scholarly journals New Qualitative Methods for Assessing the “Fluid” in the Retina in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 222-227
Author(s):  
M. V. Budzinskaya ◽  
A. A. Plyukhova
Keyword(s):  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Retinal Thickness ◽  
Antiangiogenic Therapy ◽  
Functional Results ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Anti Vegf ◽  
Age Related

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic disease of the central retina and one of the main causes of blindness in patients over 60 years of age in industrialized countries. Currently, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy (anti-VEGF therapy) has become the standard of neovascular AMD treatment, leading to the prevention of progressive vision loss in more than 90 % of treated patients during a two-year follow-up period. In the modern world there are transition from quantitative assessment of “fluid” according to optical coherence tomography (OCT) — the thickness of the central retinal zone, to qualitative — the presence of IRF, SRF, fluid under RPE. The data obtained by Zinkernagel have shown that, despite good functional results (an increase in visual acuity), the administration of the drug once every 2 months leads not only to fluctuations in IRF and SRF, but also to serous PED [4]. The existing qualitative and quantitative analysis is not perfect. Fluctuation is a new qualitative marker of the study of disease activity, it is defined as the sum of all types of fluid (IRF + SRF + fluid under RPE) in a certain time interval (with monthly measurement of the indicator). The fluctuation index was determined from the cumulative change in the thickness of the retina in the fovea over time [6]. Thus, the fluid is considered as a key morphological criterion for the activity of nVMD and an indication for (initiation or continuation) of antiangiogenic therapy. At the same time, there is evidence that a lower level of each type of fluid (IRF, SRF, fluid under RPE) is associated with better BCVA results against the background of anti-VEGF therapy [17]. The stability of retinal thickness during anti-VEGF therapy is no less important parameter than the statement of fluid resolution at a certain time, and it appears that better control of the central retinal thickness was associated with higher overall NEI VFQ-25 scores and individual scales reflecting important daily activities of the patient [16]. 

scholarly journals Refractory neovascular age-related macular degeneration: time-dependent changes of central retinal thickness with anti-VEGF treatment

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Zola ◽  
Elisa D’Alessandro ◽  
Mohamed Sherif ◽  
Audrey Nguyen ◽  
Dominique De Azevedo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Retinal Thickness ◽  
Subretinal Fluid ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Central Retinal Thickness ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Anti Vegf ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Purpose To assess the influence of time interval since last injection and time from baseline on central retinal thickness (CRT) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) with fluid refractory to monthly anti-VEGF treatment. Methods This retrospective study included nAMD eyes with incomplete response to anti-VEGF defined by the presence of intra- or subretinal fluid on optical coherence tomography despite maximal (monthly) anti-VEGF dosing. The outcome measure was CRT, and two time variables (time from last injection ant time from baseline) were the independent factors included in the individual correlation analyses. In addition, an association analysis was performed. Results Sixty eyes of 56 patients (67.9% females, mean age: 78.7 ± 6.8 years) were included with a mean included time period of 35.6 months. A significant positive correlation between CRT and the time from last injection occurred in 24 (40%) and 25 (42%) eyes by univariate and multivariate analysis, respectively. Time from baseline was significantly correlated with CRT in 29 (48.3%) and 30 (50%) eyes by univariate and multivariate analysis, respectively. This correlation was positive in 12 (20%) and negative in 18 eyes (30%). No association with such correlation was found. Conclusion So-called refractory nAMD frequently shows a correlation of CRT with the interval in days from the preceding anti-VEGF injection, revealing that there is a subgroup of short-term responsiveness of the residual fluid. Moreover, slower CRT changes may occur over the years, either decrease or increase. In case of a slow CRT increase, this might require a diagnostic workup and therapeutic change.

scholarly journals Mingjing granule, a traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yamin Li ◽  
Lina Liang ◽  
Torkel Snellingen ◽  
Kai Xu ◽  
Yun Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Case Report Form ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Anti Vegf ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Function Test

Abstract Background Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is the most common cause of irreversible vision loss and blindness among the older people aged 50 and over. Although anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies have resulted in improving patient outcomes, there are limitations associated with these treatments. In China, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat eye diseases for more than 2000 years. Previous studies have shown that TCM may be beneficial for nAMD patients. However, explicit evidence has not been obtained. The purpose of the present trial is to examine the efficacy and safety of the Mingjing granule, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, for nAMD patients. Methods/design This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of Mingjing granule as an add-on to intravitreous ranibizumab for nAMD. One hundred eighty nAMD patients from six hospitals in China will be enrolled according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly allocated into two groups, 90 in each. All participants will receive a 24-week treatment and then be followed up for another 24 weeks. The primary outcome is the mean change of best-corrected visual acuity at week 24 and 48 as compared to the baseline. The secondary outcomes include mean change in central retinal thickness, area of retinal hemorrhage and exudation, and TCM syndrome score, mean number of intravitreal ranibizumab injection, and total cost of the treatment. Indexes of safety include blood regular test, urine regular test, liver function test, renal function test, and electrocardiogram from baseline to weeks 24 and 48. Qualitative control and some standard operating processes will be formed throughout the trial. Any ocular or systemic adverse events will be treated suitably, and related data will be recorded accurately and completely in the case report form. Discussion Based on previous empirical and animal laboratory studies, this study will address the question of whether Mingjing granule could contribute to improving efficacy, safety, and efficiency with need for fewer intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF, improving compliance and visual outcomes in the management of persons with nAMD. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn), ChiCTR2000035990. Registered on 21 August 2020.

