Diverse retinal-kidney phenotypes associated with NPHP1 homozygous whole-gene deletions in patients with kidney failure

A precise diagnosis in medicine allows appropriate disease-specific management. Kidney failure of unknown aetiology remains a frequent diagnostic label within the haemodialysis unit and kidney transplant clinic, accounting for 15-20% of these patients. Approximately 10% of such cases may have an underlying monogenic cause of kidney failure. Modern genetic approaches can provide a precise diagnosis for patients and their families. A search for extra-renal disease manifestations is also important as this may point to a specific genetic diagnosis. Here, we present two patients where molecular genetic testing was performed because of kidney failure of unknown aetiology and associated retinal phenotypes. The first patient reached kidney failure at 16 years of age but only presented with a retinal phenotype at 59 years of age and was found to have evidence of rod-cone dystrophy. The second patient presented with childhood kidney failure at the age of 15 years and developed visual difficulties and photophobia at the age of 32 years and was diagnosed with cone dystrophy. In both cases, genetic tests were performed which revealed a homozygous whole-gene deletion of NPHP1-encoding nephrocystin-1, providing the unifying diagnosis of Senior-Løken syndrome type 1. We conclude that reviewing kidney and extra-renal phenotypes together with targeted genetic testing was informative in these cases of kidney failure of unknown aetiology and associated retinal phenotypes. The involvement of an interdisciplinary team is advisable when managing such patients and allows referral to other relevant specialities. The long time lag and lack of diagnostic clarity and clinical evaluation in our cases should encourage genetic investigations for every young patient with unexplained kidney failure. For these and similar patients, a more timely genetic diagnosis would allow for improved management, a risk assessment of kidney disease in relatives, and the earlier identification of extra-renal disease manifestations.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s44162-024-00031-4.

Long term follow up of patients with MNV3 treated with intra-vitreal Aflibercept

PURPOSE

MNV3 or Retinal angiomatous proliferation is a subtype of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). We present the 5 year long term visual and anatomical outcomes of patients with MNV3 lesions treated with intravitreal Aflibercept.

METHODS

This is a prospective study of treatment naïve patients with reading centre graded MNV3 lesions. After the loading phase, the patients received intravitreal Aflibercept as per the View study up to year 3, thereafter it was given on a prn basis. At each visit, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) central macular thickness (CMT) was measured.

RESULTS

Thirty one patients reached study completion. Mean BCVA of treated eyes had decreased by 0.6 ETDRS letters at the end of year 5 compared with baseline. At study completion, 81% of eyes had stable vision while 19% of eyes had gained 15 letters or more. At study end, 26% of eyes had BCVA of 6/12 or better, while 19% had lost 15 letters or more (all had central foveal photoreceptor loss). There was a maximal mean reduction in CMT of 164 microns (p = <0.0001) while 68% of maculae were fluid free at study completion. Eighty seven percent of treated eyes developed nascent GA, of which in 74% of eyes was involving the fovea.

DISCUSSION

Despite initial improvement in mean BCVA, the improvement in BCVA was not maintained despite good overall control of the MNV3 lesions. The loss of BCVA was most likely due to the majority of eyes developing centre involving macular atrophy.

Treatment Strategy With Gene Editing for Late-Onset Retinal Degeneration Caused by a Founder Variant in C1QTNF5

Purpose

Genome editing is an emerging group of technologies with the potential to ameliorate dominant, monogenic human diseases such as late-onset retinal degeneration (L-ORD). The goal of this study was to identify disease stages and retinal locations optimal for evaluating the efficacy of a future genome editing trial.

Methods

Twenty five L-ORD patients (age range, 33-77 years; median age, 59 years) harboring the founder variant S163R in C1QTNF5 were enrolled from three centers in the United Kingdom and United States. Patients were examined with widefield optical coherence tomography (OCT) and chromatic perimetry under dark-adapted and light-adapted conditions to derive phenomaps of retinal disease. Results were analyzed with a model of a shared natural history of a single delayed exponential across all subjects and all retinal locations.

