Effect of posterior juxtascleral triamcinolone acetonide on the efficacy and choriocapillaris hypoperfusion of photodynamic therapy

Purpose To evaluate the effect of posterior juxtascleral triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injection combined with photodynamic therapy with verteporfin (PDT) for treating exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the retreatment rates and the rate of choroidal hypoperfusion were investigated. Methods A total of 67 eyes with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) due to AMD were included. Forty-four eyes underwent PDT alone (PDT-alone group), and 23 eyes underwent PDT with the posterior juxtascleral injection of TA (PDT+TA group). Every 3 months after the PDT, the eyes were evaluated with regard to BCVA and requirement for retreatment by fluorescein angiography (FA) with the aid of optical coherence tomography (OCT). Choroiocapillaris hypoperfusion was assessed by indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) at 3 and 12 months. All patients completed a 1-year follow-up. Results At the baseline, there was no difference in lesion type, size or visual acuity between the two groups. At 1 year, the change in BCVA was −0.0811 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) in the PDT-alone group, compared with −0.0432 logMAR in the PDT+TA group. There was no significant difference in the change in BCVA between the two groups (P = 0.6910). The PDT+TA group required a lower mean number of treatments (1.64 compared with 2.34 [P = 0.0223]) and showed a higher rate of choriocapillaris occlusion at 3 months, but no significant difference at 1 year (P = 0.9243) Conclusions Fewer retreatments were required in the TA+PDT group. There was no significant difference in the change in BCVA between the two groups. Adjacent TA may promote short-term choriocapillaris hypoperfusion.     

Intravitreal bevacizumab for refractory choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to uveitis

Purpose  To assess the short-term efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab injections (IVB) for refractory choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to uveitis. Methods  Ten patients affected by choroidal neovascularization secondary to uveitis unresponsive to immunosuppression associated or not with photodynamic therapy (PDT) were consecutively included. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fluorescein (FA) and indocyanine green angiographies (ICG), optical coherence tomography (OCT) at baseline, and after IVB injection (1.25 mg/0.05 ml). Results  CNV was subfoveal in eight cases and juxtafoveal in two cases. Mean follow-up was 7.5 months. After treatment, the logMAR BCVA improved from 0.62 ± 0.4 (Snellen equivalent of 20/55) to 0.45 ± 0.35 (Snellen equivalent of 20/40) at 1 month (p = 0.01), then remained stable during the follow-up. Mean central macular thickness (CMT) was reduced from 326 ± 95 μm before treatment to 267 ± 28 μm (p = 0.03) at last visit. Mean number of IVB was 2.5. Leakage from inflammatory CNV was stopped in three eyes and decreased in seven eyes. No systemic or ocular adverse events were recorded. Conclusions  Intravitreal bevacizumab improves BCVA and reduces central macular thickness in eyes with inflammatory CNV refractory to immunosuppression associated or not with PDT. Further study is necessary to assess the efficacy and safety in the long term. None of the authors has any financial interest in this study. The authors have full control of all primary data and agree to allow Graefe’s Archive for Clinical and Experimental Opthalmology to review the data if requested.     

Combined therapy with bevacizumab and photodynamic therapy for myopic choroidal neovascularization:A one-year follow-up controlled study

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combined treatment for myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) using photodynamic therapy (PDT) and intravitreal bevacizumab and to compare it with intravitreal bevacizumab monotherapy.METHODS: Thirty-four eyes with angiographic evidence of myopic CNV were randomly divided into two groups:17 were treated with one intravitreal bevacizumab injection (1.25 mg) and low-fluence-rate PDT within seven days of the injection (Group A). The other 17 received monotherapy with bevacizumab injections (Group B). Clinical evidence of complications, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and fluorescein leakage were evaluated. BCVA and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were evaluated monthly. The timepoints follow-up was established at 6 and 12mo. All patients were retreated following a PRN protocol.RESULTS:A total of 34 eyes of 34 patients (26 women and 8 men) with a mean age of 62.35 years were included. In Group A (17 eyes) the mean BCVA increased from 0.55±0.13 logMAR before the treatment to 0.40±0.09 logMAR at the 12mo follow-up (P<0.01). In Group B (17 eyes) the mean BCVA increased from 0.60±0.11 logMAR before the treatment to 0.55±0.12 logMAR at the 12mo follow-up (P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of LogMar visual acuity. In Group A the mean number of combined treatments was 1.8±0.11 per patient; in Group B the mean number of intravitreal bevacizumab injections was 3.1±0.08 per patient. The number of treatments was significantly fewer in Group A (P<0.01). No local or systemic side effects occurred among any of the patients treated in this study.CONCLUSION:The combination of anti-angiogenic injections and PDT appears to be a safe and effective option for myopic CNV treatment and allows for a significant reduction of intravitreal injections.     

Combined intravitreal bevacizumab and photodynamic therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Background Our aim was to evaluate the short-term safety and efficacy of combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin and intravitreal bevacizumab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods A prospective non-randomized interventional case series of 30 eyes of 30 patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) caused by AMD was studied. All patients were treated with PDT followed by an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (1.5 mg) on the same day. Ophthalmic evaluations included determination of best-corrected visual acuity by using ETDRS charts. CNV lesion characteristics were determined by fluorescein angiography, and retinal morphology by optical coherence tomography. Review examinations were performed 1, 4, and 12 weeks following treatment. Results The median ETDRS letter scores increased by 3 letters after 4 weeks and 4.3 letters after 12 weeks. Median central retinal thickness decreased from the baseline by 145 μm (week 1), 205 μm (week 4), and 171 μm (week 12), respectively (P < 0.0001, for all comparisons). One patient experienced a transient moderate vision loss after 4 weeks post treatment. Leakage on fluorescein angiography was resolved in all patients at week 12. No significant ocular or systemic side-effects were observed. Conclusions Short-term results suggest that a single PDT in combination with intravitreal bevacizumab is safe and associated with stabilization of visual acuity and decrease of intraretinal and subretinal fluid accumulation in the macula. Further evaluation of this treatment strategy for neovascular AMD appears warranted. None of the authors has a financial interest in the subject matter of the article.     

Intravitreal bevacizumab on myopic choroidal neovascularization that was refractory to or had recurred after photodynamic therapy

Purpose  To examine the effect of intravitreal injections of bevacizumab for myopic choroidal neovascularization (myopic CNV) that was refractory to or recurred after photodynamic therapy (PDT). Methods  Sixteen eyes of 16 consecutive patients with myopic CNVs that were refractory to or had recurred after PDT were studied. The patients were divided into two groups; group 1 consisted of six patients whose CNV recurred after being closed by PDT, and group 2 consisted of ten patients whose CNV did not respond to an earlier treatment. All of the eyes were injected intravitreally with 1.25 mg bevacizumab. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and fluorescein angiograms (FA) were assessed in both groups. Results  The mean follow-up period was 15.1 ± 3.6 months. Patients received a mean of 1.8 ± 0.8 injections. The mean BCVA in the 16 patients at the final visit was significantly improved over that before the injection. Dye leakage had disappeared in 83.3% of group 1, and in all of the eyes of group 2 at the final visit. Conclusions  Intravitreal bevacizumab is effective for myopic CNVs that were either refractory to PDT or had recurred after being regressed by PDT. Supported in part by research grant 19390441 and 19659445 from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan.     

Injection of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) as a preoperative adjunct before vitrectomy surgery in the treatment of severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)