Central retinal thickness fluctuations in patients treated with anti-VEGF for neovascular age related macular degeneration

2021 ◽  
pp. 112067212110378
Author(s):  
Francesco Ciucci ◽  
Giuseppina Ioele ◽  
Antonio Bardocci ◽  
Giorgio Lofoco ◽  
Barbara Antonelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Retinal Thickness ◽  
Treatment Algorithm ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Central Retinal Thickness ◽  
First Year ◽  
Anti Vegf ◽  
Age Related

Purpose: This is a retrospective, single-center, non randomized interventional real life study, investigating the correlation between variability of central retinal thickness (CRT) and functional outcomes during 2 years of anti-VEGF therapy in patients treated for neovascular age related macular degeneration (nAMD). Background: CRT fluctuations can depend on various factors such as the correct timing of injections, the therapeutic algorithm, and the number of injections (NI) performed; it is important to understand if CRT fluctuations are responsible for worse visual outcomes and consequently to identify the correct ways to avoid or reduce them. Methods: Forty-one patients were treated for nAMD with aflibercept: 0.5 mg intravitreal aflibercept was administered every 4 weeks during the first 3 months, then bimonthly over the first year, and after the first year adopting a PRN regimen. Standard deviation of CRT (CRT/SD), BCVA, and NI were recorded. Correlation studies were performed by Pearson’s test, Ancova, and Principal Component Analysis. Results: A negative correlation was found between CRT/SD and final BCVA. In patients who lost more than 15 letters, CRT/SD mean was significantly higher in comparison with patients who lost less than 15 letters. Patients with final BCVA >65 letters showed lower CRT/SD values compared to patients with final BCVA ⩽65 letters. Multivariate analysis confirmed that in patients with higher baseline BCVA, improvement of BCVA was correlated to NI, and lower values of CRT fluctuations were observed. Conclusions: CRT fluctuations, even after an appropriate NI given per year, significantly influence BCVA; a proactive treatment algorithm appears crucial when treating patients with nAMD.

Long-term outcome of neovascular age-related macular degeneration: association between treatment outcome and major risk alleles

2021 ◽  
pp. bjophthalmol-2021-319054
Author(s):  
Brice Nguedia Vofo ◽  
Gala Beykin ◽  
Jaime Levy ◽  
Itay Chowers
Keyword(s):  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Risk Alleles ◽  
Macular Atrophy ◽  
Anti Vegf ◽  
Age Related

AimsTo evaluate the long-term functional and anatomical outcomes of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) treated with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) for up to 10 years, and to identify associated risk factors.MethodsClinical and optical coherence tomography findings were retrieved for nvAMD cases treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF compounds using a treat-and-extend protocol. In addition, the major risk alleles for AMD in the CFH (rs1061170), HTRA1 (rs1200638) and C3 (rs2230199) genes were genotyped.ResultsFrom 276 eligible eyes in 206 patients, 80 eyes (29%) in 66 patients (32.0%) had a follow-up period of ≥8 years and were included in this study. Over a 10-year period, 73.3±28.0 (mean±SD) anti-VEGF injections were administered. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; LogMAR) deteriorated from 0.55±0.53 at baseline to 1.00±0.73 at 10 years (p<0.0005). Central subfield thickness (CST) decreased from 415.8±162.1 µm at baseline to 323±113.6 µm (p<0.0005) after three monthly injections and remained lower than baseline throughout the follow-up period. Visual outcome was associated with BCVA and intraretinal fluid (IRF) at baseline, macular atrophy, and macular thinning at follow-up. The decrease in CST was inversely correlated with the number of CFH and/or C3 risk alleles carried by the patient (Pearson’s r: −0.608; p=0.003).ConclusionsPatients with nvAMD who received anti-VEGF therapy for 10 years developed substantial vision loss associated with the presence of IRF at baseline and macular atrophy. Major risk alleles for AMD in two complement genes were associated with a reduced long-term reduction in macular thickness.

scholarly journals Current and upcoming anti-VEGF therapies and dosing strategies for the treatment of neovascular AMD: a comparative review

