An exploratory study of the safety, tolerability and bioactivity of a single intravitreal injection of vascular endothelial growth factor Trap-Eye in patients with diabetic macular oedema

Diabetic retinopathy: Early diagnosis and effective treatment

BACKGROUND

Diabetic retinopathy is a microangiopathy of the retina from which nearly all persons with diabetes eventually suffer. Two of its complications threaten the patient's vision: diabetic macular edema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

METHODS

Selective literature review, based on national and international guidelines and a literature search from 1981 onward.

RESULTS

Diabetic retinopathy is subdivided into non-proliferative and proliferative retinopathy. Macular edema can arise at any stage of the disease and threatens visual acuity. The main risk factors for the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy are long duration of diabetes and poor control of blood sugar and arterial blood pressure. Laser photocoagulation is an evidence-based treatment for proliferative retinopathy and macular edema. Vitreous surgery is indicated in cases of worsening vision due to a non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment. The current options for medical treatment involve the intravitreous injection of glucocorticosteroids or of a VEGF antagonist; both of these options are "off label" at present.

CONCLUSION

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among persons of working age in the industrialized world. Regular ophthalmological examinations, timely laser therapy depending on the stage of the disease, and close interdisciplinary cooperation are essential to prevent loss of vision.

Pharmacotherapy for diabetic retinopathy

BACKGROUND

Diabetic macular edema (DME) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) continue to cause significant visual loss among patients with diabetes mellitus. In some patients unresponsive to standard laser techniques, as well as improved control of blood pressure and blood sugar, pharmacologic treatment may be beneficial. Although no agent is now approved by the FDA for this purpose, many agents are now being studied in randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

OBJECTIVE

To review concisely the chief pharmacotherapies for diabetic retinopathy available at present.

METHODS

Literature review and synopsis.

RESULTS

Used alone, intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) seems to have some short-term efficacy against DME, but longer-term outcomes (< or = 3 years) using IVTA monotherapy showed a lesser benefit than focal/grid laser treatment in a prospective RCT done by the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network. Intravitreal anti-VEGF agents have demonstrated some short-term efficacy against DME, and continuing RCTs will evaluate combination therapies (anti-VEGF and laser) for both DME and PDR. Other agents are being evaluated in pilot studies and Phase II RCTs.

CONCLUSION

Pharmacotherapies for DME and PDR have potential for vision stabilization or improvement. Continuing RCTs will provide evidence-based data on their role in clinical practice. A potential role for pharmacotherapy in the prevention of DME and PDR is also emerging.

Novel Pharmacologic Approaches for the Management of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss among working-age people in the United States. The hallmark of diabetic retinopathy is vascular compromise. Increased vascular permeability leads to the development of diabetic macular edema, which is the major cause of vision loss in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Vascular occlusion causes retinal ischemia and subsequent angiogenesis (proliferative diabetic retinopathy), which increases the risk for vitreous hemorrhage and retinal detachment. Over the past 30 years our understanding of the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy has evolved greatly and has fostered the development of many novel treatments for this condition. This article will review promising new local and systemic pharmacologic treatments for diabetic macular edema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy.