BCVA and CRT in patients with BRVO. The best BCVA was found if bevacizumab was used as early treatment. In the late treatment no significant differences between bevacizumab and triamcinolone were observed.     

Long-term evaluation of patients treated with dexamethasone intravitreal implant for macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion

Purpose

To evaluate the long-term visual prognosis and complications of patients who received intravitreal Ozurdex injections for the treatment of macular edema (ME) due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Methods

A total of 17 patients who received Ozurdex injections in our institution as part of the GENEVA study were recalled for examination. Recorded parameters included final visual acuity (VA), final retinal thickness by optical coherence tomography, persistence of ME, and the occurrence of any complications.

Results

Mean follow-up time was 50.5 months. Patients with branch RVO (BRVO) had a more favorable prognosis than central RVO (CRVO), and their mean VA had improved significantly, whereas the mean VA for the patients with CRVO did not improve significantly. Retinal thickness had reduced significantly in the whole group and in each subgroup separately. Complications included 10 patients with cataract progression, 1 with elevated intraocular pressure, and 1 with neovascularization and vitreous hemorrhage.

Conclusions

This is the first reported long-term evaluation of patients treated with Ozurdex. Our results indicate that it has favorable long-term safety profile, and may have a beneficial effect on the visual prognosis in BRVO even in the absence of continuous treatment. Further research is required to establish the optimal retreatment schedule for Ozurdex.     

Ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema difficult to treat with focal/grid laser

Background

To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal injections of ranibizumab in patients with diabetic clinically significant macular edema (CSME), when further focal or grid laser was considered to be unsafe.

Methods

In this retrospective, interventional case study, intravitreal injections of ranibizumab were performed in 16 eyes (ten patients) suffering from diabetic retinopathy with CSME. All patients had been treated in the past with focal or grid laser. Additional photocoagulation could not be performed because the leaking points were very close to the avascular zone, and there was also a perifoveal capillary dropout. The patients underwent three injections (months 0, 1 and 2) and were followed monthly. Reinjection was performed if central retinal thickness (CRT) was ≥250 μm associated with fluorescein leakage involving the center of the macula.

Results

The patients underwent a median of seven injections (range 6–9) and the median follow-up time was 11 months (range 9–15). The median best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.85 logMAR at baseline and 0.54 logMAR at the end of the follow-up time (p = 0.018). BCVA improved in seven eyes (43.75%), remained stable in eight (50%) and decreased in one eye (6.25%). The median CRT decreased from 409.5 μm at baseline to 272 μm at the end of the follow-up time (p = 0.0002). No ocular or systemic adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

For a median follow-up time of 11 months, the treatment with intravitreal injections of ranibizumab resulted in stabilization or improvement of the visual acuity in the vast majority of patients with diabetic maculopathy and CSME, when further focal or grid laser was considered to be unsafe.     

Early peripheral laser photocoagulation of nonperfused retina improves vision in patients with central retinal vein occlusion (Results of a proof of concept study)

Background

To evaluate the effect of combination of ranibizumab and laser photocoagulation to peripheral retinal areas of nonperfusion in patients with non-ischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) without neovascularizations.

Methods

This prospective, proof of concept study randomized 22 CRVO patients into two arms. The RL group (ranibizumab + laser; n?=?10) received ranibizumab with additive laser photocoagulation; the control R group (n?=?12) was treated with ranibizumab only. All patients received three initial monthly ranibizumab injections followed by PRN regimen. Changes in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and in central retinal thickness (CRT) were documented over 6 months.

Results

Median of BCVA improved in the RL group from 65 ETDRS letters (interquartile range IQR?=?10 letters) at baseline to 70 (IQR?=?23.2) letters at month 6. In the control group BCVA remained stable [baseline: 61 (IQR?=?19.5) and month 6: 61 (IQR?=?22) letters]. CRT decreased between baseline and final visit in the RL group from 547 (IQR?=?513) μm to 246.5 (IQR?=?346.3) μm, and in the control group from 637.5 (IQR?=?344) μm to 423 (IQR?=?737) μm. More pronounced improvements in BCVA were seen in the RL group (medians?=?14 vs. 6.5 letters) although the observed group differences were not statistically significant due to small samples.

