Postinjection endophthalmitis in the comparison of age-related macular degeneration treatments trials (CATT)

METHOD OF POVIDONE-IODINE APPLICATION AND ENDOPHTHALMITIS RISK

PURPOSE

To evaluate the proportion of patients developing endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents according to the mode of povidone-iodine (PI) antisepsis.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections given in a 7-year period at a community-based retinal practice. Endophthalmitis was diagnosed to have occurred if an eye developed intraocular inflammation and was given antibiotics with or without supportive culture identification of an organism. As part of their habitual clinical practice, component physicians used 5% PI as two drops, one drop, or just a dot of PI administered with a cotton-tipped applicator to the site before injection.

RESULTS

There were 113,610 intravitreal injections administered and 23 cases were diagnosed with endophthalmitis over the 7-year period, for a rate of 1 case per 4,940 injections. The mode of PI antisepsis showed no significant relation to the rate of endophthalmitis ( P = 0.55, chi-square test). The proportion of endophthalmitis by physician demonstrated no significant difference ( P = 0.39, chi-square test).

CONCLUSION

The use of PI has been associated with decreased incidence of endophthalmitis, but the mode of application has not been standardized. The results of this study suggest that "more is not better" in PI antisepsis in endophthalmitis. Moreover, the toxicity of PI on the ocular surface is known to be dose-related.

The ideal intravitreal injection setting: office, ambulatory surgery room or operating theatre? A narrative review and international survey

PURPOSE

This study reviews evidence and provides recommendations for the ideal setting of intravitreal injection (IVI) administration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors.

METHODS

A multi-step approach was employed, including content analysis of regulations and guidelines, a systematic literature review, and an international survey assessing perioperative complications and endophthalmitis incidence in relation to injection settings. The literature review searched PubMed and Cochrane databases from 2006 to 2022, focusing on studies reporting correlations between complications and treatment settings. The survey utilized a web-based questionnaire distributed to clinical sites and the international ophthalmic community, with data managed using electronic capture tools.

RESULTS

We reviewed regulations and guidelines from 23 countries across five continents, finding significant variation in IVI administration settings. In most countries, IVI is primarily administered in outpatient clean rooms (96%) or offices (39%), while in others, it is restricted to ambulatory surgery rooms or hospital-based operating theatres (4%). The literature review found that endophthalmitis risk after IVI is generally low (0.01% to 0.26% per procedure), with no significant difference between office-based and operating room settings. The international survey (20 centers, 96,624 anti-VEGF injections) found low overall incidences of severe perioperative systemic adverse events and endophthalmitis, independent of injection settings.

CONCLUSION

No significant differences in perioperative complications were observed among various settings, including operating theatres, ambulatory surgery rooms, offices, hospitals, or extra-hospital environments. Choosing the appropriate clinical setting can optimize patient management, potentially increasing effectiveness, quality, productivity, and capacity.

Decrease in Anti-VEGF Injections After Post-injection Endophthalmitis in Patients With Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Introduction: To evaluate the effect of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF)-related endophthalmitis on intravitreal injection (IVI) frequency in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of all cases of post IVI endophthalmitis that occurred in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, between 2012 and 2019. Contralateral eyes affected by nAMD but without endophthalmitis served as a control group. The main outcome measures were the frequency of anti-VEGF injections, visual acuity, and activity of choroidal neovascularization before and after endophthalmitis. Results: Seventeen eyes met the inclusion criteria, 2 (12%) of which never resumed IVI after endophthalmitis because of the quiescence of disease. Post-endophthalmitis eyes received IVI less frequently in the 1 year after endophthalmitis (mean 0.52 ± 0.42 IVI/month) than those that received IVI 1 year before endophthalmitis (1.09 ± 0.36 IVI/month) (P = .001). The 17 contralateral eyes also received anti-VEGF injections less frequently after endophthalmitis than before (P = .001). There was no significant change in optical coherence tomography markers of disease activity in cases or controls. Conclusions: In patients with nAMD, endophthalmitis resolution is associated with a decrease in anti-VEGF injection frequency. The same decrease in anti-VEGF injection frequency is also seen in contralateral eyes unaffected by endophthalmitis. Markers of disease activity remain unchanged in both eyes, suggesting disease quiescence despite reduced IVI frequency.

Comparison of RCI001 and corticosteroid on the effects on intraocular pressure in mice

Purpose

RCI001, a novel therapeutic candidate for the treatment of ocular inflammatory diseases, have demonstrated remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in various ocular experimental models. This study was to evaluate the effects of RCI001 on intraocular pressure (IOP) and compare them with those of corticosteroids in experimental mouse models.

Methods

Experimental mice were randomly divided into naïve, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), 0.1% dexamethasone (DEX-1), and 1% RCI001 (RCI) groups, and each reagent was pipetted into the right eye of the mouse at 10 μL thrice daily for 5 weeks. In addition, 20 μL of 0.1% dexamethasone was injected subconjunctivally into the right eye once weekly for 5 weeks in the DEX-2 group. The IOP was measured under anesthesia at baseline and twice weekly for 5 weeks. The △IOP (%) was defined as the change in IOP from baseline [△IOP (%) = (IOPweek5-IOPbaseline)/IOPbaseline × 100%]. The anterior segments were clinically and histologically examined.

Results

There was no significant increase in IOP and △IOP (%) [values by week 3 (day 21) in any of the groups]. However, IOP and △IOP (%) in the DEX-2 group tended to increase slightly after day 10 compared with baseline. Compared with baseline IOP values, the DEX-1 group showed a statistically significant increase in IOP at weeks 4 and 5, and the DEX-2 group at week 5. The △IOP (%) of the DEX-1 and DEX-2 groups (%) at week 5 were 38.2% ± 5.8% and 38.4 ± 4.6%, respectively. However, the IOP in the RCI group did not increase significantly until week 5. The RCI group did not show notable corneal changes, such as epithelial defects or stromal opacities, at week 5. In addition, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of corneas in the RCI group revealed healthy corneal epithelial, stromal, and endothelial integrity.

Conclusion

Long-term use of RCI001 did not induce significant IOP elevation or ocular surface changes, whereas topical corticosteroids significantly increased the IOP. Therefore, RCI001 may be an effective anti-inflammatory agent with a low risk of drug-induced IOP elevation.

Initial Real-World Experience with Faricimab in Treatment-Resistant Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose

To evaluate the initial efficacy and safety of intravitreal faricimab in eyes previously treated for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nARMD).

Patients and methods

A retrospective review of all patients with nARMD previously treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections who received at least 3 intravitreal faricimab injections with at least 3 months of follow-up.

Results

A total of 190 eyes were included. Patients received a mean of 34.2±23 anti-VEGF injections over 182.41±128 weeks prior to switching to faricimab. Patients then received a mean of 6.99±2.3 faricimab injections with an average 34.88±8.2 weeks of follow-up. The mean best corrected visual acuities improved from 0.33±0.32 logMAR ≈20/43 to 0.27±0.32 logMAR ≈20/37 (P=0.0022). The central subfield thickness (CST) improved from 312±87μm to 287±71μm (P<0.0001). At the last clinical visit, 24% had no subretinal fluid or intraretinal fluid on optical coherence tomography. The mean dosing interval between the last two consecutive faricimab injections (7.64±6.2 weeks) was significantly longer than that for ranibizumab (5.16±2.0 weeks, P<0.001) or aflibercept (5.57±3.6 weeks, P<0.001). No patients developed idiopathic intraocular inflammation.

