Combined Surgical Ablation and Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide for Retinal Angiomatous Proliferation

Clinical Application of Foldable Capsular Vitreous Bodies in the Treatment of Severe Ocular Trauma and Silicone Oil Dependent Eyes

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the application of a foldable capsular vitreous body (FCVB) in the treatment of severe ocular trauma and silicone oil (SO) dependent eyes.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical application of FCVB in the treatment of severe ocular trauma and SO dependent eyes. The results of best-corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP) evaluation, B-scan ultrasonography or color Doppler ultrasonography, ultrasound biomicroscopy, and anterior segment photography were recorded during follow-up. A paired t-test was used to compare the difference in IOP before and after FCVB implantation.

Results

Seven eyes of seven patients were included in the 6-month follow-up. In all cases, B-scan ultrasonography and ultrasound biomicroscopy showed that FCVB adapted closely to the globe wall and ciliary body, thus supporting the retina. Visual acuity did not improve, except in one case from LP to HM. The mean ± SD IOP was 8.5 ± 1.90 mm·Hg prior to FCVB implantation and 10.43 ± 0.98 mm·Hg after implantation, with no significant difference between these measurements (P=0.095). Five of the seven patients developed differing degrees of corneal opacity and keratopathy.

Conclusions

FCVB implantation may be a safe and effective method for the treatment of severe ocular trauma and SO dependent eyes. However, FCVB cannot prevent the phthisis of the traumatic eyes. In addition, corneal opacity and keratopathy are potentially serious complications after surgery. Appropriate case selection and proper surgical timing are required for further investigation.

[Intravitreal ranibizumab for the treatment of retinal angiomatous proliferation]

BACKGROUND

Retinal angiomatous proliferations (RAP) are a subgroup of exsudative or "wet" age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) with devastating reduction of visual acuity in later stages. Intravitreal ranibizumab provides good therapy, but is considered to be less effective than in other choroidal neovascularizations (CNV).

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the efficacy of ranibizumab in late-stage III RAP with retinochoroidal anastomosis compared to the outcome of other CNV lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data of all patients with wAMD treated with ranibizumab were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into groups depending on the lesion type into RAP (identified and selected clinically, proven by fluorescein angiography) and CNV lesions (identified by fluorescein angiography only) named occult, minimally and predominantly classic groups. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was obtained before (at the timepoint "diagnosis"), during (1st, 2nd, and 3rd injection), and after upload ("1st control").

RESULTS

Before first injection, visual acuity decreased in all groups (0.73 to 0.78 logMAR for all CNV, 0.95 to 1.02 logMAR for RAP). During upload there was no further decline in visual acuity but no improvement as well up to the 1st control visit in the RAP group (1.02 to 1.03 logMAR), but a statistically significant increase in all other groups (0.78 to 0.67 logMAR).

CONCLUSION

Treatment of late-stage III RAP with ranibizumab is effective. Stabiliziation of visual acuity can be achieved, but-in contrast to other forms of CNV lesions-no further improvement. Therefore, patients with this special form need to be identified and treated as early as possible.

Ranibizumab in monotherapy and combined with photodynamic therapy for retinal angiomatous proliferation

Purpose

To compare the effects of intravitreal ranibizumab in monotherapy (group A) and combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin (group B) in retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) treatment.

Methods

This was a multicentric, prospective, randomized clinical study conducted with parallel groups. The study eye in both groups received ranibizumab on days 1, 30, and 60 (loading dose); group B received PDT additionally on day 1. Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity (VA) testing and optical coherence tomography were performed monthly, and fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography were performed quarterly. Retreatment criteria were leakage in fluorescein angiography or indocyanine green angiography, mean foveal thickness increase ≥100 µm, or VA decrease ≥5 letters.

Results

Twenty patients were recruited (ten patients in each group). Six eyes had previous treatment (three eyes in group A and three eyes in group B), so only 14 eyes were naïve. At 12-month follow-up, mean VA improved +1.5 letters in group A and +5.6 letters in group B (analysis of variance test; P>0.05). Two patients (20%) in both groups gained ≥15 letters (chi-square test; P>0.05). Mean changes in greatest linear dimension and in foveal thickness were not statistically significant between groups of treatment (analysis of variance test; P>0.05). Mean retreatments per patient were 1.8 (group A) and 0.9 (group B) (Mann–Whitney U-test; P>0.05). One patient died due to underlying disease not related to study medication.

Conclusion

Intravitreal ranibizumab administered in monotherapy or combined with PDT was efficacious in terms of VA stabilization in patients with RAP.