Conclusions

The selective laser photocoagulation of peripheral areas of nonperfusion seems to lead to additional visual improvement in patients with CRVO. A larger replication trial is necessary to confirm the results of this proof of concept study.     

Functional and anatomical results after a single intravitreal Ozurdex injection in retinal vein occlusion: a 6‐month follow‐up – The SOLO study

Purpose:  To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal dexamethasone implants in eyes with cystoid macular oedema (CME) secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) or central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in the clinical everyday practice, examine the effects of early retreatment and compare the results with the GENEVA study. Methods:  The charts of 102 patients (102 eyes) with CME secondary to BRVO (n = 54) or CRVO (n = 48) treated with Ozurdex at 8 centres were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were examined monthly over a 24‐week period. Slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, measurement of best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and measurement of the central retinal thickness (CRT) with spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) were performed at baseline and at every follow‐up examination. With progression of the disease (loss of one line or increased central retinal thickness (CRT) of 150 μm), a reinjection of Ozurdex or anti‐VEGF was offered. Additional supplementing sectorial or panretinal laser photocoagulation was considered based on the individual status of the retina. Results:  In the BRVO group, the median BCVA was 0.6 logMAR (Snellen equivalent of 0.25) at baseline and improved to 0.4 logMAR (Snellen equivalent of 0.40) after 4 weeks, 0.3 logMAR (Snellen equivalent of 0.50) after 8 weeks, 0.4 logMAR (Snellen equivalent of 0.40) after 12 weeks, 0.5 logMAR (Snellen equivalent of 0.32) after 16 weeks, 0.4 logMAR (Snellen equivalent of 0.40) after 20 weeks and 0.45 logMAR (Snellen equivalent of 0.35) after 24 weeks. The mean CRT was 559 ± (SD) 209 μm at baseline and it decreased to 335 ± 148 μm after 4 weeks, 316 ± 137 μm after 8 weeks, 369 ± 126 μm after 12 weeks, 407 ± 161 μm after 16 weeks, 399 ± 191 μm after 20 weeks and 419 ± 196 μm after 24 weeks. In the CRVO group, the median BCVA was 0.7 logMAR (Snellen equivalent of 0.20) at baseline and improved to 0.4 logMAR (Snellen equivalent of 0.40) after 4 weeks, 0.4 logMAR (Snellen equivalent of 0.40) after 8 weeks, 0.6 logMAR (Snellen equivalent of 0.25) after 12 weeks, 0.6 logMAR (Snellen equivalent of 0.25) after 16 weeks, 0.5 logMAR (Snellen equivalent of 0.32) after 20 weeks and 0.52 logMAR (Snellen equivalent of 0.30) after 24 weeks. The mean CRT at baseline was 740 ± 351 μm and it decreased to 419 ± 315 μm after 4 weeks, 352 ± 261 μm after 8 weeks, 455 ± 251 μm after 12 weeks, 497 ± 280 μm after 16 weeks, 468 ± 301 μm after 20 weeks and 395 ± 234 μm after 24 weeks. The BCVA improvement was statistically significantly better (p < 0.05) compared with baseline in both groups at every follow‐up visit. The mean CRT maintained significantly better when compared with baseline in both groups at all follow‐up visits. Early reinjection was indicated in BRVO in 40.7% after 17.5 ± 4.2 weeks and in CRVO in 50% after 17.68 ± 4.2. Six eyes (11%) with BRVO received a sectorial laser photocoagulation at a mean interval of 22 ± 5.0 weeks. Seven eyes (15%) with CRVO received a panretinal laser photocoagulation after a mean interval of 18 ± 7.0 weeks. The BCVA improvement and the mean CRT reduction were statistically significant (p < 0.05) compared with baseline in both groups at every follow‐up visit. Conclusions:  Dexamethasone intravitreal implant resulted in a significant improvement of the BCVA and reduction of CME in patients with BRVO or CRVO. Early retreatment after 16 weeks instead of 24 weeks, like in the GENEVA study, was indicated in 50% to stabilize the improved functional and anatomical results.     

