Macular volume and fovea thickness as OCT-criteria for multiple sclerosis. Preliminary results

Background. The characteristic optical coherence tomography (OCT) changes in the optic nerve head in patients with multiple sclerosis are known and have been described many times, however, the state of the macular area is described in a small number of publications.The aim: to analyze the changes in the macular area of the retina in patients with multiple sclerosis, to identify the OCT signs pathognomonic for this disease and to trace their changes over time as the disease progresses.Material and methods. In addition to the standard ophthalmological examination, 28 patients (55 eyes) diagnosed with multiple sclerosis underwent OCT of the macular zone to determine the thickness of the fovea and the volume of the macula in the 6 mm zone. The follow-up period was 6–12 years. The endpoints were the primary treatment and the most recent inspection.Results. At the initial examination, the visual acuity was 0.96 ± 0.24 (95% CI: 0.9–1.03), fovea thickness – 253.0 μm (Q1–Q3: 233.0–264.0), macular volume – 5.471 mm3 (Q1–Q3: 5.281–5.625). In 37 cases (67.3 %), the macular volume was below normal. The initial fovea thickness was below normal in 9 cases (16.4 %). At the end of the study, visual acuity did not change statistically (p = 0.824) and amounted to 0.96 ± 0.25 (95% CI: 0.90–1.04). The fi nal thickness of the fovea was 247.5 μm (Q1–Q3: 233.0–260.0), changes are statistically significant (p = 0.02). Number of cases with a thickness below normal in the fi nal study was 11 (20 %), change of frequency of cases was not statistically signifi cant (p = 0.5). The fi nal macular volume was 5.393 mm3 (Q1–Q3: 5.197–5.565), the changes are statistically significant (p = 0.023). The final number of cases with a volume below the norm was 42 (76.4 %), the change in the frequency of cases is close to statistically signifi cant (p = 0.063). At all stages of the study, there was no case of an isolated decrease in the thickness of the fovea without a decrease in the volume of the macula.Conclusion. The decrease in the volume of the macula with time while maintaining the thickness of the fovea within the normal range can be attributed to the pathognomonic OCT signs of multiple sclerosis. This criterion can be used for a comprehensive assessment of the course and therapy of this disease.

Intraoperative dexamethasone intravitreal implant in diabetic macular edema patients undergoing phacoemulsification: The CataDex study

Purpose To assess the impact of preoperative intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DexI) on functional and anatomic outcomes in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) who underwent phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Methods Prospective and non-comparative study conducted on consecutive DME patients undergoing cataract surgery. DexI was administered 15 days before surgery and in a pro re nata regime after surgery. Main outcome measures were mean change in central retinal thickness (CRT), central subfield thickness (CST), total macular volume (TMV), and central subfield volume (CSV) from baseline to month-12. Secondary outcome was mean change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results Forty eyes were included in the study. CRT significantly decreased from 410.4 ± 64.8 µm at baseline to 303.2 ± 24.3 µm at month-12, p < 0.0001. Similarly, CST was significantly reduced from 436.4 ± 120.4 µm at baseline to 322.9 ± 54.2 µm at month-12, p < 0.0001. Total macular volume and CSV were significantly reduced from 9.95 ± 1.68 mm3 and 0.38 ± 0.11 mm3 at baseline to 8.49 ± 0.83 mm3 and 0.31 ± 0.05 mm3 at month-12, respectively ( p < 0.0001 each, respectively). BCVA significantly improved from 0.26 ± 0.17 Snellen equivalent at baseline to 0.65 ± 0.19 at month-12, p < 0.0001. Mean DexI administered during the study were 2.0 ± 0.3. Neither DME subtype nor previous treatment status had any effect on functional or anatomic outcomes. Regarding safety, one (2.5%) eye developed ocular hypertension, which was successfully controlled with topical hypotensive treatment. Conclusions DexI was and effective and safe strategy for managing DME in diabetic patients undergoing uneventful cataract surgery.