Comprehensive analysis of inflammatory immune mediators of the intraocular fluid aspirated from the foldable capsular vitreous body filled-eyes

PURPOSE

To analyze the level of human inflammatory immune mediators in the intraocular fluid aspirated from foldable capsular vitreous body (FCVB) filled-eyes during FCVB removal surgery, 3 months after implantation.

METHODS

8 samples of intra-FCVB fluids (n = 8) were collected from 8 FCVB filled patients in our previous FCVB exploratory clinical trial. The intra-FCVB fluids were aspirated from the FCVB filled-eyes during the FCVB removal surgeries at the third month. For the control groups, the vitreous fluids were collected from patients with idiopathic macular hole (n = 9) or rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (n = 6) during pars plana vitrectomy. A multiplex immunoassay was used to determine levels of 9 cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α, IFN-γ and VEGF) in these samples. The VEGF level of some intra-FCVB fluids (n = 6) were re-tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

In the intra-FCVB fluids, 9 cytokines concentrations of most samples (n = 5) measured by Multiplex immunoassay showed low values, except for Patient 02, 06, and 09. The VEGF concentrations of some intra-FCVB fluids (n = 6) tested by ELISA were in accordance with Multiplex immunoassay results. For all eight patients (n = 8), the concentrations of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and VEGF were slightly higher as compared to the idiopathic macular hole control group. While, the concentrations of IL-8, IL-10, and IL-17 were not statistically significant different compared with the idiopathic macular hole control samples. Most cytokines concentrations (IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α, IFN-γ, VEGF) were not statistically significant different compared to the rhegmatogenous retinal detachment control group except IL-1β.

CONCLUSIONS

The FCVB had sufficient porosity to allow cytokines to pass through. This study first discovered that the FCVB possesses favorable permeability of proteins in the human eye.

Intravitreal ranibizumab treatment of retinal angiomatous proliferation

PURPOSE

To determine the efficacy of intravitreal injections of ranibizumab in the treatment of retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

METHODS

Retrospective, consecutive case series of 26 eyes (26 patients) treated with intravitreal injections of 0.5 mg ranibizumab for RAP. Patients received intravitreal injections at monthly intervals during upload phase for a 3-month period.

RESULTS

  Mean visual acuity before treatment was 0.75 ± 0.38logMAR (mean ± SD, n = 26). In the upload phase, mean visual acuity improved 4 weeks after the initial injection to 0.6 ± 0.37logMAR (n = 26) and to 0.53 ± 0.34logMAR (n = 26) 4 weeks after the third monthly intravitreal injection of ranibizumab. The mean optical coherence tomography (OCT) central foveal thickness reduced from 345 ± 55 μm at baseline to 215 ± 87 μm at 3 months. In the maintenance phase, mean visual acuity after 6 months was 0.66 ± 0.38logMAR (n = 12) and 0.7 ± 0.37logMAR after 9 months (n = 6). The mean OCT central foveal thickness was 259 ± 59 μm (n = 13) at 6 months and 280 ± 127 μm (n = 6) at nine-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal ranibizumab resulted in an improvement of visual acuity 4 weeks after the first injection but was more pronounced after 3 months. A reduction in leakage and OCT central foveal thickness was seen 3 months after the commencement of treatment.

Intravitreal ranibizumab (Lucentis) in the treatment of retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP)

BACKGROUND

Retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) is a distinct variant of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional and anatomic outcome after intravitreal ranibizumab (Lucentis) treatment in patients with RAP.

METHODS

Prospective study of consecutive patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent RAP treated with intravitreal ranibizumab at the Jules Gonin Eye Hospital between March 2006 and December 2007. Baseline and monthly follow-up visits included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus exam and optical coherence tomography. Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography were performed at baseline and repeated at least every 3 months.

RESULTS

Thirty-one eyes of 31 patients were treated with 0.5 mg of intravitreal ranibizumab for RAP between March 2006 and December 2007. The mean age of the patients was 82.6 years (SD:4.9). The mean number of intravitreal injections administered for each patient was 5 (SD: 2.4, range 3 to 12). The mean follow up was 13.4 months (SD: 3, range 10 to 22). The baseline mean logMAR BCVA was 0.72 (SD: 0.45) (decimal equivalent of 0.2). The mean logMAR BCVA was improved significantly (P < 0.0001) at the last follow-up to 0.45, SD: 0.3 (decimal equivalent 0.35). The visual acuity (VA) improved by a mean of 2.7 lines (SD 2.5). Mean baseline central macular thickness (CMT) was 376 microm, and decreased significantly to a mean of 224 microm (P < 0.001) at the last follow-up. Mean reduction of CMT was 152 microm (SD: 58). An average of 81.5% of the total visual improvement and 85% of the total CMT reduction occurred during the first post-operative month after one intravitreal injection of ranibizumab. During follow-up, an RPE tear occurred in one eye (3.2%) of the study group. No injection complications or systemic drug-related side-effects were noted during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravitreal ranibizumab injections appeared to be an effective and safe treatment for RAP, resulting in visual gain and reduction in macular thickness. Further long-term studies to evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab in RAP are warranted.

