scholarly journals Pulsed Radiofrequency for Chronic Inguinal Neuralgia

2015 ◽  
Vol 2;18 (2;3) ◽  
pp. E147-E155
Author(s):  
Yasser M. Amr
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Nerve Root ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Pulsed Radiofrequency ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
One Year ◽  
The One ◽  
Inguinal Neuralgia ◽  
Group 1

Background: Chronic inguinal neuralgia has been reported after inguinal herniorrhaphy, caesarean section, appendectomy, and trauma to the lower quadrant of the abdomen or inguinal region. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency in management of chronic inguinal neuralgia. Study Design: Randomized, double-blind controlled trial. Setting: Hospital outpatient setting. Methods: Twenty-one patients were allocated into 2 groups. Group 1 received 2 cycles of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) for each nerve root. In Group 2, after stimulation, we spent the same time to mimic PRF. Both groups received bupivacaine 0.25% + 4 mg dexamethasone in 2 mL for each nerve root. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was assessed. Duration of the first block effective pain relief was reported. Repeated PRF blockade was allowed for any patient who reported a VAS > 30 mm in both groups during the one year follow-up period. The number and duration of blocks were reported and adverse effects were also reported. Results: Significantly longer duration of pain relief was noticed in Group 1 (P = 0.005) after the first block, while the durations of pain relief of the second block were comparable (P = 0.59). In Group 1 the second PRF produced pain relief from the twenty-fourth week until the tenth month while in Group 2, pain relief was reported from the sixteenth week until the eighth month after the use of PRF. All patients in Group 2 received 3 blocks (the first was a sham PRF) during the one year follow-up period. Meanwhile, 2 PRF blocks were sufficient to achieve pain relief for patients in Group 1 except 4 patients who needed a third PRF block. No adverse events were reported. Limitations: Small sample size. Conclusion: For intractable chronic inguinal pain, PRF for the dorsal root ganglion represents a promising treatment modality. Key words: Radiofrequency, chronic, inguinal neuralgia

scholarly journals Results of Ranibizumab Treatment of the Myopic Choroidal Neovascular Membrane according to the Axial Length of the Eye

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Alexandr Stepanov ◽  
Martin Pencak ◽  
Jan Nemcansky ◽  
Veronika Matuskova ◽  
Marketa Stredova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Axial Length ◽  
Good Effect ◽  
Intravitreal Ranibizumab ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
One Year ◽  
The One ◽  
Ranibizumab Treatment ◽  
Group 1

Aim. A retrospective evaluation of the results of treatment of myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) with intravitreal injections of ranibizumab in a pro re nata (PRN) regimen in three groups of patients distributed according to axial length. Methods. The paper presents a retrospective multicenter study carried out with the cooperation of several Departments of Ophthalmology in the Czech Republic. The study included 60 eyes of 60 patients suffering from mCNV, divided according to axial length into three groups. The first group consisted of 20 patients with an axial length of the eyes shorter than 28 mm (Group 1), the second group included 27 patients with axial lengths ranging from 28 mm to 29.81 mm (Group 2), and 13 patients had axial lengths longer than 30 mm (Group 3). All patients were first administered 3 initial intravitreal ranibizumab injections at monthly intervals (loading phase), and other injections were administered according to a PRN treatment regimen. Patients were evaluated before treatment and then at intervals of 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The effect of ranibizumab treatment on the functional and morphological parameters of the affected eye was evaluated. Results. The average baseline BCVA ± SD in Group 1 was 52.6 ± 12.5 letters of ETDRS optotypes, and at the end of the one-year follow-up, it was 63.3 ± 11.8 letters. The average baseline of CRT ± SD in this group was 377.4 ± 80.0 μm, and in the 12th month, it was 311.1 ± 63.7 μm. The average baseline BCVA ± SD in Group 2 was 50.2 ± 9.0 ETDRS letters, and at the end of the follow-up, it was 60 ± 12.4 letters. The average baseline of CRT ± SD in Group 2 was 391.2 ± 85.2 μm, and in the 12th month, it was 323.9 ± 91.2 μm. In Group 3, the average baseline of BCVA was 48.5 ± 14.5 ETDRS letters, and at the end of the one-year follow-up, it was 55.7 ± 16.1 letters. The average baseline CRT ± SD for Group 3 was 342.1 ± 94.9 μm, and after 12 months, it was 287.8 ± 88.4 μm. An improvement of BCVA by ≥15 letters of ETDRS optotypes was achieved by 3 patients of 20 (15%) in Group 1, by 5 patients of 27 (18.5%) in Group 2, and by 3 patients of 13 (23.1%) in Group 3. All these changes were statistically significant in comparison with the input values p<0.05. Conclusion. Ranibizumab treatment in patients with mCNV in our study resulted in statistically significant improvement in BCVA and a decrease in CRT in all groups of patients. Our results from a routine clinical practice correspond with the results of large clinical studies; we confirm a particularly good effect of treatment in patients with axial lengths of the eye smaller than 28 mm.

