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Tai F, Nanji K, Garg A, Zeraatkar D, Phillips M, Steel DH, Garg SJ, Kaiser PK, Guymer RH, Wykoff CC, Sivaprasad S, Chaudhary V. Subthreshold Compared with Threshold Macular Photocoagulation for Diabetic Macular Edema: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Ophthalmol Retina 2024; 8:223-233. [PMID: 37805099 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2023.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
TOPIC To compare the efficacy and safety of subthreshold macular laser to conventional focal laser photocoagulation for the treatment of vision loss secondary to diabetic macular edema (DME). CLINICAL RELEVANCE Macular laser remains an important and cost effective treatment option for vision loss secondary to DME. Although anti-VEGF therapy is often first-line, macular laser is of utility in low-resource or remote settings, for patients at risk of loss to follow-up, and for DME not meeting country-specific reimbursement criteria for anti-VEGF therapy. Subthreshold laser is a modality that does not produce clinical or histologic evidence of thermal damage, thereby potentially limiting the common complications of conventional laser. METHODS Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to September 28, 2022. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects modeling. Data were collected at 12 and 24 months for best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness, diabetic retinopathy severity scale, rate of adverse events, rate of enrolled patients not completing treatment, rate of patients receiving retreatment, and quality-of-life measures. The risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using Cochrane's Risk-of-Bias version 2 and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) frameworks, respectively. Subgroup analysis was performed between subthreshold laser modalities and evaluated with Instrument to assess the Credibility of Effect Modification Analyses tool. RESULTS Fourteen RCTs comprising 514 eyes receiving conventional laser and 574 eyes receiving subthreshold laser were included. Subthreshold laser likely results in no difference to BCVA (moderate GRADE certainty) compared with conventional laser. Conventional laser demonstrated a small, statistically significant improvement in central retinal thickness (low GRADE certainty); however, the magnitude of this improvement is unlikely to be clinically important. There may not be a difference in the rate of adverse events (low GRADE certainty) at 12 months when comparing subthreshold laser to conventional laser for DME. CONCLUSION Randomized controlled trial literature to date suggests subthreshold laser to be as effective as conventional laser in the treatment of DME. Increased follow-up duration is needed to observe any long-term safety benefit from reduced retinal damage. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Tai
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Keean Nanji
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anubhav Garg
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dena Zeraatkar
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Phillips
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - David H Steel
- Department of Eye and Visual Sciences, Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Sunderland, United Kingdom; Department of Eye and Visual Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Sunir J Garg
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mid Atlantic Retina, The Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Peter K Kaiser
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Robyn H Guymer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia; Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Charles C Wykoff
- Retina Consultants of Texas, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Sobha Sivaprasad
- Department of Ophthalmology, NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Varun Chaudhary
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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Mei JH, Lin Z. Subthreshold micropulse diode laser treatment in diabetic macular edema: biological impact, therapeutic effects, and safety. Int Ophthalmol 2024; 44:3. [PMID: 38315299 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-02973-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To introduce the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) with subthreshold micropulse diode laser (SMPL), to summarize the biological impact, therapeutic effects, and safety of this treatment, and to discuss the response to DME when SMPL is combined with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) or steroid. METHODS The literature search was performed on the PubMed database, with a selection of English-language articles published from 2000 to 2023 with the following combinations of search terms: diabetes macular (o) edema, micropulse laser or subthreshold micropulse laser, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, and steroid. RESULTS SMPL is a popular, invisible retinal laser phototherapy that is inexpensive, safe, and effective in the treatment of DME. It can selectively target the retinal pigment epithelium, reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, promote the absorption of macular edema, and exert a similar and lasting clinical effect to traditional lasers. No significant difference was found in the therapeutic effects of SMPL between different wavelengths. However, HbA1c level and pretreatment central macular thickness (CMT) may affect the therapeutic outcomes of SMPL. CONCLUSION SMPL has a slow onset and produces lasting clinical effects similar to conventional photocoagulation. It has been reported that SMPL combined with the intravitreal anti-VEGF injection can significantly reduce the number of injections without influencing the therapeutic effect, which is essential for clinical applications and research. Although 577 nm SMPL is widely used clinically, there are no standardized protocols for SMPL. Additionally, some important problems regarding the treatment of SMPL require further discussion and exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Hao Mei
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 207, Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, No. 207, Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhong Lin
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 207, Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, No. 207, Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China.