Purpose To evaluate the use of preoperative intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) in patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for complications of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Methods We studied 22 patients with severe PDR. A preoperative complexity score (CS) was recorded. Eleven eyes were treated with IVB, 1.25 mg, 5–7 days before PPV (group 1), and 11 eyes underwent direct PPV (group 2). Surgical time and intra-operative manoeuvres were recorded. Main outcome measure was feasibility of surgery, secondary goal was the visual and anatomic outcome at 6 months. Results The average CS was 5.5, and was similar in the two groups. Mean surgical time was 57 minutes in group 1 vs 83 minutes in group 2; mean tool exchanges was 27 vs 53, intraoperative bleeding 5 vs 15, endodiathermy 2 vs 9. No complications were recorded after IVB. Mean pre-operative BCVA was 1.87 logMAR in group 1 and logMAR 2.04 in group 2. Mean pre-operative BCVA was 1.87 logMAR in the bevacizumab group and 2.04 logMAR in group 2, not significantly different (p = 0.7). Mean post-operative BCVA at 6 months was 0.88 logMAR in group 1 and logMAR 2.01 in control group 2, significantly different (p = 0.01). Post-operative BVCA improved in bevacizumab group from pre-operative value (p = 0.15), while in control group there was non-significant increase (p = 0.96). Anatomical attachment was achieved in 11 patients in group 1 vs nine patients in group 2. Conclusions IVB administered prior to vitrectomy was well tolerated and reduced active neovascularization, thus facilitating PPV. This article is original and has not been published previously. The authors have no financial interests related to this publication and transfer copyright to the publisher upon acceptance.     

Intravitreal bevacizumab (avastin) for choroidal neovascularization secondary to central serous chorioretinopathy, secondary to punctate inner choroidopathy, or of idiopathic origin

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab in the treatment of idiopathic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and CNV secondary to central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) or punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC). DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized, interventional case series. METHODS: In an institutional clinical practice, 15 patients were recruited; nine had idiopathic CNV, two had CNV secondary to CSC, and four had CNV attributable to PIC. Patients received three monthly 1.25-mg intravitreal bevacizumab injections for three months. Patients were followed for six months, and the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fluorescein angiography (FA) findings, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) central foveal thickness (CFT) were assessed. RESULTS: At baseline, the mean logMAR BCVA was 0.48 (Snellen equivalent = 20/60). The mean logMAR BCVA improved significantly to 0.25 (Snellen equivalent = 20/36) and 0.17 (Snellen equivalent = 20/30) at one and six months, respectively (both P = .001). The mean OCT CFT reduced from 306 microm at baseline to 201 microm at six months (P < .001). All eyes (100%) had visual improvement of 1 line or more at six months, and 11 (73.3%) improved by 2 or more lines. FA showed absence of CNV leakage, the angiographic end point, at three months, and no recurrence was observed at six months in all eyes. No systemic or ocular adverse events were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal bevacizumab injections resulted in visual and anatomic improvements in eyes with idiopathic CNV and CNV attributable to CSC or PIC. Further studies are warranted to assess the long-term safety and the regimen for optimal efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab.     

Pattern electroretinographic results after photodynamic therapy alone and photodynamic therapy in combination with intravitreal bevacizumab for choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration

Purpose To evaluate the changes in pattern electroretinography (PERG) 1 month after photodynamic therapy alone and photodynamic therapy in combination with intravitreal bevacizumab for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods This is a prospective series of 45 eyes with subfoveal CNV secondary to AMD. Twenty eyes were treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin and 1.25 mg of intravitreal bevacizumab, and 25 patients were treated with PDT alone. Visual acuities and serial PERG recordings were performed both before and 1 month after therapy. Results Following the 1-month therapy period, visual acuity improved in 56% of patients in the PDT group and 76% of patients in the combination group. No significant ocular or systemic adverse effects were observed in either group. According to the PERG results, the mean P50 amplitude was 1.5 ± 0.9 μV before PDT and improved to 2.1 ± 1.1 μV at 1 month after PDT. The mean P50 amplitudes in the combination therapy group before and after therapy were 1.6 ± 0.8 μV and 2.7 ± 1.2 μV, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant between the groups. Conclusions In this small series of eyes with limited follow-up, the combined treatment of PDT with verteporfin and intravitreal bevacizumab seems to be associated with improvement in VA and pattern electroretinographic results when compared to those in the PDT group.     

Vascularized retinal pigment epithelial detachment in age-related macular degeneration: treatment and RPE tear incidence

Background

To review vascularized-pigment epithelial detachment (V-PED) treatment visual outcome, and to assess acute retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tear incidence.