Transplantation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) Overexpressing Circular Zinc Finger Protein 609 Alleviates Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a chronic complications and its pathogenesis remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the underlying mechanism by how bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) affects DR development in a rat model. A rat model of DR was established and injected with BMSCs overexpressing Cir-ZNF609 and shRNA Cir-ZNF609 to vitreous body followed by analysis of the retinal vascular permeability and macular retinal layers thickness, and the levels of HIF-1α, ICAM-1 and VEGF in rat retina by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Injection of BMSCs overexpressing Cir-ZNF609 resulted in decreased HIF-1α ICAM-1 and VEGF expression, amelioration of retinal ganglion choriocapillaris injury and reducing ganglion cells. Twelve weeks after treatment, neovascularization took place and fibroblasts appeared with some nucleus disappearing and pigment taking off. Besides, permeability also elevated in the presence of overexpressing Cir-ZNF609 and penetration rate for Evans blue (16.36+3.25, 15.45±3.46 μg/g) was lower than healthy rats (28.66±2.08, 32.24±4.36 μg/g) and controls (26.93±3.03, 33.49±5.02 μg/g) (p < 0.01). Moreover, upregulation of Cir-ZNF609 decreased retinal thickness and macular volume in DR rats (p < 0.05). In conclusion, intravitreal injection of mouse BMSCs overexpressing Cir-ZNF609 alleviates retinal injury and decreases retinal thickness and macular volume, and enhances neovascularization. These evidence provides a novel insight into gene therapy for DR.

Efıcacy of Mıcropulse Laser In The Treatment of Dıabetıc Macular Edema

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the visual acuity, macular volume, central macular thickness, change in number of intravitreal ranibizumab injections with micropulse laser applications after loading dose of antiVEGF to DME patients.Study Design: Retrospective study Methods: This study was carried out on 97 patients (45 ranibizumab and 52 micropuls grid laser + ranibizumab) with diabetic macular edema patients who were followed in the Retina Unit. At the control visit after three loading ranibizumab injections administered once a month, micropuls grid laser was applied to one group and ranibizumab injection was continued PRN to both groups for an average of 9.27 ± 2.42 months and central macular thickness, macular volume and visual acuity were recorded. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of gender, smoking and systemic diseases, initial central macular thickness, macular volume and visual acuity measurements (p> 0.05). Central macular thickness, macular volume and visual acuity values measured at the last follow-up of the patients were not significantly different between the groups (p> 0.05). The mean post-treatment injection requirement was 4.19 ± 1.01 for the ranibizumab with micropuls laser group and 5.53 ± 1.14 for the ranibizumab group. In the group treated with micropuls laser, statistically less number of intravitreal ranibizumab injections were needed (p <0.001). Conclusion: Micropulse laser treatment after initial loading doses reduces the need for antiVEGF injections. Studies with the participation of more patients may help in the selection of treatment methods by comparing micropulse laser combined with different injection protocols.

Short-term real-world outcomes following intravitreal brolucizumab for neovascular AMD: SHIFT study

BackgroundBrolucizumab has recently been approved in Europe as a novel treatment for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). We report on early experiences with real-world outcomes of switch to brolucizumab therapy in previously anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF)-treated patients.MethodsPatients with recalcitrant nAMD were switched to brolucizumab therapy. Functional and structural parameters 4 weeks after first brolucizumab injection were evaluated including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA (logMAR)), foveal centre point (FCP (µm)), central subfield retinal thickness (CSRT (µm)) and macular volume (mm³).ResultsSixty-three eyes of 57 patients with nAMD (52.6% females) with a mean (±SD) age of 79.5±6.7 years were included. Mean change of BCVA was −0.02±0.13 logMAR (p=0.322). Significant reductions were recorded for FCP with a mean (±SD) change of −66.79±72.64 µm, −66.76±60.71 µm for CSRT and −0.27±0.24 mm³ for macular volume (all p<0.001). Intraocular inflammation was observed in seven eyes of seven patients, including one case of retinal vasculitis without occlusion.ConclusionsThe results of the SHIFT study indicate that switch to brolucizumab may represent a treatment option in patients with nAMD poorly responsive to other anti-VEGF agents. Further long-term analyses appear prudent to assess efficacy and safety of brolucizumab in a routine clinical setting.