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Hu XY, Cao L, Gao Y, Luan J, Xu XD. Comparative Efficacy of Subthreshold Micropulse Laser Photocoagulation versus Conventional Laser Photocoagulation for Diabetic Macular Edema: A Meta-Analysis. Ophthalmic Res 2023; 66:611-619. [PMID: 36682350 DOI: 10.1159/000529224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laser photocoagulation is an effective procedure for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). However, the beneficial effects of conventional laser photocoagulation (CLP) are accompanied by the destruction of retinal photoreceptors. Therefore, subthreshold micropulse laser photocoagulation (SMLP) was proposed for DME. OBJECTIVES This meta-analysis study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SMLP compared with CLP for the management of DME. METHODS The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, SinoMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases, published until Dec 2021, were searched to identify studies evaluating the clinical outcomes of SMLP for DME. RESULTS Eight randomized controlled trials were selected for this meta-analysis involving a total of 546 eyes (275 eyes in SMLP group and 271 eyes in CLP group). SMLP of different wavelengths (577 nm and 810 nm) and duty cycles (5% and 15%) was applied. The pooled outcomes showed that SMLP group, especially 577 nm and 810 nm 15% duty cycle parameter settings, had a statistically significant higher efficacy than CLP group in terms of BCVA (MD = -0.02, 95% CI: -0.03 to -0.01, p < 0.01; MD = -0.09, 95% CI: -0.09 to -0.09, p < 0.01) and showed more significant advantages than CLP group in resolving macular edema assessed by reduction of CMT (MD = -32.87, 95% CI: -37.61 to -28.13, p < 0.01; MD = -8.01, 95% CI: -9.06 to -6.96, p < 0.01), whereas the efficacy of 577 nm and 810 nm 5% duty cycle SMLP subgroups remained numerically superior to CLP group, but nonsignificantly (p > 0.05). In the field of CS, SMLP group (no matter parameter settings) resulted in better preservation of CS compared to CLP group (MD = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.47-2.46, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Compared with CLP, SMLP may get superior efficacy and safety on improvement of BCVA, reduction of CMT, and preservation of CS. In clinical, SMLP can be considered as a safe and effective therapy in the management of DME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Ying Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangyin People's Hospital, Jiangyin, China
| | - Li Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangyin People's Hospital, Jiangyin, China
| | - Ye Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangyin People's Hospital, Jiangyin, China
| | - Jie Luan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Southeast University Zhongda Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xue-Dong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangyin People's Hospital, Jiangyin, China
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Lois N, Campbell C, Waugh N, Azuara-Blanco A, Maredza M, Mistry H, McAuley D, Acharya N, Aslam TM, Bailey C, Chong V, Downey L, Eleftheriadis H, Fatum S, George S, Ghanchi F, Groppe M, Hamilton R, Menon G, Saad A, Sivaprasad S, Shiew M, Steel DH, Talks JS, Doherty P, McDowell C, Clarke M. Diabetic Macular Edema and Diode Subthreshold Micropulse Laser: A Randomized Double-Masked Noninferiority Clinical Trial. Ophthalmology 2023; 130:14-27. [PMID: 35973593 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2022.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine clinical effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of subthreshold micropulse laser (SML), compared with standard laser (SL), for diabetic macular edema (DME) with central retinal thickness (CRT) < 400 μm. DESIGN Pragmatic, multicenter, allocation-concealed, double-masked, randomized, noninferiority trial. PARTICIPANTS Adults with center-involved DME < 400 μm and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of > 24 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters in one/both eyes. METHODS Randomization 1:1 to 577 nm SML or SL treatment. Retreatments were allowed. Rescue with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapies or steroids was permitted if 10 or more ETDRS letter loss occurred, CRT increased > 400 μm, or both. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome was mean change in BCVA in the study eye at 24 months (noninferiority margin 5 ETDRS letters). Secondary outcomes were mean change from baseline to month 24 in binocular BCVA; CRT and mean deviation of Humphrey 10-2 visual field in the study eye; percentage meeting driving standards; EuroQoL EQ-5D-5L, 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25), and Vision and Quality of Life Index (VisQoL) scores; cost per quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained; adverse effects; and number of laser and rescue treatments. RESULTS The study recruited fully (n = 266); 87% of SML-treated and 86% of SL-treated patients had primary outcome data. Mean ± standard deviation BCVA change from baseline to month 24 was -2.43 ± 8.20 letters and -0.45 ± 6.72 letters in the SML and