Methods

One hundred and thirty-two eyes of 125 consecutive patients with age-related macular degeneration and V-PED were included. Ninety-four eyes (71.2%) were associated with choroidal new vessels (CNV), 38 (28.8%) with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP). Patients, treated over a 10-year period with the time-current therapy, received: verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) (group 1, 38 eyes), combined intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) and PDT (group 2, 44 eyes) or intravitreal anti-VEGF injection (bevacizumab or ranibizumab) (group 3, 50 eyes).

Results

Mean follow-up was 20.5?months. At month 12, all eyes treated with PDT or with IVTA and PDT showed a mean significant severe visual decrease. Eyes with CNV lost ?0.67 and ?0.37 logMAR (p?p?p?p?=?0.01 respectively). RPE tear occurred in 14 eyes (36.8%) and in six eyes (13.6%) in groups 1 and 2 respectively. Eyes treated with anti-VEGF therapy showed slight mean visual acuity decrease at month 12. Those with CNV had a mean baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 0.36 ±?0.24 logMAR, final of 0.44 ±?0.30 logMAR (?0.08 logMAR, n.s.). In eyes with RAP, mean baseline BCVA was 0.58 ±?0.39 logMAR, final was 0.78 ±?0.47 logMAR (?0.20 logMAR, n.s.). RPE tear occurred in 14 eyes (36.8%). Patients with either V-PED with CNV or a better baseline BCVA showed greater risk of acute RPE tear (p?=?0.01 and p?=?0.003 respectively).

Conclusions

Effective treatment for vascularized PED is still lacking. Until now, only stabilization of the disease has been achieved using anti-VEGF therapy, but the risk of RPE tear can further hamper our expectations. Baseline characteristics are helpful for prognosis, but patients must be informed of the uncertain response. New therapeutic strategies are needed.     

Combined photodynamic therapy and intravitreal triamcinolone injection for the treatment of choroidal neovascularisation secondary to pathological myopia: a pilot study

BACKGROUND: To assess the efficacy and safety of combined intravitreal triamcinolone (IVTA) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin in the treatment of choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) secondary to pathological myopia. METHODS: 22 eyes of 22 patients with subfoveal or juxtafoveal CNV due to pathological myopia were prospectively recruited for combined PDT with IVTA. The treatment outcomes at 1 year were compared with those in a control group of 22 eyes that received PDT monotherapy. RESULTS: At 1 year, the logMAR best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) for the combined PDT with IVTA group changed from 0.62 to 0.61 (p = 0.74), whereas that for the monotherapy group changed from 0.61 to 0.67 (p = 0.33). The mean logMAR BCVA and proportions of patients without losing > or =3 lines at 1 year were similar between the two groups (p = 0.68 and 0.74, respectively). Subgroup analyses showed that eyes with baseline logMAR BCVA worse than 0.6 (Snellen equivalent 20/80) or CNV with greatest linear dimension > or =750 microm which received combined therapy had better mean logMAR BCVA at 1 year (p = 0.023 and 0.041, respectively), with a higher proportion of eyes gaining > or =2 lines of BCVA (p = 0.027 and 0.017, respectively) compared with PDT monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Combined PDT with IVTA did not seem to result in significantly better visual outcome compared with PDT monotherapy. However, combined therapy might result in better visual outcome in selected patients with worse initial visual acuity or larger myopic CNV. Further studies are warranted to investigate the role of combined PDT with IVTA in the treatment of myopic CNV, especially in patients with worse prognostic factors.     

Combined photodynamic therapy and intravitreal triamcinolone injection for the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation in age related macular degeneration: a comparative study

