Topical versus subconjunctival anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy (Bevacizumab, Ranibizumab and Aflibercept) for treatment of corneal neovascularization

In order to evaluate the effect of topical and subconjunctival anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy, Ranibizumab, Bevacizumab and Aflibercept as a therapy for corneal neovascularization (NV) treatment, the aim of this study was to review all data related to some of anti-VEGF as a promising therapies for corneal NV treatment. Corneal NV is a dangerous condition leading to a marked reduction in vision due to angiogenesis of abnormal vessels that block light. During the recent years, we have recognized new drug proliferation for corneal NV treatment. Recently, anti-VEGF therapies are one of the most important drugs used for corneal NV treatment. Several growth factors are involved in angiogenesis. The most important growth factor in corneal angiogenesis is VEGF. VEGF can be considered as key mediators in corneal angiogenesis. It is upregulated during corneal NV. In fact, anti-VEGF therapies have shown efficacy in attenuation of corneal NV in both animal models and clinical trials. A promising therapeutic success has been achieved using antibodies directed against VEGF. Bevacizumab has demonstrated efficacy and efficiency in the treatment of different neo-vascular ocular diseases and it has partially reduced corneal NV through different routes of administrations: topical, subconjunctival, and intraocular application. A similar efficacy to bevacizumab profiles in the treatment of neo-vascular age-related macular degeneration was induced by ranibizumab. Moreover, at worse levels of initial visual acuity of diabetic macular edema, aflibercept was more effective at improving vision. Anti-VEGF agents (Bevacizumab, Ranibizumab and Aflibercept) seem to have a higher efficiency and efficacy for corneal NV treatment. Both subconjunctival therapy and topical therapy of bevacizumab prohibit corneal NV, while early treatment with subconjunctival administration of ranibizumab may successfully reduce corneal NV. Therefore, establishment of safe doses is highly important before these drugs can be involved in the clinical setting. Further investigations and studies are highly warranted to adjust the dose and route of administration for the antibodies directed against VEGF to be the key therapeutic agents in the corneal NV treatment.

Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) Efficacy in Glomerulonephritis (GN), a Retrospective Analysis

Mycophenolate Mofetil MMF has been widely used in post-transplant immunosuppression. Its role is emerging in GN. MMF demonstrated promising results compared with cyclosphosphamide in stage IV lupus nephritis, in a recently published trial. It has been found to have a wide safety profile, with mostly gastroinetestinal side effects, which can be avoided through titration. Its action is through inhibition of the enzyme IMDPH (ionosine monophosphate dehydrogenase), leading to purine antagonism and inhibition of lymphocytes. We were aiming to demonstrate the efficacy of MMF in our GN population. In this study, we reviewed 17 patients who received MMF (dose - 1 gm po bid) for the past year. They were only included if it was given for the management of resistant primary glomerulonephritis. Complete remission has been defined as proteinuria of less than 0.5 g/day and partial remission as a reduction of proteinuria 50% of starting MMF therapy; all 17 MMF therapy patients uniformly achieved good BP ((29%) achieved complete remission and this group consisted of 1 membranous GN, 2 lupus GN (type IV and membranous), one FSGS and one with MPGN. Four of 17 (23%) were non-responders to therapy. This group articles.aspx? id=41 to side effects. We conclude that the MMF appears to be an effective alternate treatment modality in resistant membranous GN, lupus nephritis (type IV and V) and possibly MPGN, and to a lesser extent in resistant FSGS. Further prospective data may demonstrate the efficacy of MMF in GN.

Cryopreserved recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for the restoration of occluded central venous access devices in pediatric oncology patients

BACKGROUND

Thrombolytic therapy with urokinase 5000 units has been the standard therapy for the restoration of thrombosed central catheters. However, with the decreased availability of urokinase, alternatives needed to be sought. The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy, bioactivity, dwell time and cost of cryopreserved recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA) in the restoration of occluded central venous access devices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For children < 10 kg, a dose of 0.5 mg, and for children >10 kg, a dose of 1mg was used. The dwell time was 1-2 hours.

RESULTS

Of the 40 courses of rTPA, 39 fully restored central venous line patency (97%). Successful courses were instilled for an average of 1 hour.

CONCLUSION

Cryopreserved rTPA appears to be safe and effective in the dose used to restore the patency of occluded central venous access devices in pediatric oncology patients.