Conclusion

Intravitreal faricimab was associated with improved vision and CSTs, even in treatment-resistant nARMD eyes. The mean last dosing interval for faricimab was longer than for ranibizumab or aflibercept. No significant adverse events were directly attributed to faricimab during the study.

Archway Phase 3 Trial of the Port Delivery System with Ranibizumab for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration 2-Year Results

PURPOSE

To report 2-year results from the Archway clinical trial of the Port Delivery System with ranibizumab (PDS) for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

DESIGN

Phase 3, randomized, multicenter, open-label, active-comparator trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with previously treated nAMD diagnosed within 9 months of screening and responsive to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

METHODS

Patients were randomized 3:2 to PDS with ranibizumab 100 mg/ml with fixed refill-exchanges every 24 weeks (PDS Q24W) or intravitreal ranibizumab 0.5 mg injections every 4 weeks (monthly ranibizumab). Patients were followed through 4 complete refill-exchange intervals (∼2 years).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letter score from baseline averaged over weeks 60 and 64, and weeks 88 and 92 (noninferiority margin, -3.9 ETDRS letters).

RESULTS

PDS Q24W was noninferior to monthly ranibizumab, with differences in adjusted mean change in BCVA score from baseline averaged over weeks 60/64 and 88/92 of +0.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.4 to +2.1) and -0.6 ETDRS letters (95% CI, -2.5 to +1.3). Anatomic outcomes were generally comparable between arms through week 96. Through each of 4 PDS refill-exchange intervals, 98.4%, 94.6%, 94.8%, and 94.7% of PDS Q24W patients assessed did not receive supplemental ranibizumab treatment. PDS ocular safety profile was generally unchanged from primary analysis. Prespecified ocular adverse events (AEs) of special interest were reported in 59 (23.8%) PDS and 17 (10.2%) monthly ranibizumab patients. Most common AE of special interest reported in both arms was cataract (PDS Q24W, 22 [8.9%]; monthly ranibizumab, 10 [6.0%]). Events in the PDS Q24W arm included (patient incidence) 10 (4.0%) conjunctival erosions, 6 (2.4%) conjunctival retractions, 4 (1.6%) endophthalmitis cases, and 4 (1.6%) implant dislocations. Serum ranibizumab sampling showed that the PDS continuously released ranibizumab over the 24-week refill-exchange interval and ranibizumab serum concentrations were within the range experienced with monthly ranibizumab.

CONCLUSIONS

PDS Q24W showed noninferior efficacy to monthly ranibizumab through approximately 2 years, with approximately 95% of PDS Q24W patients not receiving supplemental ranibizumab treatment in each refill-exchange interval. AEs were generally manageable, with learnings continually implemented to minimize PDS-related AEs.

Incidence and visual outcomes of acute endophthalmitis post intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors in a single referral center

BACKGROUND

To describe the incidence and factors predicting visual outcome in patients with infectious endophthalmitis following intravitreal anti-VEGF injection.

METHODS

Retrospective, single-site, cohort study. Patients with acute endophthalmitis within 6 weeks of intravitreal anti-VEGF injection who were referred to our practice after inciting injection or were injected by us between January 2010 and July 2017 were included. All patients received intravitreal antibiotics with either vitreous/anterior chamber tap (TAP) or pars plana vitrectomy. Visual outcomes pre/post treatment, baseline variables (age, gender, ocular disease) and cultures results were studied.

RESULTS

Seventy eyes of 69 patients were included. Presenting VA was the strongest factor associated with final visual outcome after adjusting for other variables including culture status and baseline VA (p = .0002). Cultures were positive in 62.8% of eyes and were associated with worse visual outcome (p = .0087). Growth of Streptococcus or microorganisms other than coagulase negative Staphylococci (CNS) was also associated with worse prognosis, regardless of baseline and presenting VA (p = .0002). The crude incidence of post-injection endophthalmitis was 0.028% in our practice (40 eyes in 143,628 injections) during the study time. No significant difference was found between pre-filled bevacizumab versus ranibizumab or aflibercept drawn from a vial.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large, single center, retrospective study, the incidence of acute endophthalmitis post anti-VEGF injection was relatively low. Worse visual acuity at presentation of endophthalmitis and growth of Streptococcus or organisms other than CNS were associated with the worst visual outcomes.

Preventive factors, diagnosis, and management of injection-related endophthalmitis: a literature review

BACKGROUND

Intravitreal medication injections represent the gold standard treatment for a variety of potentially blinding chorioretinal vascular diseases. Despite their excellent safety profile, they are associated with the feared complication of injection-related endophthalmitis (IRE). Though the overall incidence of IRE is low, due to the ever-increasing number of injections being performed, it is a complication that all retina specialists are likely to encounter. This article reviews various factors that could potentially influence the risk of IRE and discusses evidence-based strategies for management.

METHOD

PubMed was searched for keywords "intravitreal injection" and "endophthalmitis" from the period of 1995-2021. Relevant articles were reviewed and selected articles were analyzed with respect to the incidence, potential preventive factors, clinical presentation, microbial profile, management, and outcomes for IRE.

RESULTS

There is strong consensus supporting the use of povidone iodine topical antiseptic, eyelid retraction away from the injection site, and avoiding treatment of eyes with active surface or eyelid disease, but there is less agreement on the use of face masks versus "no-talking" policies and optimal anesthetic technique. Current evidence comparing tap and inject or early vitrectomy for treatment of IRE is inadequate to determine an optimal treatment strategy.

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal injections are sight saving, but even using established prophylactic measures there remains a small but real risk of infectious injection-related complications. Further investigations comparing tap and inject versus vitrectomy may help to establish optimal treatment, although the rarity of IRE makes designing adequately powered prospective trials a difficult task.

Global Preferred Practice Patterns for the Management of Exogenous Endophthalmitis: A Survey by the American Society of Ophthalmic Trauma

OBJECTIVE

: To investigate the global practice patterns for the management of exogenous endophthalmitis.

METHODS

: This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess global practice patterns for the management of exogenous endophthalmitis. An online survey comprised of questions regarding the management of exogenous endophthalmitis was distributed to institutions who are members of International Globe and Adnexal Trauma Epidemiology Study Group (IGATES) or invited affiliates of the American Society of Ophthalmic Trauma and the Asia Pacific Ophthalmic Trauma Society. Responses were gathered from August 2020 to January 2021.