SL groups, respectively. Subthreshold micropulse laser therapy was deemed not only noninferior but also equivalent to SL therapy because the 95% confidence interval (CI; -3.9 to -0.04 letters) lay wholly within both upper and lower margins of the permitted maximum difference (5 ETDRS letters). No statistically significant difference was found in binocular BCVA (0.32 ETDRS letters; 95% CI, -0.99 to 1.64 ETDRS letters; P = 0.63); CRT (-0.64 μm; 95% CI, -14.25 to 12.98 μm; P = 0.93); mean deviation of the visual field (0.39 decibels (dB); 95% CI, -0.23 to 1.02 dB; P = 0.21); meeting driving standards (percentage point difference, 1.6%; 95% CI, -25.3% to 28.5%; P = 0.91); adverse effects (risk ratio, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.06-1.34; P = 0.11); rescue treatments (percentage point difference, -2.8%; 95% CI, -13.1% to 7.5%; P = 0.59); or EQ-5D, NEI-VFQ-25, or VisQoL scores. Number of laser treatments was higher in the SML group (0.48; 95% CI, 0.18-0.79; P = 0.002). Base-case analysis indicated no differences in costs or QALYs. CONCLUSIONS Subthreshold micropulse laser therapy was equivalent to SL therapy, requiring slightly higher laser treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Lois
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University, Belfast, United Kingdom.
| | - Christina Campbell
- The Northern Ireland Clinical Trials Unit (NICTU), Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Norman Waugh
- The Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mandy Maredza
- The Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Hema Mistry
- The Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Danny McAuley
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University, Belfast, United Kingdom; The Regional Intensive Care Unit, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Nachiketa Acharya
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Tariq M Aslam
- The Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Victor Chong
- Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Downey
- Hull and East Yorkshire Hospital, Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust, Hull, United Kingdom
| | | | - Samia Fatum
- John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sheena George
- Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Faruque Ghanchi
- Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Bradford, United Kingdom
| | - Markus Groppe
- Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Buckinghamshire NHS Trust, Aylesbury, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Hamilton
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Geeta Menon
- Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Camberley, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmed Saad
- James Cook University Hospital, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom; Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Sobha Sivaprasad
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marianne Shiew
- Hinchingbrooke Hospital North West Anglia NHS Trust, Hinchingbrooke, United Kingdom
| | - David H Steel
- Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Sunderland and Bioscience Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - James Stephen Talks
- Newcastle Eye Centre and Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Doherty
- The Northern Ireland Clinical Trials Unit (NICTU), Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Cliona McDowell
- The Northern Ireland Clinical Trials Unit (NICTU), Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Mike Clarke
- The Northern Ireland Clinical Trials Unit (NICTU), Belfast, United Kingdom; The Centre for Public Health, Queens University, Belfast, United Kingdom
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Subthreshold Micropulse Laser for Diabetic Macular Edema: A Review. J Clin Med 2022; 12:jcm12010274. [PMID: 36615074 PMCID: PMC9821545 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is one of the main causes of visual impairment in patients of working age. DME occurs in 4% of patients at all stages of diabetic retinopathy. Using a subthreshold micropulse laser is an alternative or adjuvant treatment of DME. Micropulse technology demonstrates a high safety profile by selectively targeting the retinal pigment epithelium. There are no standardized protocols for micropulse treatment, however, a 577 nm laser application over the entire macula using a 200 μm retinal spot, 200 ms pulse duration, 400 mW power, and 5% duty cycle is a cost-effective, noninvasive, and safe therapy in mild and moderate macular edemas with retinal thickness below 400 μm. Micropulse lasers, as an addition to the current gold-standard treatment for DME, i.e., anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF), stabilize the anatomic and functional retinal parameters 3 months after the procedure and reduce the number of required injections per year. This paper discusses the published literature on the safety and application of subthreshold micropulse lasers in DME and compares them with intravitreal anti-VEGF or steroid therapies and conventional grid laser photocoagulation. Only English peer-reviewed articles reporting research within the years 2010-2022 were included.