Retinal angiomatous proliferation and intravitreal bevacizumab injection

Purpose

To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab injection (IVBI) in patients with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP).

Methods

Seven eyes of 5 patients with RAP were included in this study. All of the eyes evidenced stage 2 RAP lesions, except for one eye with a stage 3 lesion. IVBI (1.25 mg/0.05 cc) were conducted at 4 or 6-week intervals. Complete ocular examinations, angiographic results and optical coherence tomographic findings before and after the IVBI were analyzed at baseline and upon the follow-up visits.

Results

Seven eyes were studied in 5 patients who had undergone IVBI. Partial (3 eyes) or complete (4 eyes) regression of RAP was noted after IVBI in all of the studied eyes. Visual acuity improved in 5 of the eyes, and was stable in 2 of the eyes. One eye evidenced severe intraocular inflammation after IVBI and a subsequent development of new RAP, which was controlled with vitrectomy and repeat IVBI.

Conclusions

This treatment was effective over 6 months, stabilizing or improving visual acuity and reducing angiographic leakage. These short-term results suggest that IVBI may constitute a promising therapeutic option, particularly in the early stages of RAP.

INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB (AVASTIN) FOR RETINAL ANGIOMATOUS PROLIFERATION

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the short-term visual acuity and anatomic responses after intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech) treatment in patients with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP).

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective review of consecutive patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent RAP treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25 mg) during a 3-month period. Complete ocular examination was performed at baseline and follow-up visits. Interval data were analyzed statistically at 1 and 3 months follow-up.

RESULTS

Twenty-three eyes of 23 patients underwent intravitreal bevacizumab treatment. The mean age of patients was 81.1 years, median baseline visual acuity of treated eyes was 20/80 (range 20/25-20/800), and mean baseline central macular thickness was 335 mum (optical coherence tomography was available for 22 eyes). Nine eyes had retinal pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) at baseline. At 1-month follow-up, the median acuity improved to 20/60 (range 20/30-20/400) (P < 0.001), mean central macular thickness decreased to 202 microm (P < 0.001), and PED was present in only 2 eyes (P = 0.016). Seven of 23 eyes at 1 month (30.4%) had improved visual acuity, defined as halving of the visual angle, and no eyes had worse acuity, defined as doubling of the visual angle. Of the 17 eyes available for 3-month follow-up, 5 eyes (29.4%) had better visual acuity, 1 eye (5.9%) had worse acuity, and the remaining 11 (64.7%) had the same acuity. The median visual acuity at month 3 was 20/60 (range 20/25-20/400). There were no thromboembolic phenomena, endophthalmitis cases, retinal detachments, or any other adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of RAP with intravitreal bevacizumab during this retrospective review resulted in a significant decrease in macular thickness and improvement or stabilization of visual acuity. Further long-term investigation is warranted given the promising short-term results.

Intravitreal triamcinolone and laser photocoagulation for retinal angiomatous proliferation

BACKGROUND

Recently, the entity of retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) as a subtype of exudative age-related macular degeneration was described, but no treatment options have been established as yet. The only two therapeutic modalities being discussed are surgical lysis of the feeding arteriole and draining venule, and the use of photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal triamcinolone injection.

AIM

To examine focal laser treatment of early extrafoveal intraretinal neovascularisation of RAP.

METHODS

Prospective case series. We included 13 consecutive patients with an extrafoveal RAP stage I lesion. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, including fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) III before treatment and at 2 weeks, 1, 2 and 4 months afterwards. In cases with marked macular oedema (>350 mum retinal thickening in OCT III, r = 12), intravitreal injection of 4 mg triamcinolone was given before focal laser treatment to reduce the oedema.