scholarly journals Calcitonin as an Additive to Local Anesthetic and Steroid Injection Using a Modified Coronoid Approach in Trigeminal Neuralgia

2016 ◽  
Vol 7;19 (7;9) ◽  
pp. 457-464
Author(s):  
Yasser Mohamed Amr
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Local Anesthetic ◽  
Interventional Procedure ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Effective Pain Relief ◽  
One Year ◽  
Group 1

Background: Pharmacotherapy is the main treatment for management of trigeminal neuralgia. However, many patients become refractory to drugs. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding calcitonin to local anesthetic and methylprednisolone using a modified coronoid approach in management of trigeminal neuralgia pain involving the mandibular and/or maxillary branches. Study Design: Randomized double blind clinical trial. Setting: Hospital outpatient setting. Methods: Thirty-three patients received maxillary and mandibular blocks by a modified coronoid approach. Patients were allocated into 2 groups. Group 1 received a block with 3 mL of lidocaine 0.5% plus 40 mg of methylprednisolone and another syringe contained 1 mL of 0.9% saline. Group 2 received a block with 3 mL of lidocaine 0.5% plus 40 mg of methylprednisolone and another syringe contained 50 international units of calcitonin. Pain was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) before the block (basal), at 2 weeks, one month after the procedure, and monthly for one year. Duration of the effective pain relief of the first block (VAS ≤ 3) was reported. Repeated blockade was allowed for any patient reporting a VAS > 30 mm during one year of follow-up and the number of blocks were reported. Adverse effects were also reported. Results: A significantly longer duration of effective pain relief was noticed in group 2 compared with group 1 (P < 0.0004) while the duration of effective pain relief of the second block in group 1 was 28.5 ± 8.9 weeks. Four patients did not need repeated blocks in group 1 versus 15 in group 2. Six patients received 2 blocks versus 2 patients in each group, respectively. Moreover, 6 patients needed 3 blocks in group1 versus none in group 2. No serious adverse events were reported during or after the interventional procedure. VAS was comparable in both groups (P > 0.05). Limitations: Small sample size. Conclusion: Calcitonin may be a useful additive to local anesthetic and steroid in management of trigeminal neuralgia. Also, a modified coronoid approach for maxillary and mandibular nerve is simple, free of radiation, safe, and may be an effective percutaneous procedure in trigeminal neuralgia. Key words: Calcitonine, modifed, coronoid approach, trigeminal neuralgia

Expression of P-selectin, von Willebrand and endothelin-1 after carotid artery stenting

VASA ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 199-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xia ◽  
Yang ◽  
Qu ◽  
Cheng ◽  
Wang
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Carotid Artery Stenting ◽  
Endothelin 1 ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
One Year ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Group 1

