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Gawęcki M, Kiciński K, Bianco L, Battaglia Parodi M. Regression of Neovascularization after Panretinal Photocoagulation Combined with Anti-VEGF Injection for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy-A Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 14:31. [PMID: 38201340 PMCID: PMC10802854 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) poses a significant therapeutic problem that often results in severe visual loss. Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) has long been a mainstay treatment for this condition. Conversely, intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy has served as an alternative treatment for PDR. This review aimed to evaluate the effects of PRP combined with anti-VEGF therapy on the regression of neovascularization (NV), including functional outcomes and incidence of complications. The MEDLINE database was searched for articles evaluating regression of NV using a combination of the following terms: "proliferative diabetic retinopathy", "anti-VEGF", "panretinal photocoagulation", and "combined treatment". The search yielded a total of 22 articles. The analysis of their results indicated PRP combined with ant-VEGF therapy as superior over PRP alone in the management of PDR. Combination treatment yields better and faster regression of NV and a lower incidence of serious complications, such as vitreous hemorrhage and the need for pars plana vitrectomy. Nevertheless, complete regression of NV is not achieved in a significant proportion of patients. Further research is needed to establish the most effective schedule for intravitreal injections as an adjunct to PRP. The current literature shows that in some cases, cessation of anti-VEGF injection in combination treatment for PDR can lead to relapse of NV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Gawęcki
- Dobry Wzrok Ophthalmological Clinic, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Hospitals, 84-200 Wejherowo, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kiciński
- Department of Ophthalmology, Specialist Hospital, 89-600 Chojnice, Poland
| | - Lorenzo Bianco
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
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Akman SH, Pfeil JM, Stahl A, Ehlers S, Böhne C, Bohnhorst B, Framme C, Brockmann D, Bajor A, Jacobsen C, Hufendiek K, Pielen A. [Epidemiology and treatment of retinopathy of prematurity. The Hannover data in the Retina.net ROP registry from 2001-2017]. Ophthalmologe 2022; 119:497-505. [PMID: 34811591 PMCID: PMC9076709 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-021-01528-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Retina.net ROP registry documents data of preterm infants developing stages of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) that need ROP treatment. The aim of this analysis was to investigate data regarding epidemiology, therapy and changes over time (15 years) in a single participating center (Hannover Medical School, MHH). METHODS Analysis of data of infants treated for ROP at a single center over time (birth 2001-2016, ROP treatment in 2002-2017). RESULTS Overall, 65 infants were treated (23 female). In 11 infants (16.9%) ROP screening was conducted externally and infants were transferred to the MHH for ROP treatment. Between 2006 and 2016, incidence of ROP requiring treatment among infants screened for the development of ROP was 4.1%. Mean gestational age was 25.7 weeks (standard deviation, SD 1.8), mean birth weight 763 g (SD 235), postmenstrual age at treatment 38.2 weeks (SD 3.2), postnatal age 12.4 weeks (SD 3.2). There was no significant change in parameters over time. ROP zone II, stage 3+ was most frequently treated (57 eyes of 31 infants). 58 infants were treated with laser (114 eyes), 7 infants were treated with anti-VEGF (bevacizumab, bilateral, 14 eyes) from 2014 onwards. Retreatment due to recurrence of ROP was necessary in one infant after initial laser coagulation. Infants with ROP requiring treatment often presented with neonatal comorbidities, ventilation in more than 90%, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and received transfusions. CONCLUSION This is the first monocentric analysis over 15 years originating from the Retina.net ROP registry. In this cohort we see a change in ROP therapy from laser coagulation to anti-VEGF (bevacizumab) from 2014 onwards, demographic data and treatment parameters remained relatively stable over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella H Akman
- Universitätsklinik für Augenheilkunde, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Johanna M Pfeil
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand Sauerbruch Str., 17475, Greifswald, Deutschland
| | - Andreas Stahl
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand Sauerbruch Str., 17475, Greifswald, Deutschland
| | - Stephanie Ehlers
- Klinik für Pädiatrische Pneumologie, Allergologie und Neonatologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Carolin Böhne
- Klinik für Pädiatrische Pneumologie, Allergologie und Neonatologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Bettina Bohnhorst
- Klinik für Pädiatrische Pneumologie, Allergologie und Neonatologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Carsten Framme
- Universitätsklinik für Augenheilkunde, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Dorothee Brockmann
- Universitätsklinik für Augenheilkunde, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Anna Bajor
- Universitätsklinik für Augenheilkunde, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Christina Jacobsen
- Universitätsklinik für Augenheilkunde, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Karsten Hufendiek
- Universitätsklinik für Augenheilkunde, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Amelie Pielen
- Universitätsklinik für Augenheilkunde, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland.