Treatment results at 1 year of ranibizumab therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in eyes with good visual acuity

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) for subfoveal polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in eyes with a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 0.6 (logMAR 0.22) or better.

Methods

Fifty eyes with BCVA between 0.6 (logMAR 0.22) and 1.0 (logMAR 0) and subfoveal PCV were treated with IVR for 3 consecutive months. Additional IVR was given at subsequent monthly visits, if needed, up to 11 months after the initial injection. The patients were followed-up prospectively for 12 months, and changes in mean BCVA, central retinal thickness (CRT), serous retinal detachment (SRD), hemorrhage, and number of polypoidal lesions were evaluated.

Results

Mean BCVA improved significantly at the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-up visits and CRT decreased significantly at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the initial treatment as compared with the baseline. SRD was observed in 10 and 21 eyes at 3 and 12 months. Hemorrhage was observed in 6 eyes at 3 months and 3 eyes at 12 months. All polypoidal lesions had completely regressed in 19 % and the size of network vessels was either unchanged or enlarged in 98 % of the eyes at 12 months.

Conclusion

Based on the maintenance of vision improvement for at least 12 months, IVR for PCV proved useful for eyes with BCVAs of 0.6 (logMAR 0.22) to 1.0 (logMAR 0), despite a low regression rate of polypoidal lesions and minimal network size reduction.     

Predictors of short-term outcomes related to central subfield foveal thickness after intravitreal bevacizumab for macular edema due to central retinal vein occlusion

AIM: To investigate the predictive factors for short-term effects of intravitreal bevacizumab injections on central subfield foveal thickness (CSFT) in patients with macular edema (ME) secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). METHODS: This was a retrospective study in 60 eyes treated with intravitreal bevacizumab injections for ME due to CRVO. Follow-up was three months. The Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) score and CSFT measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were used to observe the changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Baseline BCVA, CSFT, age, CRVO duration and the presence of cystoid macular edema (CME) or subretinal fluid (SRF) were analyzed as potential predictive factors of the effects of intravitreal bevacizumab injections. RESULTS: BCVA improved from 0.9 logMAR at baseline to 0.6 logMAR at 3mo, which was associated with a significant reduction in CSFT from 721 µm to 392 μm 3mo after injection. About 50% of CME cases and more than 90% of SRF cases responded to treatment with a complete resolution at 3mo. Age (P=0.036) and low baseline CSFT (P=0.037) were associated with a good 3-month prognosis. Patients >60 years old achieved better CME resolution (P=0.031) and lower CSFT at 3mo (305 μm vs 474 μm, P=0.003). CONCLUSION: Intravitreal bevacizumab significantly improved visual acuity and CSFT in patients with CRVO after 3mo. Older age and lower baseline CSFT were good predictors of short-term CSFT outcomes. The retinal thickness response to bevacizumab might depend on the resolution of CME rather than SRF.     

Evaluation of foveal photoreceptor layer in eyes with macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion after ozurdex treatment

The aim of this study was to evaluate the central retinal thickness (CRT), outer nuclear layer thickness (ONLT), photoreceptor layer thickness (PLT), photoreceptor layer integrity, and the correlation between visual acuity and PLT in eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) 2 months after treatment with intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex; Allergan, Inc, Irvine, CA). In this prospective study, 32 eyes of 32 patients were enrolled. A single injection of Ozurdex was administered to all the patients. CRT, ONLT, and PLT were measured using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography before and 2 months after the injection. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA [logMAR]) and photoreceptor cell integrity were also evaluated. The average CRT, ONLT, PLT, and BCVA values for the sample group before the treatment were as follows: 707 ± 261, 608 ± 288, 70 ± 25, and 0.96 ± 0.22 µm, respectively. The average CRT, ONLT, PLT, and BCVA values for the sample group 2 months after the Ozurdex injection were as follows: 299 ± 149, 211 ± 138, 77 ± 20, and 0.63 ± 0.30 µm, respectively (p < 0.05). Two months after the Ozurdex injection, BCVA correlated with ONLT and PLT (r = 0.365, p = 0.048 and r = ?0.488, p = 0.021, respectively), whereas BCVA was not correlated with CRT (r = 0.239, p = 0.189). Photoreceptor layer is associated with the visual function of eyes with macular edema secondary to BRVO. Also, ONLT seems to be more closely related to visual acuity improvement than CRT decrement.     