Background: This study was designed to investigate the impact of carotid artery stenting (CAS) on plasma levels of P-selectin, von Willebrand (vWF) and endothelin-1. Patients and methods: Sixty-seven patients who received CAS were divided into group 1 (one stent for a simple lesion, n = 38) and group 2 (two stents for complex lesions, n = 29). The levels of P-selectin, vWF and endothelin-1 were measured before CAS, 1 h, 6h, 24 h and 2 weeks after the stenting. Results: Sixty-one patients completed one-year follow up. Restenosis was noted in 14 (23 %) patients, among these three (4.8 %) had a restenosis of > 50 % of the vascular lumen. In all patients, the levels of P-selectin, vWF and endothelin-1 increased immediately after CAS (P < 0.05 or < 0.01). The levels of vWF and endothelin-1 in group 2 were higher than in group 1 (P < 0.05 or 0.01). There was no significant difference in P-selectin and endothelin-1 between the restenosis and non-restenosis group (P > 0.05). The 24 h vWF in patients with restenosis were higher than in non-restenosis group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: CAS results in a significant increase in plasma P-selectin, vWF and endothelin-1. The post-CAS levels of P-selectin, vWF and endothelin-1 are related to the extent of endothelial injury. Whether they are associated with restenosis 12 months after the treatment requires further investigation.

TSH variations in chronic heart failure outpatients: clinical correlates and outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Terlizzese ◽  
Miriam Albanese ◽  
Dario Grande ◽  
Giuseppe Parisi ◽  
Margherita Ilaria Gioia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Thyroid Function ◽  
Echocardiographic Parameters ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
One Year ◽  
Tsh Levels ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Group 1

Background: Hypothyroidism is a frequently observed comorbidity in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), possibly giving rise to unfavorable outcomes. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of TSH changes over time on cardiac function and prognosis of outpatients with CHF. Methods: Patients underwent clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic evaluations at baseline and after 12 months. Moreover, blood chemistry tests were performed to evaluate renal function, cardiac biomarkers, fT3, fT4, and TSH levels. Based on TSH serum levels, patients were retrospectively classified into four categories: Group 1, patients with improved thyroid function at one-year follow up vs. baseline; Group 2, patients with stable and mildly high TSH values (3.74 – 10 mUI/L); Group 3, patients with worsening thyroid function; Euthyroid patients Group, TSH levels within the normal range of reference at baseline as well as at 12 months follow-up. We considered as end-points: one-year changes of laboratory and echocardiographic parameters; hospitalizations due to worsening of HF (acute decompensated heart failure - ADHF); death for all causes. Results: Among 257 patients, 174 (67.7%) were euthyroid at baseline and after 12 months. Group 1 patients (n. 22, 8.6%) showed a significant improvement in systolic and diastolic function, filling pressures, NT-proBNP and Galectin-3. Group 2 patients (n. 34, 13.2%) did not exhibit significant modifications in studied parameters. Group 3 patients (n. 27, 10.5%) showed worsening of diastolic function and NT-proBNP and a greater risk of ADHF (HR: 2.12; 95%CI: 1.20-3.74; p: 0.009) and death (HR: 4.05; 95%CI: 2.01-8.15; p<0.001). Conclusion: In patients with CHF, changes in thyroid function over time influenced echocardiographic parameters and biomarkers reflecting modifications of cardiac function and prognosis, thus suggesting the clinical relevance of thyroid deficiency screening and correction.

scholarly journals Follow-up tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion predicts survival in pulmonary arterial hypertension

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 361-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy A. Mazurek ◽  
Anjali Vaidya ◽  
Stephen C. Mathai ◽  
Justin D. Roberts ◽  
Paul R. Forfia
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Prognostic Significance ◽  
Functional Class ◽  
Heart Catheterization ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
One Year ◽  
Group 1

Few studies have examined the utility of serial echocardiography in the evaluation, management, and prognosis of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Therefore, we sought to evaluate the prognostic significance of follow-up tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) in PAH. We prospectively studied 70 consecutive patients with PAH who underwent baseline right heart catheterization (RHC) and transthoracic echocardiogram, who survived to follow-up echocardiogram after initiation of PAH therapy. Baseline TAPSE was 1.6 ± 0.5 cm which increased to 2.0 ± 0.4 cm on follow-up ( P < 0.0001). The cohort was dichotomized by TAPSE at one-year follow-up: Group 1 (n = 37): follow-up TAPSE ≥ 2 cm; Group 2 (n = 33): follow-up TAPSE < 2 cm. Group 1 participants were significantly more likely to reach WHO functional class I–II status and achieve a higher six-minute walk distance on follow-up. Of the 68 patients who survived more than one year, 18 died (26.5%) over a median follow-up of 941 days (range, 3–2311 days), with significantly higher mortality in Group 2 versus Group 1 (41.9% vs. 13.5%; P = 0.003). While baseline TAPSE stratified at 2 cm did not predict survival in this cohort, TAPSE ≥ 2 cm at follow-up strongly predicted survival in bivariable models (hazard ratio, 0.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.08–0.60). In conclusion, follow-up TAPSE ≥ 2 cm is a prognostic marker and potential treatment target in a PAH population.