Results

Critical age for the initiation of photoreceptor loss ranged from 48 years at the temporal paramacular retina to 74 years at the inferior midperipheral retina. Subretinal deposits (sRET-Ds) became more prevalent as critical age was approached. Subretinal pigment epithelial deposits (sRPE-Ds) were detectable in the youngest patients showing no other structural or functional abnormalities at the retina. The sRPE-D thickness continuously increased, reaching 25 µm in the extrafoveal retina and 19 µm in the fovea at critical age. Loss of light sensitivity preceded shortening of outer segments and loss of photoreceptors by more than a decade.

Conclusions

Retinal regions providing an ideal treatment window exist across all severity stages of L-ORD.

MICROPERIMETRY IN FOVEAL-SPARING ATROPHIC LATE-ONSET RETINAL DEGENERATION

PURPOSE

To understand the baseline and longitudinal microperimetry characteristics in foveal-sparing atrophic late-onset retinal degeneration.

METHOD

Prospective, cross-sectional, longitudinal study in which patients from the retina clinics of two academic teaching hospitals were included. Mesopic microperimetry was performed using a Nidek MP-1 micro-perimeter. Mean total, foveal, inner ring, and outer ring sensitivities were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 20 eyes from 10 patients had baseline data. The subset of 10 eyes from five patients had follow-up data. The mean baseline macular sensitivity was 10.02 dB (± 5.26) with findings showing symmetry between both eyes. In the follow-up cohort, there was a significant loss of outer ring (0.83 dB per year; P = 0.0001), inner ring (0.67 dB per year; P = 0.034), and foveal sensitivity (0.92 dB loss per year; P = 0.015), whereas the mean sensitivity decreased significantly (0.66 dB per year; P = 0.0008) at 4-year follow-up. The drop in mean sensitivity was associated with significant increases in the number of deep scotoma points (6.20, P = 0.037) and a decrease in the number of normal points (-6.30, P = 0.022).

CONCLUSION

Microperimetry is a useful tool for macular function follow-up to measure disease progression in late-onset retinal degeneration.

Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome and Choroidal Neovascularization following SARS-COV-2 Infection in a Patient on Dabrafenib and Trametinib

PURPOSE

to describe multimodal imaging and electrophysiology of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) concomitant with COVID-19 infection in a patient on BRAF (B Rapidly Accelerated Fibrosarcoma) and MEK (Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase) inhibitors.

METHODS

observational case report and literature review.

RESULTS

a 37-year-old woman affected by cutaneous melanoma on BRAF and MEK inhibitors developed visual symptoms in the right eye simultaneously with a SARS-COV-2 infection. The right eye visual acuity was hand movement, and clinical examination disclosed vitreous cells, yellow-white retinal spots, and macular yellowish material. Fundus autofluorescence and angiograms were consistent with MEWDS. Angiograms, optical coherence tomography, and optical coherence tomography angiography revealed a macular choroidal neovascular membrane. The infectious and inflammatory work-up was negative. Electrodiagnostic tests revealed cone dysfunction. MEWDS resolved and anti-VEGF treatment allowed partial vision recovery.

CONCLUSION

the case illustrates the association of MEWDS and choroidal neovascularization developing after COVID-19 infection in the setting of immunotherapy.

100,000 Genomes Pilot on Rare-Disease Diagnosis in Health Care - Preliminary Report

BACKGROUND

The U.K. 100,000 Genomes Project is in the process of investigating the role of genome sequencing in patients with undiagnosed rare diseases after usual care and the alignment of this research with health care implementation in the U.K. National Health Service. Other parts of this project focus on patients with cancer and infection.

METHODS

We conducted a pilot study involving 4660 participants from 2183 families, among whom 161 disorders covering a broad spectrum of rare diseases were present. We collected data on clinical features with the use of Human Phenotype Ontology terms, undertook genome sequencing, applied automated variant prioritization on the basis of applied virtual gene panels and phenotypes, and identified novel pathogenic variants through research analysis.