Comparison of Intravitreal Bevacizumab versus Intravitreal Ranibizumab in Treatment Naive Macular Edema Patients (Real World Evidence in Pakistan)

Purpose: To compare the short-term efficacy and safety of intraocular Ranibizumab and Bevacizumab in patients with treatment Naïve macular edema. Study Design: Quasi experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Amanat Eye Hospital, from August 2018 to November 2019. Methods: Patients with macular edema confirmed with optical coherence tomography (OCT) or leakage on fluorescein angiography were included. Patients with NVE, PDR without macular edema and patients who switched to alternative anti-VEGF compounds prior to the completion of three consecutive monthly injections of their respective anti-VEGF or switched to other treatment options were excluded from the study. A thorough clinical examination was conducted including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA, intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior and posterior segment examination and OCT macula. The patients were then allocated to one of the two study arms (either Bevacizumab or Ranibizumab) based on the doctor’s input and patient affordability. All patients underwent three consecutive injections of the selected molecule at one month intervals. BCVA, CRT and macular volume were then recorded 04 weeks after the third injection. Results: A statistically significant mean vision gain was observed from baseline in both groups (p < 0.05). However, the change in BCVA was not significantly different between intravitreal Bevacizumab group and intravitreal Ranibizumab group (p > 0.05). Similarly, although there was improvement in CRT and macular volume in both groups but there was no statistically significant difference between the two. Conclusions: Treatment with intravitreal Bevacizumab and Ranibizumab injections cause statistically similar anatomical and functional results in cases of treatment naïve macular edema. Key Words: Bevacizumab, Ranibizumab, Macular Edema, Diabetic Retinopathy, Macular Degeneration, Retinal Vein Occlusion.

Micropulse laser in patients with refractory and treatment-naïve center–involved diabetic macular edema: short terms visual and anatomic outcomes

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to describe visual and anatomic outcomes of 5774nm micropulse laser photocoagulation in eyes with either treatment-naïve or refractory diabetic macular edema (DME) at 3 months. Methods: This was a prospective case series that recruited 23 consecutive patients (33 eyes) with center-involved DME that was either treatment-naïve or had not responded to prior treatment. Micropulse therapy was performed with the Easy Ret 577 (Quantel Medical, Cournon d’Auvergne, France) diode laser in a high-density manner in eyes with treatment-naïve or refractory DME. The primary outcome was the change of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; logMAR) at 1 and 3 months. Secondary outcomes were changes in the central macular thickness (CMT), thickness area, macular volume, and macular capillary leakage at 1 and 3 months. Results: There were no significant changes in BCVA at 3 months, with mean ± standard deviation (SD) of −0.08 ± 0.01 ( p = 0.228) and + 0.01 ± 0.01 ( p = 0.969) for treatment-naïve and refractory groups, respectively. The change in CMT at 3 months was statistically but not clinically significant in the treatment-naïve group only (mean ± SD; –30 ± 130 µm; p = 0.011). The macular volume and area thickness change were not statistically significant ( p = 0.173 and p = 0.148 for macular volume and area thickness, respectively) in the treatment-naïve group. There was no difference concerning the leakage area in both groups. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: We concluded that micropulse 577nm laser therapy maintained the visual acuity and macular thickness at 3 months in both treatment-naïve and refractory DME.