Allotransplantation with Reduced Intensity Conditioning Regimens Modified To Lessen Transplant-Related Mortality Is a Useful Treatment for High-Risk Myeloid Diseases.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 5328-5328
Author(s):  
Carolyn L. Bigelow ◽  
Stephanie L. Elkins ◽  
Cheryl L. Hardy ◽  
Joe C. Files
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Cord Blood ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Conditioning Regimens ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
One Year ◽  
Reduced Intensity ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Our stem cell transplant program treats a spectrum of hematologic malignancies that includes a number of patients with high risk myeloid disease. These challenging patients have lead our adult allotransplant program to employ alternative approaches to standard conditioning over the last three years using reduced intensity conditioning. The regimens are amenable to modification, allowing a goal of maximizing length of remission or period of low tumor burden while minimizing transplant-related mortality. We have conducted a retrospective study of patients receiving modified reduced intensity regimens of fludarabine, melphalan and Campath. Incidence of relapse, survival, tempo of engraftment and incidence of grades I–II and III–IV acute GVHD were compared. Three modifications of the regimen were: fludarabine 30 mg/m2 x 5d, melphalan 140 mg/m2 x 1d, Campath 20 mg/d x 5 days (Group 1); fludarabine and melphalan the same and Campath 20 mg/d x 3d (Group 2); fludarabine and melphalan the same and Campath 20 mg/d x 1d (Group 3). Fifteen patients with a median age of 48, range 24 to 58 years, were in the study. Twelve patients had AML, two had CML and one had MDS. Six patients were in CR at time of transplant and nine had detectable tumor or disease. Patients were not randomized for a conditioning group but were transplanted in a consecutive fashion; seven patients were in Group 1, five patients in Group 2 and three patients in Group 3. Stem cell sources were related BM for four recipients, related peripheral blood for one, unrelated BM for four, unrelated peripheral blood for four, a combination of related BM and peripheral blood for one, and one cord blood. All patients received an adequate CD34+ cell dose and none of the products was manipulated. Match grade was 6/6 for 13 transplants, 5/6 for one and 4/6 for the cord blood transplant. GVHD prophylaxis was the same for all recipients (standard dose cyclosporine or tacrolimus and MMF) tapering after day 30. No failures to achieve a WBC graft, including the cord blood recipient, occurred. Neutrophils (ANC &gt;500/dl) engrafted at a median of day 13 (range 10 – 48 days). Median follow-up was seven months (range 1.5 – 30 months). Two patients in Group 1 had grade I aGVHD and one continued to chronic GVHD. One patient in Group 2 had grade II and one had grade III aGVHD. None in Group 3 had aGVHD. Relapse occurred in three patients in Group 1 and they received DLI immunotherapy; no relapse occurred in Group 2 or 3. Twelve patients survived to day 100; three from Groups 1 or 2 did not. Four were alive at one year and four others who are still alive have not reached the one year mark. Four of the seven patients who have died were from residual disease; the other three were from treatment-related toxicity within the first 100 days. Eight of 15 patients remain in follow-up. We conclude that the application of fludarabine, melphalan, Campath conditioning regimens has been successful in this high risk group of patients. The cell source from an unrelated or related donor does not impact outcomes. There was a very low incidence of toxicity related to aGVHD, no failure to engraft and no unexpected complications. Lastly, this regimen has allowed modification to enhance its tumoricidal properties to the extent that these patients with myeloid disease have experienced a low 20% incidence of relapse. We will continue to modify and expand the patient selection criteria to elderly (&lt; 70 years old) AML in remission.

scholarly journals P0443ONE YEAR AFTER PROTEINURIA IN LUPUS NEPHRITIS: EURO LUPUS VS MYCOPHENOLATE, A SINGLE-CENTER EXPERIENCE