RESULTS

Diagnostic yields varied among family structures and were highest in family trios (both parents and a proband) and families with larger pedigrees. Diagnostic yields were much higher for disorders likely to have a monogenic cause (35%) than for disorders likely to have a complex cause (11%). Diagnostic yields for intellectual disability, hearing disorders, and vision disorders ranged from 40 to 55%. We made genetic diagnoses in 25% of the probands. A total of 14% of the diagnoses were made by means of the combination of research and automated approaches, which was critical for cases in which we found etiologic noncoding, structural, and mitochondrial genome variants and coding variants poorly covered by exome sequencing. Cohortwide burden testing across 57,000 genomes enabled the discovery of three new disease genes and 19 new associations. Of the genetic diagnoses that we made, 25% had immediate ramifications for clinical decision making for the patients or their relatives.

CONCLUSIONS

Our pilot study of genome sequencing in a national health care system showed an increase in diagnostic yield across a range of rare diseases. (Funded by the National Institute for Health Research and others.).

Reticular Pseudodrusen in Late-Onset Retinal Degeneration

PURPOSE

To characterize the association of reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) with late-onset retinal degeneration (L-ORD) using multimodal imaging.

DESIGN

Prospective, 2-center, longitudinal case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-nine patients with L-ORD.

METHODS

All patients were evaluated within a 3-year interval with near-infrared reflectance, fundus autofluorescence, and spectral-domain OCT. In addition, a subset of patients also underwent indocyanine green angiography, fundus fluorescein angiography, mesopic microperimetry, and multifocal electroretinography.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence, topographic distribution, and temporal phenotypic changes of RPD in L-ORD.

RESULTS

A total of 29 patients with molecularly confirmed L-ORD were included in this prospective study. Reticular pseudodrusen was detected in 18 patients (62%) at baseline, 10 of whom were men. The prevalence of RPD varied with age. The mean age of RPD patients was 57.3 ± 7.2 years. Reticular pseudodrusen was not seen in patients younger than the fifth decade of life (n = 3 patients) or in the eighth decade of life (n = 5 patients). Reticular pseudodrusen were found commonly in the macula with relative sparing of the fovea and also were identified in the peripheral retina. The morphologic features of RPD changed with follow-up. Two patients (3 eyes) demonstrated RPD regression.

CONCLUSIONS

Reticular pseudodrusen is found frequently in patients with L-ORD and at a younger age than in individuals with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Reticular pseudodrusen exhibits quick formation and collapse, change in type and morphologic features with time, and relative foveal sparing and also has a peripheral retinal location in L-ORD.

CHARACTERIZING THE NATURAL HISTORY OF FOVEAL-SPARING ATROPHIC LATE-ONSET RETINAL DEGENERATION

PURPOSE

To identify quantifiable markers of disease progression in patients with foveal-sparing atrophic late-onset retinal degeneration using fundus autofluorescence and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging.

METHODS

Natural history study evaluating patients within a 3-year interval. Disease progression was assessed based on the area of retinal atrophy, macular topographic distribution of lesions, retinal and choroidal thickness and volume, and choroidal vascularity index.

RESULTS

Twenty-four eyes (12 individuals) were included for fundus autofluorescence, and 31 eyes (16 individuals) for spectral-domain optical coherence tomography studies. Measurements were symmetrical between eyes of the same patient. The area of atrophy significantly enlarged (P = 0.002), with a growth rate of 2.67 mm2/year (SD: 2.13; square rooted: 0.57 mm/year, SD = 0.34). Baseline area of atrophy and progression both correlated with age. Most atrophic lesions were found in the temporal macula and progressed nasally at follow-up. Central choroidal and retinal thicknesses and volume in late-onset retinal degeneration cases were significantly reduced compared with controls, but only central retinal thickness decreased significantly at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This study identifies the area of atrophy and central retinal thickness, but not chorioretinal volume or choroidal thickness, as markers of short-term progression in late-onset retinal degeneration. These findings may be useful for disease monitoring and late-onset retinal degeneration interventional studies.