AIM: To evaluate the outcomes of combined intravitreal triamcinolone (IVTA) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin in the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) caused by age related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: 48 eyes from 48 patients with subfoveal CNV caused by AMD were prospective recruited, with 24 eyes treated with combined PDT with IVTA and compared with a control group of 24 eyes which received PDT monotherapy. In the combined treatment group, IVTA was performed immediately after PDT as an outpatient procedure. The mean number of treatments, mean logMAR best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), mean line of visual acuity changes, and proportion of patients without moderate visual loss at 1 year were compared between the combined and monotherapy groups. RESULTS: At 1 year the logMAR BCVA for the PDT with IVTA group changed from 0.88 to 0.95 (p = 0.32 compared with baseline), whereas the logMAR BCVA for the monotherapy group reduced from 0.74 to 1.09 (p<0.001 compared with baseline). A significantly higher proportion of patients who had PDT with IVTA did not develop moderate visual loss at 1 year compared with the monotherapy group (70.8% and 33.3% respectively, p = 0.009). Eyes which had combined treatment had significantly fewer lines lost compared with monotherapy alone (0.7 and 3.5 lines respectively, p = 0.015). Subgroup analysis showed that PDT with IVTA is effective in preventing visual loss in both predominately classic and occult CNV groups. The mean number of treatments for the combined and monotherapy groups was 1.5 and 1.96 respectively (p = 0.076). CONCLUSIONS: Combined PDT with IVTA appeared more effective statistically at 12 months for stabilisation of vision (<3 logMAR lines change) compared with PDT monotherapy. Further randomised control trials might be justified to conclude the efficacy of PDT with IVTA.     

Intravitreal bevacizumab with or without triamcinolone for refractory diabetic macular edema; a placebo-controlled,randomized clinical trial

Purpose To evaluate the effect of three intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (IVB) alone or combined with triamcinolone (IVT) in the first injection for treatment of refractory diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods In this prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, 115 eyes of 101 patients with refractory DME were included. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of the three study arms: 1) three injections of IVB (1.25 mg/0.05 ml) at 6-week intervals, 2) combined IVB and IVT (1.25 mg/0.05 ml and 2 mg/0.05 ml respectively) followed by two injections of IVB at 6-week intervals, and 3) sham injection (control group). The primary outcome measure was change in central macular thickness (CMT). Secondary outcome measures were change in best-corrected logMAR visual acuity (BCVA ) and incidence of potential adverse events. Results Central macular thickness was reduced significantly in both the IVB and IVB/IVT groups. At week 24, CMT change compared to the baseline was −95.7 μm (95% CI, −172.2 to −19.26) in the IVB group, −92.1 μm (95% CI, −154.4 to −29.7) in the IVB/IVT group, and 34.9 μm (95% CI, 7.9 to 61.9) in the control group. There was a significant difference between the IVB and control groups (P = 0.012) and between the IVB/IVT and control groups (P = 0.022). Improvement of BCVA was initiated at weeks 6 and 12 in the IVB/IVT and IVB groups respectively. In terms of BCVA change compared to the baseline at 24 weeks, the differences between the IVB and control groups (P = 0.01) and also between the IVB/IVT and control groups (P = 0.006) were significant. No significant differences were detected in the changes of CMT and BCVA between the IVB and IVB/IVT groups (P = 0.99). Anterior chamber reaction was noticed in eight (19.5%) and seven (18.9%) eyes respectively in the IVB and IVB/IVT groups the day after injection, and it resolved with no sequel. Elevation of IOP occurred in three eyes (8.1%) in the IVB/IVT group. Conclusion Three consecutive intravitreal injections of bevacizumab had a beneficial effect on refractory DME in terms of CMT reduction and BCVA improvement. Addition of triamcinolone in the first injection seemed to induce earlier visual improvement; however, it did not show any significant additive effect later during follow-up. The 6-week result of this study was presented as a paper at the Annual Meeting of American Academy of Ophthalmology, November 2006, Las Vegas, NV, USA. The authors have no proprietary interest in this study. The authors have full control of all primary data, and they agree to allow Graefe’s Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology to review their data upon request. Clinical Trial registration reference number: NCT00370422 (ClinicalTrials.gov).     