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Calderaro ◽  
Valeria Cernaro ◽  
Raffaele Cordiano ◽  
Federica giada Vienna ◽  
Alfredo Laudani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lupus Nephritis ◽  
Normal Distribution ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Renal Outcome ◽  
Single Center Experience ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
One Year ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Background and Aims Lupus nephritis (LN) develops in about 50% of patients affected by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and it is associated with higher morbidity and mortality risk. Approximately 10 % of LN patients is expected to reach end stage renal disease (ESRD). Proteinuria at 1 year has been demonstrated as the best predictor factor of long-term renal outcome. We compared the effects of two different induction therapies (Euro Lupus protocol [EL] vs Mycophenolate [MMF]) in terms of eGFR, proteinuria, serum albumin and complement activation in LN patients related to our centre. Method We retrospectively reviewed the records of 34 adult patients with LN from 2011 to 2019. Patients were divided in two groups according to therapeutic strategy chosen: EL (n=21 patients, group 1) and MMF (n=13, group 2). Data with normal distribution are expressed as average ± standard deviation, while data with non normal distribution are referred to as median and interquartile range [IQR]. Basal values of eGFR, proteinuria, albumin and complement were compared to 1 year values with Student t-test for normal variables or with Wilcoxon test for non normal variables. Results The mean age of the patients was 41.27±17.43 years, there was a predominance of female (85,3%) LN was diagnosed at 32±16 years old. According to LN classification, 88.2% of them was affected by III, IV, V and mixed LN class Basal values of eGFR (estimated with CKD-EPI method) were similar between groups 1 and 2 (86.12±52.86 vs 73.75±30.35, P=0.4890) as well as proteinuria (2.00 [0.48-4.57] vs 0.71 [0.28-1.39] g/24h, P=0.3284). After one year of follow up, eGFR did not show significant differences between two groups, while proteinuria was significantly lower in group 1 (2.)). 00 [0.48-4.57] vs 0.44 [0.19-0.91] g/24h, P=0.0034) than in group 2 (0.71 [0.28-1.39] vs 0.15 [0.08-0.77] g/24h, P=0.4687) (fig.1). Moreover, we recorded in group 1 higher values of albumin after one year of follow up (3.20 [2.52-3.94] vs 4.33 [3.99-4.57] g/dl, P=0.0195) (fig.2) and C3 consumption (35.00 [1.00-81.25] vs 89.00 [2.00-112.50] mg/dl, P=0.0067) (fig.3), while group 2 did not show any statistically significant differences. Conclusion In patients affected by LN, EL protocol demonstrated to be more effective than MMF in reducing one year after proteinuria, thus improving albumin and C3 serum titer.

scholarly journals Similar results for revision ACL with and without a lateral extra-articular reconstruction. A prospective evaluation

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (12_suppl5) ◽  
pp. 2325967118S0019
Author(s):  
Juan Pablo Zicaro ◽  
Carlos Yacuzzi ◽  
Ignacio Garcia-Mansilla ◽  
Matias Costa-Paz
Keyword(s):  
Case Series ◽  
Lysholm Score ◽  
Consecutive Series ◽  
Return To Sports ◽  
Mri Imaging ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
One Year ◽  
Group 1

Objectives Lateral extra-articular augmentation procedure (LEAP) has been proposed as an additional technique in the setting of revision ACL Reconstruction (ACLR). Few case series have been reported. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical results and return to sports of a consecutive series of patients treated for revision ACLR with and without a LEAP. Methods We prospectively evaluated a series of patients treated for isolated revision ACL between 2014 and 2015 (group 1) and revision ACL associated with a LEAP from 2015 to 2016 (group 2). We analyzed the surgical technique and graft used for primary and revision ACL and for the LEAP. All patients were evaluated at one-year follow-up with Lysholm score and IKDC evaluation, return to sports and MRI evaluation. Results Thirty-six patients were evaluated, eighteen patients in each group. For the revision ACL procedures, 14 autografts and 4 allografts were used in group 1 and 16 autografts and 2 allografts in group 2. For the LEAP, in 13 cases we performed a lateral tenodesis using ilio-tibial band and in 5 patients we used allograft. The mean age was 32 years (SD 8,5) for group 1 and 28,4 (SD 6,5) for group 2. In group 1, the median Lysholm and IKDC scale was 90 (IQR 27) and 80 (IQR 40) respectively, and in group 2 the median was 90 (IQR 48) and 67,5 (IQR 33) respectively. The difference for IKDC was statistically significant (p=0,000). Eight patients return to sports in group 1 and seven in group 2. The MRI shown and homogeneous neoligament in 66% of patients in group 1 and 61% in group 2. Conclusion Despite there was a statistically significant difference in IKDC results in favor of group 2, we found no differences in return to sports, Lysholm score and MRI imaging when a LEAP was associated at one year follow-up.