Cataract surgery in patients with late-onset retinal degeneration

PURPOSE

To review the outcomes in a series of patients with long anterior lens zonular fibers associated with late-onset retinal degeneration who had phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

SETTING

Newcastle Eye Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

Inclusion criteria were patients with genetically confirmed late-onset retinal degeneration requiring cataract surgery. Perioperative data relating to surgery were collected. In addition, the corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and retinal imaging data were recorded. Selected lens capsules were examined using immunohistochemistry or scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS

Eleven eyes of 7 patients were included. The long anterior lens zonular fibers made capsulorhexis challenging; however, it was completed safely in all cases. There were no intraoperative or postoperative issues with lens stability. The CDVA improved postoperatively in those cases with intact foveal photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium. Over the longer term, the CDVA slowly declined because of progressive atrophy of the macula. Most patients noticed a subjective improvement in vision, even those with advanced disease at baseline. Immunohistochemistry showed that the C1QTNF5 protein was expressed within the lens capsule epithelial cells, although SEM of the long anterior lens zonular fibers showed them to be smaller in diameter than normal anterior lens zonular fibers and to be composed of a helix of fibers.

CONCLUSIONS

In this small series of patients with late-onset retinal degeneration, cataract surgery was successfully performed without long-term complications involving intraocular lens stability. The objective improvement in CDVA seemed to be limited to patients with good foveal photoreceptor architecture.

Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy Associated with Acute Influenza Virus Infection

Purpose: To describe a prospective case series of patients with acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) associated with acute influenza virus infectionMethods: Patients who presented with acute macular neuroretinopathy associated with confirmed influenza virus infection were subject to a detailed clinical history, HLA typing and longitudinal ophthalmological and imaging examinations.Results: Four female patients aged 18 to 32 years were studied. They reported the onset of ocular symptoms between 2 and 5 days after the development of flu like symptoms. Three patients had confirmed acute influenza B infection, while the fourth had influenza A. OCT angiography only demonstrated abnormal choriocapillaris perfusion in 1 patient and early oral Oseltamivir treatment appeared not to affect the ophthalmic outcome in one patient.Conclusion: This is the first report of AMN associated with virologically confirmed acute influenza virus infection. Variation in HLA alleles do not appear to predispose patients to influenza associated AMN.

A case of ocular cystinosis associated with two potentially severe CTNS mutations

BACKGROUND

Ocular cystinosis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by one severe and one mild mutation in the CTNS gene. It is characterised by cystine deposition within the cornea and conjunctiva however, the kidneys are not affected. We report a case of ocular cystinosis caused by two potentially severe CTNS mutations and discuss the possible mechanism of renal sparing.

METHODS

This is an observational case report of the proband and her unaffected relatives. All subjects underwent ophthalmic examination, whilst in the proband, In vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy was used to demonstrate cystine crystals within her corneas and conjunctiva. Genetic diagnosis was confirmed by DNA sequencing of the proband and the segregation of the mutations was established in her relatives. RT-PCR of leukocyte RNA was undertaken to determine if aberrant splicing of the CTNS gene was taking place Results: The proband was found to have cystine crystals limited to the anterior corneal stroma and the conjunctiva. Sequencing of the proband's CTNS gene found her to be a compound heterozygote for a 27bp deletion in exon8/intron 8 (c.559_561 + 24del) and a novel c.635C>T variant in exon 9 that is predicted be pathogenic and to result in the substitution of alanine with valine at amino acid position 212 (p.Ala212Val), which is within the 3^rd transmembrane spanning domain of the CTNS protein. Examination of the proband's leukocyte RNA failed to demonstrate any aberrant CTNS gene splicing.

CONCLUSION

We present a case of ocular cystinosis caused by two potentially severe CTNS gene mutations. The lack of renal involvement may be due to localised (ocular) aberrant CTNS RNA splicing.

Natural history and effect of therapeutic interventions on subretinal fluid causing foveal detachment in macular telangiectasia type 2

AIM

To report the natural history of subretinal fluid (SRF) causing foveal detachment in macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel) and our experience of therapeutic intervention with intravitreal steroids or antivascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor (anti-VEGF) agents in some cases.

METHODS

Retrospective case series. Three of the MacTel study's largest registries were searched to identify eyes with foveal detachment.