康柏西普对病理性近视脉络膜新生血管的疗效及视力预后相关性研究

目的　观察和评估康柏西普治疗病理性近视脉络膜新生血管（CNV）的有效性和安全性,探讨影响视力预后和玻璃体内注药次数的相关因素。方法　回顾性病例研究。临床检查确诊的病理性近视CNV患者47例49眼纳入研究。其中,男12例13眼,女35例36眼。年龄(56.67±13.90)岁,屈光度(-13.64±3.92)D,眼轴长度(29.03±1.36)mm。患者均为首次治疗,采用1+PRN的治疗方案给予所有患眼玻璃体内注射康柏西普0.05 mL(含康柏西普0.5 mg)治疗。均行最佳矫正视力(BCVA)、眼底彩色照相、荧光素眼底血管造影（FFA）、光学相干断层扫描(OCT)检查。BCVA检查采用国际标准视力表,记录时换算为最小分辨角对数(logMAR)视力。所有患眼随访时间超过24个月。观察并记录患眼治疗后1个月、3个月、6个月、12个月、24个月BCVA、黄斑中心凹视网膜厚度（CMT）、CNV面积、CNV渗漏面积变化及玻璃体内注药次数;将治疗后24个月logMAR BCVA及总注射针数分别与各基线资料（屈光度、眼轴、病理性近视分期、CNV位置、logMAR BCVA、CMT、CNV面积、CNV渗漏面积）进行Person或Spearman相关分析。结果　在24个月随访期内,患眼第1年与第2年平均注射针数分别为（3.51±1.54）次、（0.57±1.02）次,总注射针数为（4.08±1.75）次。与治疗前相比,治疗后1个月、3个月、6个月、12个月、24个月患眼BCVA明显提高,差异均有统计学意义（均为P＜0.05）。与治疗前相比,治疗后1个月、3个月、6个月、12个月、24个月患眼CMT明显下降,差异均有统计学意义（均为P＜0.05）。与治疗前相比,治疗后3个月、6个月、12个月、24个月患眼CNV面积明显下降,差异均有统计学意义（均为P＜0.05）。与治疗前相比,治疗后3个月、6个月、12个月、24个月患眼CNV渗漏面积明显下降,差异均有统计学意义（均为P＜0.05）。相关性分析结果显示,治疗后24个月logMAR BCVA与基线屈光度、眼轴、病理性近视分期、CNV位置、CMT、CNV面积均无明显相关(均为P>0.05),但与基线logMAR BCVA、CNV渗漏面积呈正相关(r=0.595、0.319,P=0.000、0.026)。总注射针数与基线屈光度、眼轴、病理性近视分期、CNV位置、CNV面积均无明显相关(均为P>0.05),但与基线CMT、CNV面积、CNV渗漏面积呈正相关(r=0.297、0.440、0.433,P=0.038、0.002、0.002)。所有患者均未出现眼部并发症以及全身不良反应。结论　康柏西普治疗病理性近视CNV可以带来较好的视力与解剖形态收益,效果安全有效;末次随访BCVA与基线BCVA、CNV渗漏面积具有正相关性,总注射针数与基线CMT、CNV面积、CNV渗漏面积具有正相关性。     

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to pathologic myopia-1-year results of a prospective series

PURPOSE: To study the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin in the treatment of juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to pathologic myopia. METHODS: Prospective, open label, two-centre, noncomparative, interventional case series. Consecutive patients with juxtafoveal CNV associated with pathologic myopia were recruited and treated with a standard regimen of PDT with verteporfin. Patients were being followed up every 3-monthly and retreatment was considered when there was evidence of angiographic leakage. Outcome measures included changes in the mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at the 1-year follow-up when compared with the baseline, the proportion of patients who had stable (within 1 line) and improved visions. RESULTS: A total of 11 eyes from 11 patients with juxtafoveal CNV secondary to pathologic myopia were recruited and all completed the 1-year follow-up. The mean age at presentation was 44.8 years. The refractive error ranged from -6.0 to -15.0 D (+/-SD was -9.55+/-3.04 D). The logMAR BCVA improved from 0.57 to 0.39 at the 1-year follow-up (Wilcoxon signed-ranks test, P=0.027). The mean improvement was 1.8 lines. Five eyes (45.4%) had BCVA improved by >or=3 lines. None of the treated patients had visual loss of >or=1 line. The mean number of treatments over the 12-month study period was 2.3 sessions. CONCLUSIONS: The results are encouraging, especially on considering the low retreatment rate, stable or improved BCVA in all treated eyes, and consistently good safety profile. Juxtafoveal myopic CNV may be an expanded indication for PDT with verteporfin.     