RESULTS

Of 42 institutions, 36 responses were received (86% response rate), of which 33 (79%) were included in the analysis. Included centers were from Asia (36%), North America (36%), South America (12%), Africa (9%), Europe (3%), and Australia (3%). Oral antibiotics were administered in 19 (58%) institutions, with moxifloxacin as the preferred agent (n=9, 27%). The preferred method for obtaining cultures was vitreous tap (n=25, 76%). Most institutions (n=26, 79%) routinely administered intravitreal vancomycin and ceftazidime, while intravitreal steroids were routinely administered at 11 centers (33%). Indications for performing vitrectomy included; decreased visual acuity (n=14, 39%); all cases of exogenous endophthalmitis (n=4, 12%); non-response to medical therapy (n=4, 12%); or no view of the fundus (n=4, 12%), indicating significant variation in surgical indications. More than half (n=17, 52%) of responding institutions routinely admitted patients with exogenous endophthalmitis to the hospital. Institutions in the United States were less likely to administer oral antibiotics (27% vs. 73%, P = 0.024) and to admit patients (9% vs. 73%, P < 0.001) compared to other countries.

CONCLUSIONS

: This study highlights the global variations in the management of exogenous endophthalmitis, especially as it pertains to surgical indications. Further establishment of evidence-based guidelines may be beneficial to provide more uniform guidance to optimize outcomes.

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration: A review of findings from the real-world Fight Retinal Blindness! registry

The use of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors has revolutionised the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) since the pivotal Phase III studies demonstrated their efficacy more than 10 years ago. The Fight Retinal Blindness! project was developed to track the treatment outcomes of patients with nAMD in real-world practice. Data from this registry have been used to answer several clinically relevant questions related to the treatment of nAMD including the effect of under-treatment, the comparative effectiveness of different anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents, long-term treatment outcomes, identifying optimal treatment regimens and the rate and outcomes of rare adverse events. Observational studies are a valuable complement to the shortcomings of clinical trials and a combination of data from real-world settings and clinical trials are necessary to provide evidence on how to achieve the best outcomes for individual patients with nAMD.

CLINICAL OUTCOMES AND TREATMENT COURSE OF EYES WITH NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION FOLLOWING THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENDOPHTHALMITIS

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical course of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) after developing endophthalmitis during their treatment with intravitreal injections.

METHODS

Multicenter, retrospective series.

RESULTS

From April 2013 to October 2018, 196,598 intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections were performed, with 75 cases of endophthalmitis (incidence 0.0381%). There was no association between intravitreal anti-VEGF drug (P = 0.29), anesthetic method (P = 0.26), povidone concentration (P = 0.22), or any intraprocedure variable and endophthalmitis incidence. Seventy-two patients (96%) were treated with intravitreal tap and inject , while 3 underwent immediate pars plana vitrectomy. After endophthalmitis resolution, 17 patients (22.7%) were not re-treated for nAMD (in 10 cases due to inactive disease; follow-up, 115 ± 8.4 weeks). Patients required less frequent anti-VEGF injections after infection (7.4 ± 0.61 weeks vs. 11.5 ± 1.8 weeks; P = 0.004). Preinfection logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity was 0.585 ± 0.053 (∼20/77). It worsened with endophthalmitis (1.67 ± 0.08, ∼20/935; P < 0.001) and again on postendophthalmitis treatment day 1 (1.94 ± 0.064; count fingers; P < 0.001), but improved after reinitiating nAMD therapy (1.02 ± 0.11; ∼20/209; P < 0.001). Better visual acuity on postendophthalmitis week 1 (P = 0.002) and reinitiation of nAMD treatment (P = 0.008) were associated with better final visual acuity, and streptococcal culture with worse visual acuity (P = 0.028). The postendophthalmitis treatment interval was associated with the anti-VEGF drug used (aflibercept = ranibizumab > bevacizumab; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Patients with nAMD required fewer injections after endophthalmitis, suggesting a biological change in disease activity. Neovascular age-related macular degeneration became quiescent in 13.3% of eyes. Most achieved better outcomes with anti-VEGF reinitiation.

Trends in Endophthalmitis Associated With Intravitreal Injection of Anti-VEGF Agentsat a Tertiary Referral Center

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To report the incidence and clinical features of infectious endophthalmitis after intravitreal (IV) injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (VEGF) between 2018 and 2020 and to compare to prior rates.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of patients with endophthalmitis after anti-VEGF IV injections treated at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020.

RESULTS

Between 2018 and 2020, the rate of clinically diagnosed endophthalmitis was 0.014% (10/71,858) and of culture-positive was 0.008% (6/71,858). Clinically diagnosed endophthalmitis rates per injection were: aflibercept (0.022%); ranibizumab (0.019%); bevacizumab (0%); and brolucizumab (0%). Clinically diagnosed endophthalmitis rates were similar in the present study compared to those from 2005 to 2017 (P = .84). Fifteen eyes were diagnosed with endophthalmitis (10 in-house, five external referrals). Of culture-positive eyes, the organisms were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (8/11), Streptococcus species (2/11), and Abiotrophia defectiva (1/11). A universal face-masking policy in 2020 did not lower infection rates (P = .73).

CONCLUSION

Endophthalmitis rates after IV anti-VEGF remain low and are similar to prior reports. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2021;52:319-326.].

Age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of legal blindness in the industrialized world. AMD is characterized by accumulation of extracellular deposits, namely drusen, along with progressive degeneration of photoreceptors and adjacent tissues. AMD is a multifactorial disease encompassing a complex interplay between ageing, environmental risk factors and genetic susceptibility. Chronic inflammation, lipid deposition, oxidative stress and impaired extracellular matrix maintenance are strongly implicated in AMD pathogenesis. However, the exact interactions of pathophysiological events that culminate in drusen formation and the associated degeneration processes remain to be elucidated. Despite tremendous advances in clinical care and in unravelling pathophysiological mechanisms, the unmet medical need related to AMD remains substantial. Although there have been major breakthroughs in the treatment of exudative AMD, no efficacious treatment is yet available to prevent progressive irreversible photoreceptor degeneration, which leads to central vision loss. Compelling progress in high-resolution retinal imaging has enabled refined phenotyping of AMD in vivo. These insights, in combination with clinicopathological and genetic correlations, have underscored the heterogeneity of AMD. Hence, our current understanding promotes the view that AMD represents a disease spectrum comprising distinct phenotypes with different mechanisms of pathogenesis. Hence, tailoring therapeutics to specific phenotypes and stages may, in the future, be the key to preventing irreversible vision loss.

Nonclinical Safety Assessment of FHTR2163, An Antigen-Binding Fragment Against HTRA1 for the Treatment of Geographic Atrophy

FHTR2163 is an antigen-binding fragment of a humanized immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody directed against high-temperature requirement A serine peptidase 1 (HTRA1) that is being developed as a potential intravitreal (ITV) treatment for patients with geographic atrophy (GA), an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration. The nonclinical toxicology program was designed to assess the safety and tolerability of HTRA1 inhibition following ITV administration of FHTR2163 to support ITV administration in patients with GA. FHTR2163 was well tolerated in a single-dose ITV-administered 8-day toxicity study in cynomolgus monkeys following a 50 µL high (>700 mOsm/kg) osmolality formulation up to 12.5 mg/eye; however, 100 µL (2× 50 µL injections) of a high-osmolality formulation resulted in transient retinal detachment. Repeat-dose ITV administration every 2 weeks of FHTR2163 was well tolerated in 8- and 26-week studies with ITV injection of 100 µL (2× 50 μL) of iso-osmolar formulation up to 15 mg/eye, or 50 µL of the high-osmolality formulation up to 12.5 mg/eye. Observed transient and reversible ocular effects included inflammation and perivascular infiltrates, consistent with an immune response attributed to the administration of heterologous (humanized) protein. Overall, FHTR2163 was well tolerated, and the nonclinical package supported the continued clinical development of FHTR2163 in patients with GA.