Effect of nepafenac 0.1% on retinal thickness after cataract surgery in patients without risk factors for cystoid macular edema

AIM: To evaluate the effect of topical preoperative nepafenac 0.1% treatment on postoperative macular edema using optical coherence tomography (OCT) after uncomplicated cataract surgery. METHODS: Ninety eyes of 90 patients without any risk factors were included in the study. The patients were assigned to three groups: group 1, treated with topical prednisolone acetate 1%; group 2, treated with topical nepafenac 0.1% in addition to prednisolone acetate (1%); and group 3, those who started receiving nepafenac 0.1% treatment 3d prior to surgery and continued the treatment postoperatively in addition to prednisolone acetate (1%). Central retinal thickness (CRT) and macular volume values were recorded using OCT at weeks 3 and 6. RESULTS: The increases in macular volume in the central 1 mm area after 3 and 6wk were significantly lower in patients who used prophylactic topical nepafenac preoperatively (group 3) compared with those in group 1 (P=0.028 and 0.008, respectively). No significant differences in the increase in macular volume and CRT were noted between groups 2 and 3 (P>0.05). In group 1, the increases in macular volume in the central 3 mm area at weeks 3 and 6 were significantly higher than that in group 2 and 3 (3rd week, P=0.004; 6th week, P=0.005). CONCLUSION: Nepafenac 0.1% treatment in addition to topical steroids after uncomplicated cataract surgery reduce the increase in macular volume in the early postoperative period.

Secondary epiretinal membrane after Ex-Press glaucoma filtration device implant

Purpose To estimate the frequency of epiretinal membrane (ERM) in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) treated with Ex-Press shunt implant. Secondarily, we aimed to assess the role of concomitant cataract surgery and the impact of the ERM on central foveal thickness and macular volume. Methods In this prospective, consecutive, case-control study, we enrolled 54 patients affected by PAOG and scheduled for Ex-Press device implant with or without contemporary phacoemulsification. Contralateral eyes affected by POAG and receiving anti-glaucomatous eyedrops constituted the control group. Complete ophthalmologic evaluation and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed before and 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Results Twenty-six eyes received the Ex-Press implant alone, and 28 eyes underwent the combined procedure. Six months postoperatively, we observed 18 (33%) cases of ERM: 15 (28%) of cellophane macular reflex (CMR) and 3 (6%) of pre-macular fibrosis (PMF). In the control group, 9 (17%) eyes developed an ERM: 8 (15%) were CMR, and 1 (2%) was PMF. The frequency of ERM statistically differs between treated and contralateral eyes (P = 0.032, χ2 test). The ERM frequency did not statically differ between eyes subjected to simple or combined surgery (P = 0.846, χ2 test). Mean central foveal thickness and mean macular volume did not significantly differ between groups. Conclusion The Ex-Press glaucoma shunt may increase the risk of ERM onset regardless of the concomitant cataract surgery; however, most cases were cellophane macular reflex with limited functional and anatomical impact.

Comparison of Macular Thickness Measurements Using Swept-Source and Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography in Healthy and Diabetic Subjects

PurposeTo compare macular thicknesses measured using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT) in normal subjects, diabetics with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetics without DR (NDR).MethodsWe analysed 510 normal eyes, 741 NDR eyes and 209 DR eyes. Mean macular thicknesses in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) subfields, central point thicknesses (CPT), and macular volume were measured by SS-OCT and SD-OCT. We assessed agreement between SS-OCT and SD-OCT measurements by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots, and established a conversion equation relating central subfield (CSF), CPT and macular volume between the two devices.ResultsMacular thickness measurements by SS-OCT were significantly thinner than those by SD-OCT. The mean CSF thickness in normal eyes measured by SD-OCT and SS-OCT were 226.6 ± 19.1 μm (male 236.1 ± 19.1 μm vs female 223.0 ± 17.9 μm, p < 0.0001) and 258.4 ± 19.8 μm. In all three groups, the agreement between SS-OCT and SD-OCT was excellent (all ICC ≥ 0.866). For CSF the conversion equation SD-OCT = 31.95 + 0.999 × SS-OCT was derived. Using the equation, with 99.6% and 97.6% of the predicted values for CSF fell within 10% of the actual measurements in DR and NDR eyes, respectively.ConclusionWe propose SS-OCT CSF thicknesses of 275 μm for males and 260 μm for females as the minimum criteria for macular edema in Chinese eyes. And SS-OCT measurements were significantly thinner than those of SD-OCT, we derived an equation to convert SS-OCT measurements to SD-OCT equivalents.