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Lois N, Campbell C, Waugh N, Azuara-Blanco A, Maredza M, Mistry H, McAuley D, Acharya N, Aslam TM, Bailey C, Chong V, Downey L, Eleftheriadis H, Fatum S, George S, Ghanchi F, Groppe M, Hamilton R, Menon G, Saad A, Sivaprasad S, Shiew M, Steel DH, Talks JS, Doherty P, McDowell C, Clarke M. Standard threshold laser versus subthreshold micropulse laser for adults with diabetic macular oedema: the DIAMONDS non-inferiority RCT. Health Technol Assess 2022; 26:1-86. [PMID: 36541393 PMCID: PMC9791463 DOI: 10.3310/szki2484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends macular laser to treat diabetic macular oedema with a central retinal subfield thickness of < 400 µm on optical coherence tomography. The DIAMONDS (DIAbetic Macular Oedema aNd Diode Subthreshold micropulse laser) trial compared standard threshold macular laser with subthreshold micropulse laser to treat diabetic macular oedema suitable for macular laser. OBJECTIVES Determining the clinical effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of subthreshold micropulse laser compared with standard threshold macular laser to treat diabetic macular oedema with a central retinal subfield thickness of < 400 µm. DESIGN A pragmatic, multicentre, allocation-concealed, double-masked, randomised, non-inferiority, clinical trial. SETTING Hospital eye services in the UK. PARTICIPANTS Adults with diabetes and centre-involving diabetic macular oedema with a central retinal subfield thickness of < 400 µm, and a visual acuity of > 24 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters (Snellen equivalent > 20/320) in one/both eyes. INTERVENTIONS Participants were randomised 1 : 1 to receive 577 nm subthreshold micropulse laser or standard threshold macular laser (e.g. argon laser, frequency-doubled neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet 532 nm laser); laser treatments could be repeated as needed. Rescue therapy with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapies or steroids was allowed if a loss of ≥ 10 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters between visits occurred and/or central retinal subfield thickness increased to > 400 µm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the mean change in best-corrected visual acuity in the study eye at 24 months (non-inferiority margin 5 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters). Secondary outcomes included the mean change from baseline to 24 months in the following: binocular best-corrected visual acuity; central retinal subfield thickness; the mean deviation of the Humphrey 10-2 visual field in the study eye; the percentage of people meeting driving standards; and the EuroQol-5 Dimensions, five-level version, National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire - 25 and Vision and Quality of Life Index scores. Other secondary outcomes were the cost per quality-adjusted life-years gained, adverse effects, number of laser treatments and additional rescue treatments. RESULTS The DIAMONDS trial recruited fully (n = 266); 87% of participants in the subthreshold micropulse laser group and 86% of participants in the standard threshold macular laser group had primary outcome data. Groups were balanced regarding baseline characteristics. Mean best-corrected visual acuity change in the study eye from baseline to month 24 was -2.43 letters (standard deviation 8.20 letters) in the subthreshold micropulse laser group and -0.45 letters (standard deviation 6.72 letters) in the standard threshold macular laser group. Subthreshold micropulse laser was deemed to be not only non-inferior but also equivalent to standard threshold macular laser as the 95% confidence interval (-3.9 