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Updates on the Current Treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy and Possibility of Future Oral Therapy. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10204666. [PMID: 34682788 PMCID: PMC8537579 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10204666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a complication of diabetes and one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide. Despite extensive efforts to reduce visual impairment, the prevalence of DR is still increasing. The initial pathophysiology of DR includes damage to vascular endothelial cells and loss of pericytes. Ensuing hypoxic responses trigger the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other pro-angiogenic factors. At present, the most effective treatment for DR and diabetic macular edema (DME) is the control of blood glucose levels. More advanced cases require laser, anti-VEGF therapy, steroid, and vitrectomy. Pan-retinal photocoagulation for non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is well established and has demonstrated promising outcomes for preventing the progressive stage of DR. Furthermore, the efficacy of laser therapies such as grid and subthreshold diode laser micropulse photocoagulation (SDM) for DME has been reported. Vitrectomy has been performed for vitreous hemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment for patients with PDR. In addition, anti-VEGF treatment has been widely used for DME, and recently its potential to prevent the progression of PDR has been remarked. Even with these treatments, many patients with DR lose their vision and suffer from potential side effects. Thus, we need alternative treatments to address these limitations. In recent years, the relationship between DR, lipid metabolism, and inflammation has been featured. Research in diabetic animal models points to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) activation in cellular metabolism and inflammation by oral fenofibrate and/or pemafibrate as a promising target for DR. In this paper, we review the status of existing therapies, summarize PPARα activation therapies for DR, and discuss their potentials as promising DR treatments.
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Chatziralli I, Loewenstein A. Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents for the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy: A Review of the Literature. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13081137. [PMID: 34452097 PMCID: PMC8399287 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13081137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in the working-age population. The purpose of this review is to gather the existing literature regarding the use of the approved anti-vascular endothelial growth (anti-VEGF) agents in the treatment of DR. Methods: A comprehensive literature review in PubMed engine search was performed for articles written in English language up to 1 July 2021, using the keywords “diabetic retinopathy”, “ranibizumab”, “aflibercept”, and “anti-VEGF”. Emphasis was given on pivotal trials and recent robust studies. Results: Intravitreal anti-VEGF agents have been found to significantly improve visual acuity and reduce retinal thickness in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) in a long-term follow-up ranging from 1 to 5 years and are considered the standard-of-care in such patients. Regarding DR, intravitreal anti-VEGF agents provided ≥2-step improvement in DR severity on color fundus photography in about 30–35% of patients with NPDR at baseline, in the majority of clinical trials originally designed to evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal anti-VEGF agents in patients with DME. Protocol S and CLARITY study have firstly reported that intravitreal anti-VEGF agents are non-inferior to panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) in patients with proliferative DR (PDR). However, the use of new imaging modalities, such as optical coherence tomography-angiography and wide-field fluorescein angiography, reveals conflicting results about the impact of anti-VEGF agents on the regression of retinal non-perfusion in patients with DR. Furthermore, one should consider the high “loss to follow-up” rate and its devastating consequences especially in patients with PDR, when deciding to treat the latter with intravitreal anti-VEGF agents alone compared to PRP. In patients with PDR, combination of treatment of intravitreal anti-VEGF agents and PRP has been also supported. Moreover, in the specific case of vitreous hemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment as complications of PDR, intravitreal anti-VEGF agents have been found to be beneficial as an adjunct to pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), most commonly given 3–7 days before PPV, offering reduction in the recurrence of vitreous hemorrhage. Conclusions: There is no general consensus regarding the use of intravitreal anti-VEGF agents in patients with DR. Although anti-VEGF agents are the gold standard in the treatment of DME and seem to improve DR severity, challenges in their use exist and should be taken into account in the decision of treatment, based on an individualized approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irini Chatziralli
- 2nd Department of Ophthalmology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | - Anat Loewenstein
- Division of Ophthalmology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv-Yafo 6423906, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo 6997801, Israel
- Correspondence:
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