PDT联合玻璃体腔注射ranibizumab治疗病理性近视继发CNV

目的：评价光动力疗法（ photodynamic therapy,PDT）联合玻璃体腔注射 ranibizumab 治疗病理性近视（ pathologic myopia,PM ）所致的黄斑部脉络膜新生血管（ choroidal neovascularization,CNV）的临床疗效。 方法：临床确诊为PM合并CNV患者32例32眼,随机选取16例16眼为PDT治疗（ PDT组）,另16例16眼为PDT联合玻璃体腔注射ranibizumab治疗组（联合组）,两组黄斑水肿无显著性差异。对比分析治疗前及治疗后1,6 mo患者最佳矫正视力（ best corrected visual acuity,BCVA）、光学相干断层扫描（ optic coherence tomograph,OCT）及眼底荧光血管造影（ fundus fluorescein angiography,FFA）的变化。结果：治疗后1 mo与治疗前相比：PDT组BCVA平均值提高,黄斑中心厚度（ fovea centralis thickness, CMT ）平均值降低,差异具有统计学意义（ P〈0.05）;联合组BCVA平均值明显提高,CMT平均值明显降低,差异具有显著统计学意义（ P〈0.01）;两组组间比较BCVA变化、CMT变化差异具有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。治疗后6mo与治疗前相比, PDT组BCVA平均值提高,CMT平均值降低,差异具有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;联合组BCVA平均值明显提高,CMT 平均值明显降低,差异具有显著统计学意义（ P〈0.01）;两组组间比较BCVA变化、CMT变化差异具有统计学意义（ P〈0.05）。治疗后6 mo 和1 mo 相比：PDT 组与联合组BCVA平均值、CMT 平均值差异均无统计学意义（ P〉0.05）。 FFA检查显示：治疗后1mo,PDT组 CNV病灶渗漏停止或渗漏减少者11眼（69%）,持续渗漏5眼（31%）;联合治疗组 CNV病灶渗漏停止或渗漏减少者13眼（81%）,持续渗漏3眼（19%）。治疗后6 mo：PDT 组CNV病灶渗漏停止或渗漏减少者10眼（62.5%）,持续渗漏4眼（25%）,2眼（12.5%）出现渗漏复发;联合治疗组CNV病灶渗漏停止或渗漏减少者15眼（94%）,持续渗漏1眼（6%）。 结论：PDT治疗与PDT联合玻璃体腔注射ranibizuma     

Bevacizumab (Avastin) treatment in patients with retinal angiomatous proliferation

Aim To determine the anatomical and functional outcome after injection of bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech) in eyes with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP). Design Prospective interventional case series. Methods Sixteen eyes of 16 consecutive patients with visual loss due to RAP underwent intravitreal injections of 1.25 mg (0.05 ml) bevacizumab. Best corrected visual acuity testing, fluorescein and ICG-angiography as well as OCT imaging were performed at baseline and at each follow-up visit within a 3-month period. Results Mean visual acuity pre-injection was 0.68 ± 0.36 logMAR (n = 16), mean reading ability 0.58 ± 0.26 logRAD (n = 11). Far vision increased significantly by a mean of 1.7 ± 2 lines 4 weeks after the injection (p = 0.004), as did reading (0.6 ± 2.3 lines, p > 0.05). Both remained stable up to 3 months. Central retinal thickness decreased from 367 ± 112 μm (mean±SD) to 272 ± 123 μm 3 months after injection (p = 0.006). Leakage decreased angiographically in 12 eyes (75%) and remained stable in four eyes (25%). Re-injection of bevacizumab within the 3-month follow-up period was performed once in eight eyes, and twice in one eye. No adverse events were observed. Conclusion Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) resulted in a reduction of leakage, intra- and subretinal fluid. An increase in visual acuity was seen already 4 weeks after first injection. However, a complete occlusion of feeder vessels could not be achieved within this 3-month period. Randomized clinical trials would be required to evaluate dose and frequency of injections and possible beneficial effects of combination therapies, as well as the long-term results.     