to -0.04 letters) lay wholly within both the upper and lower margins of the permitted maximum difference (5 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in any of the secondary outcomes investigated with the exception of the number of laser treatments performed, which was slightly higher in the subthreshold micropulse laser group (mean difference 0.48, 95% confidence interval 0.18 to 0.79; p = 0.002). Base-case analysis indicated no significant difference in the cost per quality-adjusted life-years between groups. FUTURE WORK A trial in people with ≥ 400 µm diabetic macular oedema comparing anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy alone with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy and macular laser applied at the time when central retinal subfield thickness has decreased to < 400 µm following anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections would be of value because it could reduce the number of injections and, subsequently, costs and risks and inconvenience to patients. LIMITATIONS The majority of participants enrolled had poorly controlled diabetes. CONCLUSIONS Subthreshold micropulse laser was equivalent to standard threshold macular laser but required a slightly higher number of laser treatments. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial is registered as EudraCT 2015-001940-12, ISRCTN17742985 and NCT03690050. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research ( NIHR ) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 26, No. 50. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Lai FHP, Chan RPS, Lai ACH, Tsang S, Woo TTY, Lam RF, Yuen CYF. Comparison of two-year treatment outcomes between subthreshold micropulse (577 nm) laser and aflibercept for diabetic macular edema. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2021; 65:680-688. [PMID: 34125326 DOI: 10.1007/s10384-021-00846-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare two-year treatment outcomes of subthreshold micropulse (577 nm) laser and aflibercept for diabetic macular edema (DME). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case-control study. METHODS A total 164 eyes in 164 DME patients treated with either micropulse laser (86 eyes) or intravitreal aflibercept monotherapy (78 eyes) were recruited. Main outcome measures included at least five Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters' improvement from baseline at 6, 12 and 24 months. RESULTS Rescue aflibercept was initiated in 24% of eyes in micropulse laser group. At 6-month visit the aflibercept group achieved a higher percentage of eyes with at least 5-letter visual acuity improvement than micropulse laser group (56% vs 38%, P = 0.044), however, this was not the case at 12-month (45% vs 49%, P = 0.584) and 24-month visits (49% vs 57%, P = 0.227). At 6-month visit the aflibercept group achieved a higher percentage of eyes with at least 10% improvement of central macular thickness (73% vs 49%, P = 0.005), but this was not the case at 12-month (73% vs 70%, P = 0.995) and 24-month visits (85% vs 84%, P = 0.872). CONCLUSION Aflibercept achieved faster and higher rates of anatomical and functional improvement than micropulse laser in DME patients. Long term efficacy of treatment did not result in significant differences between aflibercept monotherapy and micropulse laser in DME patients. Primary treatment of micropulse laser with deferred rescue aflibercept might be the treatment option without reducing the chance of visual improvement in DME eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Hiu Ping Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Caritas Medical Centre, 111 Wing Hong Street, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong.
