Long-Term Outcome and Recurrence of Idiopathic Choroidal Neovascularization Treated with Intravitreal Bevacizumab

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF AFLIBERCEPT FOR THE TREATMENT OF IDIOPATHIC CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION IN YOUNG PATIENTS: The INTUITION Study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the mean change in visual acuity at 52 weeks in patients with idiopathic choroidal neovascularization treated with aflibercept.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective noncomparative open-label Phase-II trial. The dosage regimen evaluated in this study was structured into two periods: (1) from inclusion to 20 weeks: a treat-and-extend period composed of three mandatory intravitreal injections, and complementary intravitreal injections performed if needed; (2) from 21 weeks to 52 weeks: a pro re nata period composed of intravitreal injections performed only if needed.

RESULTS

A total of 19 patients were included, and 16 completed the 52-week study. At baseline, the mean best corrected visual acuity was 66.56 (±20.72) letters (≈20/50 Snellen equivalent), and the mean central retinal thickness was 376.74 µm (±93.77). At 52 weeks, the mean change in the best-corrected visual acuity was +19.50 (±19.36) letters [95% confidence interval = +9.18 to +29.82]. None of the patients included lost ≥15 letters at 24 weeks or 52 weeks. The mean change in central retinal thickness was -96.78 µm (±104.29) at 24 weeks and -86.22 µm (±112.27) at 52 weeks. The mean number of intravitreal injections was 5.4 (±3.0) at 52-weeks. No ocular serious adverse events related to the treatment were reported.

CONCLUSION

The present analysis shows clinically significant functional and anatomical treatment effect of aflibercept in case of idiopathic choroidal neovascularization. The treat-and-extend regimen proposed after the first injection seems adequate to treat most neovessels.

Evaluation of efficacy and recurrence for anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in idiopathic choroidal neovascularization

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the visual and morphological outcomes of intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy and the recurrence for idiopathic choroidal neovascularization (ICNV).

Methods

This retrospective study included 35 patients (35 eyes) with ICNV from July 2012 to October 2017. All patients received 1 intravitreal anti-VEGF injection followed by pro re nata injections until there was no sign of ICNV activity. This was defined as the first follow-up period. To evaluate ICNV recurrence, we continued to follow-up 27 of the 35 patients for at least 2 years after the initial diagnosis, and the longest follow-up period was 5 years. Additional injection was performed when ICNV recurred. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were recorded and morphological improvement in optical coherence tomography (OCT) was assessed. Parameters that affect prognosis and recurrence were analysed.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 168.0 ± 34.82 weeks. Mean BCVA improved from 56.20 ± 14.13 letters at baseline to 73.31 ± 12.57 letters (P<0.01); Mean CRT decreased from 353.6 ± 98.70 μm at baseline to 273.1 ± 53.56 μm (P < 0.001) at the end of the first follow-up period. Better baseline BCVA indicated a better morphological improvement (P = 0.026) in OCT: the lesion had completely subsided with recovery of the foveal contour. Those with high baseline BCVA (more than 60 letters) showed significant resolution of CNV lesions (P = 0.036). ICNV recurred in six patients (22.2%), 1 of whom experienced 2 recurrences. The mean timing of recurrence was 90.83 ± 49.02 weeks after diagnosis. There was no significant correlation between ICNV recurrence and the morphological improvement (P = 0.633). The final BCVA in patients with recurrence did not differ from that in patients without recurrence (P = 0.065).

Conclusions

Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy on a pro re nata basis was effective for treating ICNV. High baseline BCVA indicated a better prognosis. Re-treatment with anti-VEGF could effectively lead to resolution of recurrent ICNV. Disease recurrence had no significant effect on final visual prognosis and had no correlation with the morphological improvement during treatment, suggesting that follow-up for subsequent monitoring should be performed in all ICNV patients.

The Role of Steroids and NSAIDs in Prevention and Treatment of Postsurgical Cystoid Macular Edema

BACKGROUND

Pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (PCME) remains one of the most common visionthreatening complication of phacoemulsification cataract surgery (PCS). Pharmacological therapy is the current mainstay of both prophylaxis, and treatment of PCME in patients undergoing PCS. We aimed to review pharmacological treatment options for PCME, which primarily include topical steroids, topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), periocular and intravitreal steroids, as well as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

METHODS

The PubMed and Web Of Science web platforms were used to find relevant studies using the following keywords: cataract surgery, phacoemulsification, cystoid macular edema, and pseudophakic cystoid macular edema. Of articles retrieved by this method, all publications in English and abstracts of non-English publications were reviewed. Other studies were also considered as a potential source of information when referenced in relevant articles. The search revealed 193 publications. Finally 82 articles dated from 1974 to 2018 were assessed as significant and analyzed.

RESULTS

Based on the current literature, we found that corticosteroids remain the mainstay of PCME prophylaxis in uncomplicated cataract surgery, while it is still unclear if NSAID can offer additional benefits. In patients at risk for PCME development, periocular subconjunctival injection of triamcinolone acetonide may prevent PCME development. For PCME treatment the authors recommend a stepwise therapy: initial topical steroids and adjuvant NSAIDs, followed by additional posterior sub-Tenon or retrobulbar corticosteroids in moderate PCME, and intravitreal corticosteroids in recalcitrant PCME. Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents may be considered in patients unresponsive to steroid therapy at risk of elevated intraocular pressure, and with comorbid macular disease.

CONCLUSION

Therapy with topical corticosteroids and NSAIDs is the mainstay of PCME prophylaxis and treatment, however, periocular and intravitreal steroids should be considered in refractory cases.