RESULTS

We identified 7 eyes from 6 exclusively female patients. The prevalence of foveal detachment was low, present in 1.4% of the assessed MacTel population. Age at presentation ranged from 50 to 66 years. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 8 years. There was late-phase leakage on fluorescein angiography from what was presumed to be ectatic capillaries. The SRF fluctuated without a rapid decline in visual acuity in cases that were not treated. When they were, intravitreal anti-VEGF and steroid therapy in general reduced SRF, at least temporarily, but did not halt the gradual long-term decrease in visual acuity. In one case, optical coherence tomography angiography showed significant reduction in the extent of the predominantly deep intraretinal vascular complex 1 month after anti-VEGF therapy.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

As the natural history of this unusual MacTel phenotype is not characterised by rapid visual decline, intervention with intravitreal anti-VEGF or steroid therapy may not be necessary.

Improvement of retinal function in L-ORD after prolonged dark adaptation

OBJECTIVE

To describe the changes in dark-adapted (DA) retinal electrophysiological function after prolonged dark adaptation in a cohort of patients with late-onset retinal degeneration (L-ORD).

DESIGN

Prospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Nine patients with either stage 2 or 3 L-ORD.

METHODS

International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision standard DA electroretinograms (ERGs) were performed before and after a period of extended dark adaptation (16 hours) in a cohort of patients heterozygous for the Ser163Arg mutation in C1QTNF5.

RESULTS

Rod function was abnormal in 8 of 9 patients after standard (20 min) of dark adaptation. After extended dark adaptation, rod function normalized in 4 patients and there was a mean improvement in the DA 0.01 rod-specific ERG b-wave amplitude of 310% (p = 0.004). A significant improvement in DA 3.0 a-wave ERG amplitude localized the improvement in rod function at the level of the photoreceptor.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that a significant proportion of rod dysfunction in L-ORD can be reversed by extended dark adaptation and suggests that an abnormality of the visual cycle contributes to the pathogenesis of the disease. These findings would suggest that some retinal function could be restored, even in advanced cases of the disease if a suitable treatment is found.

A wide spectrum of phenotypes in a family with renal coloboma syndrome caused by a PAX2 mutation

Renal coloboma syndrome (RCS) is a rare inherited condition exhibiting a variable clinical phenotype of renal and ocular abnormalities. In 50% of cases, mutations can be found in the transcription factor PAX2. We present three generations of a family with a PAX2 mutation who showed variable eye and renal phenotypes. Renal phenotypes ranged from normal kidneys with the absence of proteinuria to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) at 17 years of age. Eye phenotypes included the typical morning glory anomaly, macular retinal pigment epithelial changes and retinal venous tortuosity. We identified a PAX2 mutation c.228_251dup [p.Ser77_Gly84dup] which segregated with the phenotype in an autosomal dominant fashion. A molecular genetic diagnosis allowed identification and management of at-risk family members. Given the phenotypic variability, clinicians need to consider the possibility of RCS in patients with a family history of chronic kidney disease (CKD) or eye disease.

Ranibizumab for the treatment of choroidal neovascularisation secondary to pathological myopia: interim analysis of the REPAIR study

AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab in patients with choroidal neovascularisation secondary to pathological myopia (myopic CNV). Data are from a pre-planned, 6-month interim analysis.

METHODS

Phase II, open-label, single arm, multicentre, 12-month study, recruiting patients (aged ≥18 years) with active primary or recurrent subfoveal or juxtafoveal myopic CNV, with a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) score of 24-78 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters in the study eye and a diagnosis of high myopia of at least -6 dioptres. Patients received 0.5 mg ranibizumab administered intravitreally to the study eye, followed by monthly injections given as needed (based on a predefined algorithm) for up to 11 months.

RESULTS

At 6 months, mean BCVA improved from baseline by 12.2 letters, as did central macular thickness (in this interim analysis defined as a measure of either central subfield macular thickness or centre point macular thickness) from baseline by 108 μm in the 48 study eyes of 48 patients. Fewer patients had centre-involving intraretinal oedema (13.0% vs 91.5%), intraretinal cysts (10.9% vs 57.4%), or subretinal fluid (13.0% vs 66.0%) at 6 months than at baseline. Patients received a mean of 1.9 retreatments, were satisfied with ranibizumab treatment, and well being was maintained. No new safety signals were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from the planned interim analysis support the role of ranibizumab in the treatment of myopic CNV, with excellent efficacy achieved with a low number of injections and few serious adverse events.