One-year results of combined photodynamic therapy and intravitreal bevacizumab injection for retinal pigment epithelial detachment secondary to age-related macular degeneration

Background  To evaluate the efficacy of combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) and intravitreal bevacizumab injection in eyes with a serous pigment epithelial detachment (PED) associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods  Twenty-two eyes with a serous PED exceeding two disc areas associated with AMD with choroidal vascular abnormalities [choroidal neovascularization (n = 10), polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (n = 9), and retinal angiomatous proliferation (n = 3)] received combined PDT and intravitreal bevacizumab, and were followed about every 6 weeks for more than 1 year. Additional treatments were given for residual or recurrent lesions. The main outcome measures were changes in the PED height measured by optical coherence tomography, and the best-corrected visual acuity. Results  After one treatment, the PED resolved in 12 eyes (55%) and the PED decreased in ten eyes (45%). There was no recurrence in eight (36%) eyes; however, PED recurred in 14 eyes. At 1 year, the average PED height decreased to 413 microns from the baseline 751 microns (p < 0.001). Twenty eyes (91%) had improved or stabilized vision; two eyes had decreased vision due to a retinal pigment epithelial tear and subretinal hemorrhage. Conclusions  Combined PDT and intravitreal bevacizumab may decrease the PED height and stabilize visual acuity at 1 year. The authors have no proprietary and financial interest in any aspect of this report.     

Intravitreal bevacizumab combined with photodynamic therapy for the treatment of occult choroidal neovascularization associated with serous pigment epithelium detachment in age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with serous pigment epithelium detachment (s-PED) due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: In this retrospective study, six patients (six eyes) with subfoveal occult CNV associated with s-PED due to AMD were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab combined with PDT. All patients were treated at baseline with PDT followed by intravitreal bevacizumab 1.25 mg 1 hour later. Afterwards, according to the findings of optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography, repeat bevacizumab injections were given, if necessary, monthly for three doses followed by further doses every 3 months. PDT was repeated every 3 months according to the same criteria. Follow-up time was 9 months. RESULTS: All patients completed their treatment during the first 3 months from baseline. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved or remained stable related to the baseline values in all patients at the end of the follow-up time. Mean BCVA improved from 20/67 to 20/42. S-PED and subretinal fluid decreased or disappeared. The mean central 1-mm retinal thickness was reduced from baseline value for the 9-month follow-up period by 128 microm. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal bevacizumab combined with PDT seems to be a promising treatment with good functional and anatomical results for occult CNV associated with s-PED due to AMD.     

ETDRS视力及mfERG在评估病理性近视合并黄斑CNV疗效中的应用

目的：以ETDRS视力和多焦视网膜电图(Multifocal ERG,mfERG)比较抗血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)与光动力疗法(PDT)对病理性近视(PM)并发脉络膜新生血管(CNV)的治疗效果。

方法：将临床上经FFA、ICGA及OCT确诊为PM合并黄斑CNV的43例45眼患者纳入观察。以ETDRS视力表记录最佳矫正视力(BCVA),并进行mfERG检查。患者被随机分为两组进行治疗,20例22眼行玻璃体腔注射雷珠单抗,23例23眼行PDT。治疗后每月复查一次,随访12mo,根据复诊情况,按需行重复治疗。以末次随访为疗效判定时间点,记录并分析患者治疗前后ETDRS视力和mfERG的变化。

结果：治疗前两组基线ETDRS视力及中心凹1环和2环N1波潜伏期、P1波潜伏期及P1波反应密度值无显著差异,治疗后12mo雷珠单抗组视力39.23±20.06字母,较治疗前明显提高5.88±9.03字母(P<0.05); PDT组视力37.38±16.95字母,与治疗前比,未明显改善0.33±6.94字母(P>0.05)。两组患者mfERG的N1波、P1波的潜伏期及P1波反应密度值与治疗前比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。

结论：对PM并发CNV的治疗,抗VEGF疗法与PDT治疗具有相似的稳定黄斑功能的作用,在视力改善上,抗VEGF疗效优于PDT治疗。