Incidence and outcomes of endophthalmitis with in-house compounded intravitreal bevacizumab injections: A multicentric study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the incidence rate and outcomes of endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection of in-house compounded bevacizumab.

METHODS

In this multicentric study performed from 2014 to 2018, patients who were injected with in-house compounded and sterilized bevacizumab were observed for endophthalmitis. In-house compounded syringes were prepared in compounding pharmacy using sterile standard operating guidelines. All cases of acute endophthalmitis following intravitreal injection were recorded and followed up for final anatomical and visual outcome after management.

RESULTS

A total of 50,361 bevacizumab injections were administered. Incidence of post-injection endophthalmitis was 0.0377%. Incidence of culture-positive endophthalmitis was 0.0178%, with 55.5% culture positivity for Staphylococcus species. A significant improvement in the final visual outcome was noted (p<0.05), and overall five patients (26.3%) achieved visual acuity of 6/18 or more.

CONCLUSIONS

In-house compounded injections of bevacizumab can reduce post-injection endophthalmitis to a minimum, with maintenance of proper asepsis and strict protocols by the compounding pharmacy.

Clinical management of an outbreak of nutritionally variant streptococcus endophthalmitis following intravitreal bevacizumab injection

BACKGROUND

The management of an outbreak of endophthalmitis associated with intravitreal bevacizumab represents a challenging real-time process involving identification of cases, treatment and mitigation measures during the outbreak. We summarize the clinical presentation and management of a cluster of endophthalmitis cases from contaminated bevacizumab, in addition to mathematical probabilistic assessment of the number of cases that define an outbreak.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted to assess the management of an endophthalmitis outbreak after intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) administration. Demographic data, clinical information, individual patient management and public health reporting measures were reviewed. Outcomes of patients who received prophylactic antibiotics for endophthalmitis prevention were also reviewed. Binomial tail probability calculations were performed to determine the likelihood of clusters of endophthalmitis that could inform when an outbreak was evolving that would warrant more public health notification measures and communication.

RESULTS

Forty-five eyes of 42 patients who received IVB from a single batch were reviewed. Four cases of endophthalmitis from Granulicatella adiacens, a nutritionally-variant Streptococcus species, were treated successfully with intravitreal antibiotics ± vitrectomy. Thirty-four of the remaining 41 eyes were treated with prophylactic intravitreal vancomycin with no additional cases of endophthalmitis. Outbreak management also included CDC, ASRS and public health authority notification. Binominal tail probabilities demonstrated the rarity of clusters from a single batch (i.e. ~ 1/10,000 for 2 cases; 1/2 million for 3 cases). However, given the U.S. scale of IVB administration, there is an 87% chance of a cluster ≧ 2 and a 1% chance of a cluster ≧ 3 cases annually, which may guide outbreak management. A process diagram was developed to incorporate patient management and public health measures when an outbreak is suspected.

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal antibiotics and vitrectomy were effective in the individual management of cases of endophthalmitis, and no serious adverse events occurred with prophylactic intravitreal vancomycin for at-risk eyes. Best practices for outbreaks should be evaluated, given their likelihood within the U.S. and the sight-threatening consequences of endophthalmitis.

DILUTE POVIDONE-IODINE PROPHYLAXIS MAINTAINS SAFETY WHILE IMPROVING PATIENT COMFORT AFTER INTRAVITREAL INJECTIONS

PURPOSE

To report the rates of postintravitreal injection (IVT) endophthalmitis with topical conjunctival application of various concentrations of povidone-iodine (PI), including no PI.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of patients receiving IVTs performed in a single practice between January 2011 and June 2016. Concentration of PI for all injections was recorded and cases of endophthalmitis identified and reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 35,060 IVTs in 1854 patients were included from the 5.5-year period. 29,281 injections were performed with standard 5% PI, 5,460 injections with diluted PI (3,731 with 2.5%, 1,673 with 1.25%, 56 with 0.625%), and 319 IVTs with no PI. Incidence of patient-reported PI sensitivity occurred in 15.9% of patients. Fourteen cases of endophthalmitis were identified: 12 in eyes that received 5% PI, one in an eye that received 1.25% PI, and one in an eye receiving no PI. The incidence of endophthalmitis was 0.04% for 5% PI, 0.02% for dilute PI, and 0.31% for no PI prophylaxis. All cases underwent prompt vitrectomy and had positive cultures for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus.

CONCLUSION

Application of dilute PI solution to the conjunctiva at the time of IVT is an effective alternative to 5% PI for endophthalmitis prophylaxis in betadine-sensitive patients.

Corticosteroids in ophthalmology: drug delivery innovations, pharmacology, clinical applications, and future perspectives

Corticosteroids remain the mainstay of the treatment for various ocular conditions affecting the ocular surface, anterior and posterior segments of the eye due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-oedematous, and anti-neovascularization properties. Prednisolone, prednisolone acetate, dexamethasone, triamcinolone acetonide, fluocinolone acetonide, and loteprednol etabonate are amongst the most widely used ophthalmic corticosteroids. Corticosteroids differ in their activity and potency in the eye due to their inherent pharmacological and pharmaceutical differences. Different routes and regimens are available for ocular administration of corticosteroids. Conventional topical application to the eye is the route of choice when targeting diseases affecting the ocular surface and anterior segment, while periocular, intravitreal, and suprachoroidal injections can be potentially effective for posterior segment diseases. Corticosteroid-induced intraocular pressure elevation and cataract formation remain the most significant local risks following topical as well as systemic corticosteroid administration. Invasive drug administration via intracameral, subconjunctival, and intravitreal injection can enhance ocular bioavailability and minimize dose and dosing frequency of administration, yet may exacerbate ocular side effects of corticosteroids. This review provides a critical appraisal of the ophthalmic uses of corticosteroid, routes of administration, drug delivery fundamentals and novel ocular implantable steroid delivery systems, factors influencing side effects, and future perspectives for ocular corticosteroid therapy.

Intravitreal Injections with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitors: A Practical Approach

Intravitreal injections with vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors constitute the most prevalent ophthalmic procedure in developed countries. Historically, there has been steady growth in the number of treatments performed of this kind, and projection studies estimate further growth in such treatments in the future. We provide a practical approach to intravitreal injections and discuss important aspects relating to the setting, the patient, the procedure, and the information given to the patient.