| | - Rose P S Chan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Caritas Medical Centre, 111 Wing Hong Street, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong
| | - Anthony C H Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Caritas Medical Centre, 111 Wing Hong Street, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong
| | - Susanna Tsang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Caritas Medical Centre, 111 Wing Hong Street, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong
| | - Tiffany T Y Woo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Caritas Medical Centre, 111 Wing Hong Street, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong
| | - Robert F Lam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Caritas Medical Centre, 111 Wing Hong Street, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong
| | - Can Y F Yuen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Caritas Medical Centre, 111 Wing Hong Street, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong
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Bougatsou P, Panagiotopoulou EK, Gkika M, Dardabounis D, Konstantinidis A, Sideroudi H, Perente I, Labiris G. Comparison of Subthreshold 532 nm Diode Micropulse Laser with Conventional Laser Photocoagulation in the Treatment of Non-Centre Involved Clinically Significant Diabetic Macular Edema. ACTA MEDICA (HRADEC KRÁLOVÉ) 2021; 63:25-30. [PMID: 32422113 DOI: 10.14712/18059694.2020.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the 532 nm (green) diode subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) in the treatment of non-centre involved clinically significant macular edema (CSME) in comparison to the conventional laser photocoagulation (CLP). METHODS A total of 60 eyes of patients diagnosed with non-centre involved CSME were randomly divided into two groups. SML photocoagulation was performed in the first group (G1), while CLP in the second one (G2). Central macular thickness (CMT) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were measured prior to treatment and at 3 and 6 months after intervention. RESULTS G1 participants had significantly better CMT at 6 months after laser application (p = 0.04) compared to G2. Additionally, CMT in both groups was significantly lower 6 months after laser application in comparison to baseline values (G1: p < 0.001, G2: p = 0.002). Moreover, significant improvement was detected 6 months after SML in G1 regarding BCVA compared to values before laser treatment (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION SML was more effective than CLP in reducing CMT and improving BCVA in patients with non-centre involved CSME. Therefore, it seems that SML can be a good substitute for CLP in DME treatment if confirmed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Bougatsou
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Dragana, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | - Maria Gkika
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Dragana, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Doukas Dardabounis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Dragana, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Aristeidis Konstantinidis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Dragana, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Haris Sideroudi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Dragana, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Irfan Perente
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Dragana, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Georgios Labiris
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Dragana, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Valera-Cornejo DA, García-Roa M, Quiroz-Mendoza J, Arias-Gómez A, Ramírez-Neria P, Villalpando-Gómez Y, Romero-Morales V, García-Franco R. Micropulse laser in patients with refractory and treatment-naïve center-involved diabetic macular edema: short terms visual and anatomic outcomes. Ther Adv Ophthalmol 2021; 13:2515841420979112. [PMID: 33521517 PMCID: PMC7818006 DOI: 10.1177/2515841420979112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marlon García-Roa
- Retina department, Instituto Mexicano de Oftalmología I.A.P., Santiago De Querétaro, Querétaro, México
| | - Jaime Quiroz-Mendoza
- Retina department, Instituto Mexicano de Oftalmología I.A.P., Santiago De Querétaro, Querétaro, México
| | - Alejandro Arias-Gómez
- Retina department, Instituto Mexicano de Oftalmología I.A.P., Santiago De Querétaro, Querétaro, México
| | - Paulina Ramírez-Neria
- Retina department, Instituto Mexicano de Oftalmología I.A.P., Santiago De Querétaro, Querétaro, México
| | - Yolanda Villalpando-Gómez
- Retina department, Instituto Mexicano de Oftalmología I.A.P., Santiago De Querétaro, Querétaro, México
| | - Veronica Romero-Morales
- Retina department, Instituto Mexicano de Oftalmología I.A.P., Santiago De Querétaro, Querétaro, México
| | - Renata García-Franco
- Retina department, Instituto Mexicano de Oftalmología I.A.P., Santiago De Querétaro, Querétaro, México
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Aflibercept with adjuvant micropulsed yellow laser versus aflibercept monotherapy in diabetic macular edema. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2019; 257:1373-1380. [PMID: 31127381 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-019-04355-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the impact of micropulsed laser (MPL) on modifying the number of aflibercept injections when used as an adjuvant therapy in diabetic macular edema (DME). METHODS A prospective randomized interventional clinical study included patients with DME attending Al Hadi Clinic, Kuwait, during the period from May 2017 to December 2018. Patients were allocated in two groups; group A received aflibercept injections alone and group B received combined aflibercept injections followed by MPL within a week. The primary outcome was the number of Aflibercept injections in each group guided by the change in central macular thickness (CMT). All the patients were followed for 18 months. Secondary outcome measures included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity (CS), and any recorded complications. RESULTS Fifty-four eyes of 51 patients were included (27 in each group). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in baseline characteristics except for the age that was statistically higher in group B (p = 0.001). The number of injections were significantly lower in group B (4.1 ± 1.1) than group A (7.3 ± 1.1) (p < 0.005). At 18th month, there was significant reduction in CMT in both groups (p < 0.005) with no statistical difference between the two groups (p = 0.989). Final BCVA in both groups showed statistically significant improvement (p < 0.005) without statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.082). In both groups, the CS showed significant improvement from baseline (p < 0.005). No ocular or systemic adverse effects were observed in either group. CONCLUSION Supplemental MPL in eyes with DME may decrease the burden of the aflibercept injection frequency while resulting in comparable anatomical and visual outcomes.