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saira Khanna ◽  
Rahul Komati ◽  
David A Eichenbaum ◽  
Ishani Hariprasad ◽  
Thomas A Ciulla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Anti Vegf ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Optimal Dosing ◽  
Comparative Review ◽  
Dosing Strategies ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in the developed world, with the expected number of affected elderly individuals reaching 17.8 million. Antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection therapy has been instrumental in treating a disease process that was previously thought to be untreatable. Over the past two decades, landmark studies have demonstrated the efficacy of different anti-VEGF medications and investigated the optimal dosing regimen and delivery mechanism to increase overall vision and minimise patient burden. In this review, we outline landmark neovascular age-related macular degeneration clinical trials that have demonstrated level 1 evidence for its usage or have contributed to the understanding of how to dose these agents.

scholarly journals Anti-VEGF therapy of neovascular age-related macular degeneration: from randomized trials to routine clinical practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. R. Fayzrakhmanov
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
High Reliability ◽  
Functional Results ◽  
Routine Clinical Practice ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Treatment Protocols ◽  
Anti Vegf ◽  
Age Related

Antivasoproliferative therapy is a revolutionary trend in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), as it is aimed at blocking growth factors of the newly formed vessels. Currently, two anti-VEGF drugs are registered for ophthalmological use, and the search for new molecules is only gaining momentum. Studying new approaches to treatment and developing innovative drugs, modern medicine relies on the data from international randomized clinical trials (RCT). The fact that this direction attracts much scientific interest is explained by high reliability of the data obtained with RCTs. However, when analyzing the effectiveness of anti-VEGF therapy in patients with nAMD in routine clinical practice, many ophthalmologists are confronted with discrepancies between the expected morphological and functional results as predicted by RCTs and those obtained in reality. It is thus important to bear in mind that RCTs simply determine how the dynamics of morphofunctional parameters should look like, whilst the ideal result is only achievable through correct implementation of therapeutic strategy in real clinical practice. The results obtained in the practice of any specialist wholly depend on how carefully the prescribed treatment protocols are followed by doctors and patients, how burdensome the treatment is, as well as on the potential of the medication. This literary review offers a comparative analysis of the results achieved by using anti-VEGF drugs (ranibizumab and aflibercept) obtained in key RCTs and in routine clinical treatment of nAMD patients.

Analysis of antiangiogenic therapy in Retinal Angiomatous Proliferation

2021 ◽  
pp. 355-359
Author(s):  
A.V. Shelankova ◽  
◽  
M.A. Afanasyeva ◽  
A.A. Plyukhova ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Retinal Pigment ◽  
Antiangiogenic Therapy ◽  
Retinal Angiomatous Proliferation ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Anti Vegf ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Intraretinal Fluid ◽  
Observation Period

Retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) is a separate form of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), which accounts for 12-15% of newly diagnosed patients with nAMD [14]. It is believed that the development of RAP is associated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) [12]. Purpose. The main goal of our work was to conduct a retrospective analysis of the use of anti-VEGF therapy in patients with retinal angiomatous proliferation. Material and methods. Under observation in 14 patients (14 eyes) with retinal angiomatous proliferation. The age of the patients ranged from 52 to 80 years. The observation period was 4 years. OCT data were used to assess the presence / absence of neuroepithelial detachment, the presence / absence of retinal pigment epithelium detachment and the presence / absence of intraretinal fluid, and the incidence of RP rupture was assessed. Results. The maximally corrected visual acuity increased already in the first year of follow-up compared to BCVA before treatment, under the condition of intravitreal injections (IVI) of anti-VEGF drug aflibercept, and continued to remain at the same level throughout the observation period. In most patients, subretinal fluid was resorbed as early as 1 year of follow-up against the background of antiangiogenic therapy; by 3 years of follow-up, ONE remained only in 2 patients. Before treatment, 71.4% of patients had intraretinal fluid (IRF) in the macular zone according to OCT data; by the 3rd year of follow-up, the percentage of patients with IRF was 33.3%. Conclusion. In the course of this work, we have shown a positive effect of intravitreal administration of the anti-VEGF drug aflibercept in patients with retinal angiomatous proliferation. Key words: age-related macular degeneration, retinal angiomatous proliferation, anti- VEGF, macular edema.

scholarly journals Switching of an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor in the treatment of resistant to ranibizumab neovascular form of age-related macular degeneration. Case study

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 69-76
Author(s):  
Nanuli V Ivanova ◽  
Oleg G Rasin ◽  
Aleksey V Savchenko ◽  
Olga A Litvinenko
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Choroidal Neovascularization ◽  
Retinal Thickness ◽  
Retinal Pigment ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Neovascular Amd ◽  
Membrane Area ◽  
Anti Vegf ◽  
Age Related