Comparative Study of Microbiological Profile and Management Outcomes of Acute Endophthalmitis after Microincision Vitrectomy Surgery versus Intravitreal Injections

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare incidence and outcomes of management of acute endophthalmitis after microincision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) and intravitreal injections (IVIs).Methods: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed from January 2012 to December 2017, and the incidence, clinical and microbiological profiles of acute endophthalmitis were documented.Results: Of 26,332 MIVS and 24,143 IVI performed, incidence of acute endophthalmitis in MIVS group was 0.027% (1 in 3761 cases) against 0.054% (1 in 1857 cases) in IVI. Gram-positive organisms were causative in post IVI group as against gram-negative organisms in MIVS group.Conclusion: Incidence of endophthalmitis after IVI is almost twice that after MIVS. A trend toward poorer outcomes in MIVS eyes was observed. Both MIVS and IVI being pars plana procedures warrant similar kind of aseptic precautions.

Aqueous Humor Mediator and Cytokine Aberrations in Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose

To evaluate the relationship between the aqueous humor levels of VEGF, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-6, IL-12, MCP-1, and IP-10 with DR/DME.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases were searched up to October 2018. Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted.

Results

18 studies comprising 362 cases with DR (100 with DME) and 620 controls without DR were included in this meta-analysis. There was a significant association between VEGF levels in the aqueous humor and DR (standardized mean difference (SMD) 1.94 (95% CI 1.05-2.83)) and DME (1.07 (0.71, 1.42)). Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between levels of IL-6 and DR (3.53 (0.37, 6.69)), and similarly correlation with DME (1.26 (0.30, 2.21)). The relationship between MCP-1 and DR and DME was significant, in which the SMD was (0.49 (0.09, 0.89)) and (1.49 (0.78, 2.20)), respectively. However, IL-12, IP-10, and TNF-α had no correlation with DR and DME, whereas there was a significant relationship between IL-8 and DME (1.68 (0.97, 2.40)).

Conclusion

Elevated levels of VEGF, IL-6, and MCP-1 in the aqueous humor were associated with the risk for the presence of DR, and levels of VEGF, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 were associated with the risk of DME. Furthermore, these biomarkers may be used as potential predictors or therapeutic targets for DR/DME.

Efficacy and safety of intravitreal drug injections using a short 34-gauge needle

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal drug injections using a short 34-gauge needle.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

METHODS

This study included patients with age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, or macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion. We reviewed the medical records of consecutive patients with one of those three diseases treated with antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents using an 8-mm-long 34-gauge needle. Sustained intraocular pressure (IOP) elevations were defined as IOP exceeding 21 mmHg or 6-mmHg or higher increases from baseline on 2 consecutive visits at least 1 month apart. The main outcome measures were improved best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), IOP changes, and incidence of complications related to the 34-gauge needle.

RESULTS

Six hundred ninety-eight injections were administered to 243 consecutive patients (mean age, 74.0 years) and reviewed. The mean follow-up time was 30.2 ± 15.9 weeks. The mean number of intravitreal injections/eye was 2.7 ± 1.8 (range, 1-9). The mean BCVA improved significantly (P < .0001), from 0.43 ± 0.4 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) units at baseline to 0.36 ± 0.41 logMAR units at the last visit. The mean CRT decreased significantly (P < .0001), from 426.9 ± 168.5 microns at baseline to 297.6 ± 121.1 microns at the last visit. The mean IOP decreased significantly (P < .0001), from 13.6 ± 3.0 mmHg at baseline to 12.9 ± 3.1 mmHg at the visit after the first injection. A retinal tear occurred in 0.14%/injection (1/698). A sustained IOP elevation occurred in 1.29%/injection (9/698).

CONCLUSION

Despite a few complications, the short 34-gauge needle was efficacious and safe for anti-VEGF intravitreal injections.

Anti-VEGF Monotherapy Versus Photodynamic Therapy and Anti-VEGF Combination Treatment for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Meta-Analysis

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of anti-VEGF monotherapy with verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) and anti-VEGF combination treatment in neovascular AMD.

Methods

This study used a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Results

We included a total of 16 studies that included 587 patients in the monotherapy group and 673 in the combination treatment group. There was no statistical difference between best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) at end of the study and the proportions of patients who gained ≥15 BCVA letters between the two treatment groups. Nevertheless, combination therapy required fewer anti-VEGF injections than monotherapy. Subgroup analyses showed that CRT at end of the study was thinner in the standard-fluence (SF) PDT combination therapy group than in the monotherapy group (weighted mean difference [WMD]: 17.256; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.423∼29.089; P = 0.004). The reduced-fluence (RF) PDT combination therapy group required fewer anti-VEGF injections than the monotherapy group (WMD: 3.217; 95% CI: 2.798∼3.636; P < 0.001), while the number of anti-VEGF treatments between the SF PDT combination therapy and monotherapy groups was not statistically different (WMD: 0.23; 95% CI: -0.016∼0.475; P = 0.067). In the combination therapy group, there was no difference between the PDT + anti-VEGF versus anti-VEGF retreatment regimens.

Conclusions

This study indicates that verteporfin PDT and anti-VEGF combination therapy is effective for achieving BCVA gain and CRT reduction comparable with that of anti-VEGF monotherapy. Combination therapy with RF PDT can potentially decrease the number of anti-VEGF injections needed.

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for neovascular age-related macular degeneration

BACKGROUND

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of uncorrectable severe vision loss in people aged 55 years and older in the developed world. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to AMD accounts for most cases of AMD-related severe vision loss. Intravitreous injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents aims to block the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye to prevent vision loss and, in some instances, to improve vision.