RESULTS

This case series indicates anatomical improvement or stabilisation in patients with an extrafoveal RAP lesion after treatment. Initial visual acuity ranged from 0.1 to 0.6 on the Snellen chart. By calculating logarithmic values, visual acuity was seen to be improved in five cases (2 to 5 log lines), deteriorated in four cases (-2 to 5 log lines) and stabilised in four cases (-1 to +1 log line change). Exudation on fluorescein angiography was stopped in 11 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary case series suggests laser photocoagulation combined with prior intravitreal triamcinolone injection as a viable treatment option for RAP stage I. In cases with marked macular oedema, intravitreal triamcinolone injection improved visual acuity. For long-term stabilisation, additional laser treatment is mandatory. These preliminary results warrant a more detailed prospective clinical trial.

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin and intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To examine the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin and intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

DESIGN

Retrospective, interventional case series.

METHODS

Sixty eyes of 56 patients with neovascular AMD were treated with PDT with verteporfin followed by an intravitreal injection of 4 mg triamcinolone acetonide. The main outcome measures were visual acuity (VA), retreatment frequency with PDT (and triamcinolone), and frequency of side effects.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 15.9 months (range 12 to 30 months, median 15 months). Twenty-three (38.3%) of 60 eyes had a stable result at 12 months' follow-up (that is, loss/gain <three lines) and 34 (56.7%) of 60 had a loss of 3 lines or more. Three patients (5%) had an improvement of 3 lines or more. Lesion type, patient age, and lesion size had no influence on the outcome, but baseline VA had a statistically significant effect (P = .006). The median number of PDT-intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide treatments was one. One-third (20 of 60) of all eyes had an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) that required therapy. There were no cases of endophthalmitis, but 13 patients (21.6%) developed severe cataract that required surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of PDT and intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide requires careful consideration as a treatment option for neovascular AMD. In our case series, this treatment combination did not prevent a considerable decrease in VA. The main benefit of this combination treatment was a low number of verteporfin treatments. Baseline VA was the main predictor of the final outcome.

Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide: a change in a paradigm

BACKGROUND

Based on experimental studies and clinical observations by Robert Machemer, Gholam Peyman and others, the vitreous cavity has increasingly been used as a reservoir of drugs for the direct treatment of intraocular diseases.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The most widely injected drug so far has been triamcinolone acetonide for various intraocular neovascular and edematous diseases. Comparing the various diseases with respect to effect and side effects of the treatment, the best response in terms of gain in visual acuity has been achieved for intraretinal edematous diseases such as diffuse diabetic macular edema, branch retinal vein occlusion, central retinal vein occlusion, and pseudophakic cystoid macular edema. In eyes with various types of noninfectious uveitis including acute or chronic sympathetic ophthalmia and Adamantiadis-Behçet's disease, visual acuity increased and the degree of intraocular inflammation decreased. Some studies have suggested that intra- vitreal triamcinolone may be useful as an angiostatic agent in eyes with iris neovascularization and proliferative ischemic retinopathies. Intravitreal triamcinolone may possibly be helpful as adjunct therapy for exudative age-related macular degeneration, particularly in combination with photodynamic therapy. In eyes with chronic, therapy-resistant ocular hypotony, intravitreal triamcinolone can induce an increase in intraocular pressure and may stabilize the eye. The complications of intravitreal triamcinolone therapy include secondary ocular hypertension in about 40% of the eyes injected; medically uncontrollable high intraocular pressure leading to antiglaucomatous surgery in about 1-2% of the eyes; posterior subcapsular cataract and nuclear cataract leading to cataract surgery in about 15-20% in elderly patients within 1 year after injection; postoperative infectious endophthalmitis with a rate of about 1:1,000; noninfectious endophthalmitis, perhaps due to a reaction to the solvent agent, and pseudoendophthalmitis with triamcinolone acetonide crystals appearing in the anterior chamber. Intravitreal triamcinolone injection can be combined with other types of intraocular surgery including cataract surgery, particularly in eyes with iris neovascularization. Cataract surgery performed some months after the injection does not show a markedly elevated complication rate. The injection may be repeated, if vision redecreases. In nonvitrectomized eyes, the duration of the effect and side effects of a single intravitreal injection of triamcinolone is about 6-9 months for a dosage of about 20 mg, and about 2-4 months for a dosage of 4 mg. It has remained unclear so far, whether and how to remove the solvent agent. In the future, intravitreal triamcinolone may be combined with other antiangiogenic drugs for the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration or with neuroprotective drugs for treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite an exponentially increasing number of mostly case-series studies, the intravitreal injection of triamcinolone may still be considered an experimental procedure until randomized studies have been presented.