Three intravitreal bevacizumab versus two intravitreal triamcinolone injections in recent-onset branch retinal vein occlusion

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of repeated intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (IVB) versus triamcinolone acetonide (IVT) in the treatment of acute branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Methods

In this randomized clinical trial, 86 eyes with recent-onset (less than 12?weeks) BRVO were included. Participants were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: (1) IVB group (43 eyes), patients who received three monthly injections of 1.25?mg of IVB, and (2) IVT group (43 eyes), patients who received two injections of 2?mg IVT 2?months apart. Patients were examined at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6?months after enrollment. Main outcome measure was change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 6?months. Secondary outcome measures were central macular thickness (CMT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) changes at month 6.

Results

Mean BCVA improved significantly up to 6?months in both groups from 0.68?±?0.25 to 0.31?±?0.21 logMAR (logarithm of minimum angle of resolution) in the IVB group, and from 0.67?±?0.29 to 0.46?±?0.31 logMAR in the IVT group (P?P?=?0.013) and 6 (P?P?=?0.031) at final visit. Dividing the cases into ischemic and non-ischemic types, a significant difference was noted only in the ischemic cases regarding BCVA improvement and CMT reduction in favor of the IVB group. Mean IOP rise was significantly higher in the IVT group at all visits.

Conclusions

Both 3-times-monthly IVB injections and 2-times IVT injections with a 2-month interval could be effective for improving BCVA and CMT in cases with recent-onset BRVO up to 6?months. However, considering the better visual and anatomic outcomes after IVB injections and the potential complications of IVT injections, we would recommend prescheduled repeated IVB injections for such cases. The favorable responses were more pronounced in the ischemic types of BRVO in this trial; nevertheless, this should be confirmed in larger studies.     

Electroretinograms and level of aqueous vascular endothelial growth factor in eyes with hemicentral retinal vein occlusion or branch retinal vein occlusion

Purpose

Hemicentral retinal vein occlusion (hCRVO) is a disease related to CRVO but not to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). We reported a significant correlation between aqueous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and the implicit time of 30-Hz flicker electroretinogram (ERG) in CRVO eyes. The purpose of this study was to compare aqueous VEGF levels and ERG components between hCRVO and BRVO eyes.

Methods

The medical records of patients with macular edema secondary to hCRVO (12 eyes) or BRVO (16 eyes) and received an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (IVB) at the Nagoya University Hospital from July 2009 to May 2013 were reviewed. Full-field ERGs were recorded before the IVB. Aqueous humor was collected just before the IVB to measure VEGF concentration. Differences in aqueous VEGF level and ERG components between hCRVO and BRVO eyes were determined.

Results

Mean aqueous VEGF concentration in hCRVO eyes was significantly higher than that in BRVO eyes (504 vs. 148 pg/ml, P < 0.05). The implicit time of 30-Hz flicker ERG was significantly longer in hCRVO than in BRVO eyes (33.5 vs. 29.8 ms, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The significant difference in VEGF levels in aqueous and implicit times of 30-Hz flicker ERG suggest that retinal ischemia is more manifest in hCRVO than in BRVO eyes.     