scholarly journals Functional Comparison of Immediate and Late Weight Bearing after Ankle Bimalleolar Fracture Surgery

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 188-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
İsmail Ağır ◽  
Nejat Tunçer ◽  
Fatih Küçükdurmaz ◽  
Seyitali Gümüstaş ◽  
Esra Demirel Akgül ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Scoring System ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Functional Results ◽  
The Other ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
One Year ◽  
Fracture Surgery ◽  
Group 1

Aim : The aim of the study is to compare immediate weight bearing with below-knee cast or immobilization with plaster splint in 6 weeks in patients after operative treatment for ankle bimalleolar fractures. Methods : Fifty-three patients with ankle bimalleolar fractures were treated operatively in 2005 to 2010 and then were randomly allocated to two groups. Immediately weight bearing in a below-knee cast (26 patients) and immobilization in a plaster splint for the first six postoperative weeks (27 patients). A mean age 37.9 (min 17; max 72). An average follow-up 26.1 months. (min 14; max 55). All fractures were classified with Lauge-Hansen classification. Functional results of both groups were evaluated with AOFAS for the postoperative one year after surgical treatment. Results : According to the AOFAS scoring system, results were excellent and good in 17 patients in group 1. On the other hand, results were excellent and good in 14 patients in group 2. Conclusion : As a result we think that weight bearing protocol should be advantaged for patients with ankle bimalleolar fractures after surgical treatment immediately.

Switch to Aflibercept in the Treatment of Neovascular AMD: One-Year Results in Clinical Practice

2015 ◽  
Vol 233 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 155-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
João Pinheiro-Costa ◽  
José M. Costa ◽  
João N. Beato ◽  
Paulo Freitas-da-Costa ◽  
Elisete Brandão ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Neovascular Amd ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Intravitreal Aflibercept ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
One Year ◽  
Group 1

Purpose: To report the clinical outcomes of intravitreal aflibercept therapy in eyes with refractory and recurrent neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) switched from intravitreal bevacizumab or ranibizumab. Methods: This is a retrospective review of eyes with neovascular AMD switched to intravitreal aflibercept with at least 1 year of follow-up after the switch. All patients had had a minimum of 3 injections of bevacizumab or ranibizumab before the switch. Aflibercept was used in patients considered refractory to bevacizumab (group 1) and in recurrent patients on therapy with ranibizumab due to an institutional policy decision (group 2). Changes in best-corrected visual acuity, fluid on optical coherence tomography (OCT), central retinal thickness (CRT) and the frequency of injections were compared. Results: Eighty-five eyes of 69 patients were analyzed, 39 eyes in group 1 and 46 in group 2. The mean follow-up time was 31.6 months prior to the switch and 14.7 months on treatment with aflibercept. One year after the switch, there was a nonsignificant mean decrease of 2 letters in visual acuity in both groups (group 1: from 58.2 to 55.8 letters, p = 0.086; group 2: from 56.4 to 54.5 letters, p = 0.168), but the mean number of injections per month was significantly lower (from 0.76 to 0.57, p < 0.001). With the switch, 90.6% of the patients showed anatomic improvement with a reduction of fluid on OCT, and both groups presented significant improvement in CRT (group 1: 65.3 µm, p = 0.051; group 2: 91.0 µm, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Aflibercept appears to be a valuable tool for the management of patients with poor responses to other anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs. These patients could have anatomic improvement, and the injection intervals could be extended.

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