OBJECTIVES

• To investigate ocular and systemic effects of, and quality of life associated with, intravitreous injection of three anti-VEGF agents (pegaptanib, ranibizumab, and bevacizumab) versus no anti-VEGF treatment for patients with neovascular AMD• To compare the relative effects of one of these anti-VEGF agents versus another when administered in comparable dosages and regimens SEARCH METHODS: To identify eligible studies for this review, we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register (searched January 31, 2018); MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to January 31, 2018); Embase Ovid (1947 to January 31, 2018); the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database (LILACS) (1982 to January 31, 2018); the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trials Number (ISRCTN) Registry (www.isrctn.com/editAdvancedSearch - searched January 31, 2018); ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov - searched November 28, 2018); and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (www.who.int/ictrp/search/en - searched January 31, 2018). We did not impose any date or language restrictions in electronic searches for trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated pegaptanib, ranibizumab, or bevacizumab versus each other or versus a control treatment (e.g. sham treatment, photodynamic therapy), in which participants were followed for at least one year.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened records, extracted data, and assessed risks of bias. We contacted trial authors for additional data. We compared outcomes using risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MDs). We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 16 RCTs that had enrolled a total of 6347 participants with neovascular AMD (the number of participants per trial ranged from 23 to 1208) and identified one potentially relevant ongoing trial. Six trials compared anti-VEGF treatment (pegaptanib, ranibizumab, or bevacizumab) versus control, and 10 trials compared bevacizumab versus ranibizumab. Pharmaceutical companies conducted or sponsored four trials but funded none of the studies that evaluated bevacizumab. Researchers conducted these trials at various centers across five continents (North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia). The overall certainty of the evidence was moderate to high, and most trials had an overall low risk of bias. All but one trial had been registered prospectively.When compared with those who received control treatment, more participants who received intravitreous injection of any of the three anti-VEGF agents had gained 15 letters or more of visual acuity (risk ratio [RR] 4.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.32 to 7.55; moderate-certainty evidence), had lost fewer than 15 letters of visual acuity (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.55; high-certainty evidence), and showed mean improvement in visual acuity (mean difference 6.7 letters, 95% CI 4.4 to 9.0 in one pegaptanib trial; mean difference 17.8 letters, 95% CI 16.0 to 19.7 in three ranibizumab trials; moderate-certainty evidence) after one year of follow-up. Participants treated with anti-VEGF agents showed improvement in morphologic outcomes (e.g. size of CNV, central retinal thickness) compared with participants not treated with anti-VEGF agents (moderate-certainty evidence). No trial directly compared pegaptanib versus another anti-VEGF agent and followed participants for one year; however, when compared with control treatments, ranibizumab and bevacizumab each yielded larger improvements in visual acuity outcomes than pegaptanib.Visual acuity outcomes after bevacizumab and ranibizumab were similar when the same RCTs compared the same regimens with respect to gain of 15 or more letters of visual acuity (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.12; high-certainty evidence) and loss of fewer than 15 letters of visual acuity (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.02; high-certainty evidence); results showed similar mean improvement in visual acuity (mean difference [MD] -0.5 letters, 95% CI -1.5 to 0.5; high-certainty evidence) after one year of follow-up, despite the substantially lower cost of bevacizumab compared with ranibizumab. Reduction in central retinal thickness was less among bevacizumab-treated participants than among ranibizumab-treated participants after one year (MD -11.6 μm, 95% CI -21.6 to -1.7; high-certainty evidence); however, this difference is within the range of measurement error, and we did not interpret it to be clinically meaningful.Ocular inflammation and increased intraocular pressure (IOP) after intravitreal injection were the most frequently reported serious ocular adverse events. Researchers reported endophthalmitis in less than 1% of anti-VEGF-treated participants and in no cases among control groups. The occurrence of serious systemic adverse events was comparable across anti-VEGF-treated groups and control groups; however, the numbers of events and trial participants may have been insufficient to show a meaningful difference between groups (evidence of low- to moderate-certainty). Investigators rarely measured and reported data on visual function, quality of life, or economic outcomes.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Results of this review show the effectiveness of anti-VEGF agents (pegaptanib, ranibizumab, and bevacizumab) in terms of maintaining visual acuity; studies show that ranibizumab and bevacizumab improved visual acuity in some eyes that received these agents and were equally effective. Available information on the adverse effects of each medication does not suggest a higher incidence of potentially vision-threatening complications with intravitreous injection of anti-VEGF agents compared with control interventions; however, clinical trial sample sizes were not sufficient to estimate differences in rare safety outcomes. Future Cochrane Reviews should incorporate research evaluating variable dosing regimens of anti-VEGF agents, effects of long-term use, use of combination therapies (e.g. anti-VEGF treatment plus photodynamic therapy), and other methods of delivering these agents.

The effect of diluting povidone-iodine on bacterial growth associated with speech

Background

Povidone-Iodine (PI) may be diluted when used as an antiseptic prior to an intravitreal injection in an attempt to decrease patient discomfort. This study aims to investigate the effect of diluting povidone-iodine (PI) on bacterial growth from bacterial droplet dispersal associated with speech.

Methods

Participants read a standardised script for 5 min over a blood agar plate positioned at 20 cm in a simulated position of an intravitreal injection procedure. The blood agar plates were subject to a randomised pre-application of 1% PI; 2.5% PI; 5% PI and no pre-application (control). The plates were incubated at 37 °C for 72 h and the number of Colony Forming Units (CFUs) was determined. CFUs were summarised as median and interquartile range (IQR). Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to assess pairwise comparisons of the various PI concentrations to the control group. Any trend across PI concentration was assessed using Kendall’s tau rank correlation.

Results

Twenty-one subjects participated. Control plates had a median growth of 25 CFUs (interquartile range [IQR]:15–40), 1% PI plates had a median growth of 30 CFUs (IQR:15–82), 2.5% PI had a median growth of 18 CFUs (IQR:10–32) and 5% PI had a median growth of 2 CFUs (IQR:0–5). There was significantly less bacterial growth with 5% PI compared to control (P < 0.001). Bacterial growth at 2.5% PI and 1% PI did not differ significantly from control. There was a statistically significant trend for decreasing colony count as PI concentration increased (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

PI concentrations less than 5% are not effective at reducing bacterial growth from bacterial droplet dispersal associated with speech. When using PI for pre-injection antisepsis, concentrations below 5% should be avoided.

Identification of Dietzia Species in a Patient with Endophthalmitis following Penetrating Injury with Retained Intraocular Metallic Foreign Body

To the best of our knowledge, we report the first case of Dietzia species in a patient with endophthalmitis. A 47-year-old man presented to the ophthalmology department with decreased vision, redness, and minimal pain in his right eye after a foreign body struck his eye following working using a hammer and chisel. Broad-spectrum polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing targeting 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid-(rRNA-) encoding gene on an undiluted vitreous sample revealed 100% identity with GenBank sequences of Dietzia species including D. natronolimnaea, D. dagingensis, and D. cercidiphylli. The culture of the vitreous samples demonstrated the growth of Gram-positive cocci and polymorphic rods. The isolate from the culture was identified as D. natronolimnaea using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The combination of surgical and medical treatment (pars plana vitrectomy and systemic and topical antibiotics) eradicated the infection successfully.

Endophthalmitis Rates after Bilateral Same-Day Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injections

PURPOSE

To evaluate practice patterns for bilateral same-day intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections and determine the rate of unilateral and bilateral postinjection endophthalmitis after bilateral same-day intravitreal anti-VEGF injections.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

The records of a large academic private practice were electronically queried for all office visits, during which bilateral intravitreal anti-VEGF injections were performed between April 1, 2012 and August 21, 2017 for patients with a diagnosis of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, or retinal vein occlusion. Demographic information and indication for injection were recorded for each patient and office visit. Charts of patients with endophthalmitis were reviewed, and information was collected on presentation examination, culture data, and visual outcomes.

RESULTS

During the study period, 101 932 bilateral same-day intravitreal anti-VEGF injections were performed over 50 966 office visits for 5890 patients. The mean (standard deviation) age of patients in this cohort was 74.2 (14.1) years and 60.6% of patients were female. The 2 most common indications for injection were neovascular age-related macular degeneration (54.3% of patients) and diabetic macular edema (35.4% of patients). Twenty-eight cases of endophthalmitis (0.027% of total injections) occurred during the study period. There were no cases of bilateral endophthalmitis, and no patients had more than 1 occurrence of endophthalmitis.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large cohort of patients undergoing bilateral same-day intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, there were no cases of bilateral endophthalmitis. Additionally, the overall rate of unilateral endophthalmitis was low and comparable to prior studies of unilateral injections. These results support the safety of bilateral same-day intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment.