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11
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Gawęcki M. Micropulse Laser Treatment of Retinal Diseases. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8020242. [PMID: 30781780 PMCID: PMC6406510 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8020242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Subthreshold micropulse laser treatment has been intensively used for selected retinal diseases in the last decade; however, the exact mechanism of the action of lasers in the subthreshold micropulse mode is not yet fully understood. This kind of treatment is safe and cheap, and contrary to classic laser photocoagulation, it leaves the retinal cells intact. A modern theory of micropulse laser interaction with retinal tissue and a possible explanation of this mechanism are presented in this review. The authors present all the relevant literature on the application of micropulse lasers in different retinal disorders. The efficacy of this treatment is analyzed on the basis of available studies and then placed in the perspective of other therapeutic methods that are used in retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Gawęcki
- Dobry Wzrok Ophthalmological Clinic, Kliniczna 1B/2, 80-402 Gdansk, Poland.
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12
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Hamada M, Ohkoshi K, Inagaki K, Ebihara N, Murakami A. Subthreshold Photocoagulation Using Endpoint Management in the PASCAL® System for Diffuse Diabetic Macular Edema. J Ophthalmol 2018; 2018:7465794. [PMID: 29651345 PMCID: PMC5831979 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7465794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We evaluated subthreshold photocoagulation using endpoint management (EPM) for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). The study enrolled 10 eyes from 10 patients (6 men and 4 women) with DME. The entry criteria included central macular thickness (CMT) ≥ 300 μm and decimal visual acuity (VA) ≤ 0.5. The primary endpoints were VA (logMAR) and CMT at 6 months follow-up. Secondary endpoints included fundus autofluorescence, macular volume (MV), and macular sensitivity (MS). We used the PASCAL Streamline Yellow® (wavelength, 577 nm) system to perform grid pattern laser photocoagulation at 50% of the threshold (size, 100 μm; duration, 0.015 s; spacing, 0.5; and energy, 4.5-7.8 mJ). At 6 months posttreatment, CMT was significantly decreased, while there were no significant changes in macular sensitivity, mean BCVA (logMAR), or macular volume. Autofluorescence imaging revealed no changes after treatment in 6 of 10 eyes. No eyes exhibited subjective symptoms of scotoma after photocoagulation. Optical coherence tomography showed the complete resolution of macular edema in 4 eyes (40%) after a single treatment; MS was increased in all 4 of these eyes at 6 months posttreatment. In conclusion, subthreshold photocoagulation using EPM is safe and effective for DME treatment and preserves MS. This trial is registered with UMIN000012401.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Hamada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan
| | - Kishiko Ohkoshi
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan
| | - Keiji Inagaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Ebihara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, 1-1 Tomioka 2-chome, Urayasu-shi, Chiba 279-0021, Japan
| | - Akira Murakami
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
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Wu Y, Ai P, Ai Z, Xu G. Subthreshold diode micropulse laser versus conventional laser photocoagulation monotherapy or combined with anti-VEGF therapy for diabetic macular edema: A Bayesian network meta-analysis. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 97:293-299. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.10.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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Abstract
Micropulse laser treatment is an alternative to the conventional continuous-wave laser for the treatment of retinal or macular diseases. In contrast to the conventional laser, the therapeutic effect of the subthreshold micropulse laser is not accompanied by thermal retinal damage. This fact is of particular importance when a treatment near the fovea is required. Micropulse treatment is applied in indications such as central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), diabetic macular edema (DME), or macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). This review outlines and discusses the published literature of subthreshold micropulse laser treatment for CSC, DME, and macular edema after RVO.
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