Aim: To analyze the spontaneous reattachment of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) after replacing the anti-VEGF drug - ranibizumab, with aflibercept in the treatment of neovascular AMD based on the example given in our clinical study. Material and methods. We carried out a retrospective analysis of the patient’s history with exudative detachment of RPE due to choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration. This patient was treated with anti-angiogenic treatment in the form of monthly IVI ranibizumab. At the time of treatment, the visual acuity of the left eye was 0.3 with sph + 1,5D = 0,5, in the fundus of the eye there was a high exudative detachment of RPE in the macular region common to the vascular arcades. The edges were determined by the detachment of the neuroepithelium and abundance of hard drusen. Using optical coherence tomography, (OCT) we saw that the center of the macula of the left eye had a high detachment of RPE, local detachment of the neuroepithelium at the edge of the RPE detachment and an abundance of hard drusen. The foveola was flattened, and beneath it, the RPE was detached in the center - thickness of 247 microns (m). After the seventh injection of ranibizumab, we used OCT to assess the condition of the retina. The retinas condition was almost the same as before. The thickness in the central zone was 251 m, detachment of neuroepithelium was not seen, the dome of the RPE detachment circuit was unchanged and visual acuity improved to 0.7 with a maximum correction. We then replaced ranibizumab with another anti-angiogenic drug - aflibercept. Results and discussion. Two weeks on from our control examination, we noticed there was a smooth bubble detachment of the RPE and a retinal prominence over the choroidal neovascular membrane area (CNM). The OCT scan indicated minimal RPE detachment, resorption of the exudate, presence of subretinal spindle - shaped formation near the temporal side (CNM? Scar?). Retinal thickness was 178 m at the fixation point. Intravitreal injections were stopped. Visual acuity increased to 0.8 and remained stable for 5 months, but there were signs of renewed activity of choroidal neovascularization. According to OCT, the thickness in the central parts of the retina increased to 230 m, there were intraretinal cysts and increased spindle - shaped formation under the RPE. After 10 months of IVI aflibercept, acute vision decreased to 0.5, the thickness at the point of fixing increased to 250 m, subretinal formation increased and oozing of fluid was observed mainly parafoveal, which explains the high visual acuity. We then administered IVI ranibizumab. Two weeks later, the retinal thickness was 169 m, visual acuity improved to 0.8, but 1 month later we found that the retinal thickness had increased once more and decreased to 0.7. After 3 months after IVI ranibizumab, retinal thickness at the fixation point reached 286 m and visual acuity dropped to 0.5. Conclusion. In our practice, we face patients with neovascular AMD, who respond badly to ranibizumab. For such patients, it is important to replace ranibizumab with a better, more therapeutically effective anti-VEGF drug with anti-vaso proliferative properties. Aflibercept is an effective substitute for ranibizumab which was shown in this clinical case.

scholarly journals Modulated anti-VEGF therapy under the influence of lipid metabolizing proteins in Age related macular degeneration: a pilot study

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaushal Sharma ◽  
Priya Battu ◽  
Ramandeep Singh ◽  
Suresh Kumar Sharma ◽  
Akshay Anand
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Retinal Disease ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Clinical Images ◽  
Anti Vegf ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Wet Amd ◽  
Group 1

AbstractAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a devastating retinal disease that results in irreversible vision loss in the aged population. The complex genetic nature and degree of genetic penetrance require a redefinition of the current therapeutic strategy for AMD. We aimed to investigate the role of modifiers for current anti-VEGF therapy especially for non-responder AMD patients. We recruited 78 wet AMD cases (out of 278 AMD patients) with their socio-demographic and treatment regimen. Serum protein levels were estimated by ELISA in AMD patients. Data pertaining to the number of anti-VEGF injections given (in 1 year) along with clinical images (FFA and OCT) of AMD patients were also included. Visual acuity data (logMAR) for 46 wet AMD cases out of a total of 78 patients were also retrieved to examine the response of anti-VEGF injections in wet AMD cases. Lipid metabolizing genes (LIPC and APOE) have been identified as chief biomarkers for anti-VEGF response in AMD patients. Both genotypes ‘CC’ and ‘GC’ of LIPC have found to be associated with a number of anti-VEGF injections in AMD patients which could influence the expression of B3GALTL,HTRA1, IER3, LIPC and SLC16A8 proteins in patients bearing both genotypes as compared to reference genotype. Elevated levels of APOE were also observed in group 2 wet AMD patients as compared to group 1 suggesting the significance of APOE levels in anti-VEGF response. The genotype of B3GALTL has also been shown to have a significant association with the number of anti-VEGF injections. Moreover, visual acuity of group 1 (≤ 4 anti-VEGF injections/year) AMD patients was found significantly improved after 3 doses of anti-VEGF injections and maintained longitudinally as compared to groups 2 and 3. Lipid metabolising genes may impact the outcome of anti-VEGF AMD treatment.

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