Age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of visual impairment and severe vision loss. Clinically, it is classified as early-stage (medium-sized drusen and retinal pigmentary changes) to late-stage (neovascular and atrophic). Age-related macular degeneration is a multifactorial disorder, with dysregulation in the complement, lipid, angiogenic, inflammatory, and extracellular matrix pathways implicated in its pathogenesis. More than 50 genetic susceptibility loci have been identified, of which the most important are in the CFH and ARMS2 genes. The major non-genetic risk factors are smoking and low dietary intake of antioxidants (zinc and carotenoids). Progression from early-stage to late-stage disease can be slowed with high-dose zinc and antioxidant vitamin supplements. Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy (eg, ranibizumab, aflibercept, or bevacizumab) is highly effective at treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration, and has markedly decreased the prevalence of visual impairment in populations worldwide. Currently, no proven therapies for atrophic disease are available, but several agents are being investigated in clinical trials. Future progress is likely to be from improved efforts in prevention and risk-factor modification, personalised medicine targeting specific pathways, newer anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents or other agents, and regenerative therapies.

Role of topical antibiotics in prophylaxis against endophthalmitis following intravitreal antibiotics

Objective:

To compare the prophylactic use of antibiotic with placebo to prevent post intra-vitreal endophthalmitis and other complications.

Methods:

A prospective, cohort study was conducted at Ophthalmology Department, Fauji Foundation Hospital (FFH), from June 2016 to July 2017. A total of 1082 eyes of 673 patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were selected at non-random and divided into two groups. In Group-I, non – exposed, placebo eye drops were given after intravitreal bevacizumab injections and in Group-II, exposed, ofloxacin eye drops were given after intravitreal bevacizumab injections.

Results:

Total 1082 eyes were given intravitreal bevacizumab injection in 673 patients. No patients in Group-I, non – exposed, receiving placebo eye drops developed post intra vitreal endophthalmitis, whereas only 01 (0.1%) patient developed post intravitreal endophthalmitis in Group-II, exposed, receiving ofloxacin eye drops. In inferential statistics the P- value was also statistically insignificant [x² (1, N=1082) =0.95, P>0.05]

Conclusion:

This study showed that topical antibiotic, as a prophylaxis after intravitreal injections has no role in the prevention of post intravitreal endophthalmitis and other complications.

Noninfectious Inflammatory Response following Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injections: Description of a Cluster of Cases in Two Centers and a Review of the Literature

PURPOSE

To report a cluster of high incidence of noninfectious inflammatory reaction shortly after bevacizumab injection.

METHODS

Data were collected from medical records of consecutive patients who underwent bevacizumab injections and presented with acute uveitis within 1-4 days.

RESULTS

All 7 patients were injected intravitreally with bevacizumab from different batches and presented with visual deterioration. One patient with anterior uveitis complained of pain. None had hypopyon. Three patients with vitritis underwent a vitreous tap with an intravitreal injection of vancomycin and ceftazidime for possible infectious endophthalmitis. All patients received intensive topical antibiotic drops and steroids, and the intraocular inflammation resolved completely within 1 month. Five patients continued to receive bevacizumab injections without recurrent episodes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our series demonstrates an incidence of noninfectious inflammatory reaction shortly after bevacizumab injection that is higher than that reported in the literature. The cause is more likely the preparation process in the same compounding pharmacy.

Topical antibiotics and intravitreal injections

There is increasing evidence that topical antibiotics, given before and/or after intravitreal injections, are ineffective in preventing endophthalmitis and are possibly harmful. In addition to the lack of efficacy and increased development of resistant organisms, the use of topical antibiotics adds significantly to the cost of delivering intravitreal therapy. Despite this, in many countries, it is still common practice to use pre- and/or postinjection topical antibiotics. This review outlines the general principles of effective antibiotic prophylaxis, and the evidence regarding topical antibiotic use as a prophylactic measure for endophthalmitis following intravitreal injections. A key distinguishing feature of intravitreal injections from most other invasive procedures is the fact that they are often repeated on multiple occasions to the same eye. Given the lack of evidence to support topical antibiotics as an effective method of prophylaxis for postinjection endophthalmitis, it appears that more widespread education of ophthalmologists is required to avoid continued inappropriate use. Revision of drug labels in some jurisdictions, and amendment of local/professional society guidelines, may be required to assist in achieving this goal. Emphasis should be placed on antisepsis and aseptic technique, which are the major proven methods of endophthalmitis prevention, rather than antibiotics.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for preventing endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection: a systematic review

PURPOSE

To assess the effect of topical antibiotic prophylaxis on the rate of post-operative endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection (IVI).

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of studies comparing the rates of endophthalmitis in eyes receiving IVI of different drugs with and without topical antibiotic prophylaxis, by searching MEDLINE and EMBASE up to June 2016. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the Risk Of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies, respectively. We used a random-effects meta-analysis to compute the odds ratio (OR) of endophthalmitis with antibiotic prophylaxis compared with no prophylaxis and conducted subgroup analyses to compare the efficacy of different regimens and classes of antibiotics on endophthalmitis rates.

RESULTS

We identified 1 randomized and 12 non-randomized studies that reported 74 cases of endophthalmitis in 147,203 IVIs using antibiotic prophylaxis compared with 55 cases in 211,418 IVIs with no prophylaxis. The overall OR of endophthalmitis for antibiotic prophylaxis vs. no prophylaxis was 1.33 (95% CI 0.75-2.38). Leave-one-out sensitivity analyses showed that the exclusion of the only study with a serious risk of bias significantly increased the risk of endophthalmitis in the antibiotic prophylaxis group compared with control (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.17, 2.34). There was no difference in the endophthalmitis rate associated with any other factor analyzed, including type of antibiotic, type of drug injected, or antibiotic prophylaxis regimen.

CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotic prophylaxis does not reduce the rate of endophthalmitis following IVI and might potentially be associated with an increased risk of post-operative infection.

Treatment of Geographic Atrophy with Intravitreal Sirolimus: The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 Ancillary Study

Objective/Purpose

To evaluate efficacy and safety of monthly intravitreal injections of sirolimus, an immunosuppressive drug, for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration associated geographic atrophy (GA).

Design

Randomized, controlled, single-masked multi-center phase 2 clinical trial of intravitreal sirolimus vs. sham therapy in AREDS2 clinical centers.

Subjects

Participants with GA.

Methods

Participants eligible in one eye were randomly assigned to a monthly intravitreal injection of sirolimus (20 µL [440 µg]) or sham treatment while participants with two study eyes were assigned to a monthly intravitreal injection in a randomly-selected eye. Best-corrected visual acuities (BVCA), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus color photography and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) images were obtained at baseline and every 6 months until visit month 24.

Main Outcome Measures

Rate of progression of GA (mm²/year) measured on color fundus photograph from baseline to 24 months. Secondary outcome measures include change in BVCA, worsening of vision by ≥3 lines, and changes in area of GA measured on FAF and OCT.