玻璃体腔注射康柏西普治疗视网膜静脉阻塞并黄斑水肿

目的：观察玻璃体腔注射康柏西普治疗视网膜静脉阻塞( RVO)并黄斑水肿患者的临床疗效。方法：视网膜静脉阻塞并黄斑水肿患者27例27眼,其中中央静脉阻塞( CRVO )8例8眼,分支静脉阻塞( BRVO )19例19眼接受玻璃体腔注射康柏西普联合适时眼底激光光凝治疗,观察患眼治疗前、后最佳矫正视力( BCVA )和黄斑中心视网膜厚度( CRT)的转归情况。结果：患者27例27眼治疗前平均BCVA (最小分辨角对数视力 LogMAR )和 CRT 为0.8822±0.5601和713.8±224.8μm,末次随访时分别为0.5963±0.4481和376.7±185.5μm。其中8例 CRVO 患者平均注射次数为4.75次,平均随访时间为13mo,治疗前平均 LogMAR 视力为0.9802±0.6663,接受3次注药治疗后和末次随访时分别为0.7082±0.4629和0.8517±0.5895,治疗后视力有所提高,但差异无统计学意义( P>0.05);平均CRT治疗前为835.1±289.3μm,3次治疗后和末次随访时分别为306.8±117.7、487.5±201.6μm,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。19例BRVO患者平均注射次数为2.2,随访时间为9mo,治疗前平均LogMAR视力为0.8124±0.4529,在接受1次注药治疗后及末次随访时分别为0.4789 ± 0.2792、0.4888± 0.3163,治疗后视力明显提高,差异有统计学意义( P<0.05);平均CRT治疗前为662.7±176.6μm,1次注药治疗后及末次随访时分别为283.8±129.3、330.6±161.4μm,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。所有患者随访期间均未见明显严重并发症发生。
　　结论：玻璃体腔注射康柏西普能够减轻RVO并黄斑水肿患者视网膜水肿程度,提高患眼视力,对BRVO并黄斑水肿的患者疗效持续时间相对较长,单次注射疗效最长可维持1a。     

Recurrence of macular edema in retinal vein occlusions after treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab (Lucentis)

Objective

To evaluate the recurrence of macular edema (ME) in a mixed group of patients with branch (BRVO) and central (CRVO) retinal vein occlusion after early onset treatment with intravitreal injections of ranibizumab.

Design

Nonrandomized, uncontrolled prospective clinical trial.

Participants

Forty patients were enrolled in our study. Twenty-two patients had BRVO and 18 patients had CRVO.

Methods

All patients had a minimum follow-up of 12 months. All patients had fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) at presentation. The time period between RVO occurrences and initial examination and treatment was <1 month. Every patient was treated with 2 consecutive intravitreal injections of ranibizumab (0.5 mg) 1 month apart. Assessment was carried out on a monthly basis and injection was carried out if necessary, based on OCT findings.

Results

Recurrence of ME occurred in 13 patients (13/22, 59%) in the BRVO group, whereas in the CRVO group occurred in all patients (18/18, 100%). Mean time interval of these recurrences from last injection was 2.4 months and 1.2 months for BRVO and CRVO groups, respectively. Mean period of ME reabsorption was 2.5 months for the BRVO group and 3.5 months for the CRVO group.

Conclusions

Recurrent ME occurred in 77.5% of our patients. These recurrences occurred sooner, were more prominent and lasted longer in patients with CRVO.     

黄斑水肿的微视野评估与视力的相关性研究

目的：分析不同疾病引起的黄斑水肿患者微视野检查与视力的相关性。

方法：纳入黄斑水肿患者127例164眼,其中年龄相关性黄斑病变(ARMD)38例38眼,视网膜静脉阻塞(RVO)43例43眼,糖尿病性黄斑水肿(DME)46例83眼。所有患者均行最佳矫正视力(BCVA),光学相干断层扫描仪(OCT)及黄斑微视野检查,并进行统计学分析。

结果：黄斑水肿患者的总体视网膜平均敏感度(MS)、固视率(P1,P2)与BCVA呈正相关,而黄斑视网膜厚度(CRT)与BCVA呈负相关。ARMD组MS与BCVA呈正相关,而固视率及CRT与BCVA不相关; DME组和视网膜中央静脉阻塞(CRVO)组中MS及P1,P2与BCVA均呈正相关,DME组CRT与BCVA呈负相关,CRVO组CRT则与BCVA不相关; 视网膜分支静脉阻塞(BRVO)组MS和CRT与BCVA均不具相关性。

结论：微视野检查对ARMD患者的评估可能比OCT更能反映黄斑功能的变化,在CRVO及DME的患者中微视野作为主观评价指标与OCT有协同作用,而在BRVO患者中微视野的评价仍需进一步研究。