Results

52 participants (mean age 79 years) were enrolled with 27 study eyes assigned to sirolimus from May 2012 to March 2014. The baseline median area of GA was 4.73 DA (12.01 mm²). The mean (standard deviation) growth rates of GA detected on color fundus photographs were 2.27 (2.17) mm² and 1.91 (2.27) mm² at month 12, and 4.94 (2.96) mm² and 5.72 (3.97) mm² at month 24, for the sirolimus and sham groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the GA growth rates between the two treatment groups (P=0.33). Median visual acuity changes and incidence of 15-letter loss from baseline were not different between the 2 treatment groups (p=0.19). The intervention was stopped early because of sterile endophthalmitis that occurred in 3 participants in the sirolimus group. Participants were followed for safety until the study was closed in May 2015 due to lack of efficacy.

Conclusion

Sirolimus did not result in different rates of GA growth in this phase 2 study. Immunosuppression may be important for some stages of the AMD process but may not necessarily be the main pathway for the development of GA.

Intravitreal Injection of Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents for Ocular Vascular Diseases: Clinical Practice Guideline

PURPOSE

To provide the clinical recommendations for the administration of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs especially bavacizumab for ocular vascular diseases including diabetic macular edema, neovascular age-related macular degeneration, myopic choroidal neovascularization, retinal vein occlusion and central serous chorioretinopathy.

METHODS

Twenty clinical questions were developed by the guideline technical committee. Relevant websites and databases were searched to find out the pertinent clinical practice guidelines to answer the questions. The technical committee provided possible answers (scenarios) according to the available evidences for each question. All scenarios along with their levels of evidence and the supported articles were sent to the experts for external review. If the experts did not agree on any of the scenarios for one particular clinical question, the technical committee reviewed all scenarios and their pertinent evidences and made the necessary decision. After that, the experts were asked to score them again. All confirmed scenarios were gathered as the final recommendations.

RESULTS

All the experts agreed on at least one of the scenarios. The technical committee extracted the agreed scenario for each clinical question as the final recommendation. Finally, 56 recommendations were developed for the procedure of intravitreal anti-VEGF injection and their applications in the management of ocular vascular diseases.

CONCLUSION

The implementation of this guideline can standardize the management of the common ocular vascular diseases by intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents. It can lead to better policy-making and evidence-based clinical decision by ophthalmologists and optimal evidence based eye care for patients.

Choosing wisely and the use of antibiotics in ophthalmic surgery: There is more than meets the eye

BACKGROUND:

One of the directions of modern ophthalmology is toward an odontoiatric model, and new settings of eye care are becoming the standard of care: one day surgery and also office-based therapies.

METHODS:

Retrospective analysis of three tertiary-care centers in Italy and analysis of the literature.

RESULTS:

We provide readers with state-of-the-art measures of prophylaxis in ophthalmic surgery.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:

Role of antibiotics is criticized in the light of stewardship antimicrobial paradigm.

POOLED ESTIMATES OF INCIDENCE OF ENDOPHTHALMITIS AFTER INTRAVITREAL INJECTION OF ANTI-VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR AGENTS WITH AND WITHOUT TOPICAL ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS

PURPOSE

To assess the effect of topical antibiotic prophylaxis on postoperative endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed from inception to March 2016 using PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, to identify articles that reported cases of endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents. We used a pooled analysis to estimate the incidence of cases of endophthalmitis who developed after injections performed with and without topical antibiotic prophylaxis. We used regression analysis to explore the effects of study characteristics on heterogeneity.

RESULTS

From our search of electronic databases, we identified and screened 4,561 unique records. We judged 60 articles to have reported findings for cohorts of patients who met our inclusion criteria, (12 arms of randomized clinical trials, 11 prospective cohort studies, and 37 retrospective cohort studies), which included 244 cases of endophthalmitis and 639,391 intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents. The final pooled estimate endophthalmitis proportions were 9/10,000 (95% confidence interval, 7/10,000-12/10,000) in the antibiotic-treated group and 3/10,000 (95% confidence interval, 2/10,000-5/10,000) in the untreated group. The estimated incidence of endophthalmitis with topical antibiotic prophylaxis was approximated three times the incidence without prophylaxis. Random effects regression showed that none of the study characteristics significantly affected the effect size in either group.

CONCLUSION

Topical antibiotic after intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents is associated with a higher risk of endophthalmitis.

RECURRENCE OF CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION LESION ACTIVITY AFTER AFLIBERCEPT TREATMENT FOR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

PURPOSE

To examine the recurrence rate of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) lesion activity in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and associated factors after 1-year aflibercept treatment.

METHODS

Age-related macular degeneration eyes with 1-year aflibercept fixed-regimen treatment and a follow-up period of at least 18 months from the initial aflibercept injection for treatment-naive exudative AMD were retrospectively evaluated. The recurrence rate was examined. Age, gender, visual acuity, AMD subtype, greatest linear dimension, and retinal and choroidal thicknesses at the 12th month examination were compared between eyes with and without recurrence. Presence of remnant polyps and pigment epithelial detachment (PED) morphology were also compared in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) eyes.

RESULTS

Of the 98 eyes studied, 69 displayed a dry macula at the 12th month examination; 43.7% exhibited recurrence during the subsequent 12-month period in Kaplan-Meier analysis. Although no factors associated with recurrence were detected in AMD, remnant polyps and pigment epithelial detachment morphology at the 12th month examination were significantly associated with recurrence in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (P = 0.018 and 0.048, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Continuous, proactive treatment would be considered overtreatment for more than half of the AMD eyes that achieved a dry macula. Angiography and optical coherence tomography analyses may be useful for predicting recurrence in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy eyes.

Incidence of Endophthalmitis after Intravitreal Injections: Risk Factors, Microbiology Profile, and Clinical Outcomes

PURPOSE

To report the incidence and characteristics of endophthalmitis after intravitreal injections (IVI) of antivascular endothelial growth factor agents and triamcinolone acetonide.

METHODS

Patients' medical records were retrospectively reviewed from January 2009 to June 2016, and the incidence, risk factors, clinical and microbiological characteristics of post-IVI endophthalmitis were evaluated.

RESULTS

The total number of intravitreal injections given, which included ranibizumab, bevacizumab, and triamcinolone acetonide, was 20,566, of which 27 cases developed endophthalmitis, giving an overall incidence of 0.131%. Significant reduction (p < 0.003) in incidence of endophthalmitis was observed in patients who received prefilled compounded bevacizumab injections (0.050%) compared to multiple bevacizumab injections from a single vial (0.235%). In the triamcinolone acetonide group, the incidence was 0.26%. Staphylococcus species were isolated from 18 cases (67%), and all strains were sensitive to vancomycin.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to strict aseptic protocols and use of prefilled compounded bevacizumab injections reduces the rate of post-IVI endophthalmitis.

2018 Update on Intravitreal Injections: Euretina Expert Consensus Recommendations

Intravitreal injections (IVI) have become the most common intraocular procedure worldwide with increasing numbers every year. The article presents the most up-to-date review on IVI epidemiology and techniques. Unfortunately, important issues related to pre-, peri- and postinjection management lack randomized clinical trials for a final conclusion. Also, a great diversity of approaches exists worldwide. Therefore, expert consensus recommendations on IVI techniques are provided.