Ranibizumab for the treatment of choroidal neovascularisation secondary to pathological myopia: interim analysis of the REPAIR study

AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab in patients with choroidal neovascularisation secondary to pathological myopia (myopic CNV). Data are from a pre-planned, 6-month interim analysis.

METHODS

Phase II, open-label, single arm, multicentre, 12-month study, recruiting patients (aged ≥18 years) with active primary or recurrent subfoveal or juxtafoveal myopic CNV, with a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) score of 24-78 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters in the study eye and a diagnosis of high myopia of at least -6 dioptres. Patients received 0.5 mg ranibizumab administered intravitreally to the study eye, followed by monthly injections given as needed (based on a predefined algorithm) for up to 11 months.

RESULTS

At 6 months, mean BCVA improved from baseline by 12.2 letters, as did central macular thickness (in this interim analysis defined as a measure of either central subfield macular thickness or centre point macular thickness) from baseline by 108 μm in the 48 study eyes of 48 patients. Fewer patients had centre-involving intraretinal oedema (13.0% vs 91.5%), intraretinal cysts (10.9% vs 57.4%), or subretinal fluid (13.0% vs 66.0%) at 6 months than at baseline. Patients received a mean of 1.9 retreatments, were satisfied with ranibizumab treatment, and well being was maintained. No new safety signals were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from the planned interim analysis support the role of ranibizumab in the treatment of myopic CNV, with excellent efficacy achieved with a low number of injections and few serious adverse events.

Clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes in presumed intraocular tuberculosis: experience from Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

PURPOSE

To report the clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes of patients with presumed intraocular tuberculosis (TB) seen at the Newcastle Uveitis Service, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK over a 10-year period.

METHODS

Retrospective review of case notes.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients were identified. Occlusive retinal vasculitis was the commonest ophthalmological presentation (12 patients). Eight patients (38%) were found to have underlying active systemic TB (four with mediastinal lymphadenopathy, three with pulmonary TB, one with cutaneous TB). Constitutional or respiratory symptoms, elevated inflammatory markers, and an abnormal chest radiograph were poor indicators of active TB. Two patients had inactive intrathoracic TB. Eleven patients had latent TB. Eighteen patients received anti-tuberculous treatment. Final visual acuity was better than or equal to initial visual acuity in 14 out of 16 patients who completed at least 6 months of standard anti-tuberculous treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with presumed intraocular TB have latent TB, but a significant minority has hitherto undetected active TB. Our series suggests that either proven or presumed intraocular TB occurs frequently in the absence of constitutional or respiratory symptoms, elevated inflammatory markers, or an abnormal chest radiograph. A minimum of 6 months standard anti-tuberculous treatment provides good visual outcomes in the majority of patients.

Comparative gene expression profiling of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and ocular vascular endothelial cells

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To investigate the difference between human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human ocular microvascular endothelial cell (MVEC) gene expression, and to determine if these differences could improve the understanding of ocular angiogenic diseases.

METHODS

The gene expression profiles of HUVEC and matched unpassaged human choroidal, retinal and iris endothelial cells were conducted using Affymetrix GeneChip Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 arrays. Selected differences were confirmed by real time PCR. Functional cell proliferation assays were used to support microarray findings.

RESULTS

HUVEC showed enrichment for probe sets involved in embryological development while ocular MVEC demonstrated enrichment for probe sets for MHC classes I and II, immune responses and cell signal transduction. Comparison of human retinal and choroidal endothelial cells demonstrated significant differences in the expression of probe sets encoding insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signalling. Cell proliferation assays demonstrated the stimulatory role of IGF-1 on retinal endothelial cells compared with choroidal endothelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Gene expression profiling has demonstrated that HUVEC are probably not a suitable surrogate for the study of ocular angiogenic disorders. There are also significant differences in the gene expression of human retinal and choroidal endothelial cells, which may be important in the mechanism and treatment of choroidal and retinal neovascularisation.

Comparison of choroidal and retinal endothelial cells: characteristics and response to VEGF isoforms and anti-VEGF treatments

Neovascular eye diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration and proliferative diabetic retinopathy are two of the most common causes of irreversible visual loss. Although mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the mechanisms of these diseases are not fully understood. Molecular inhibitors of VEGF including pegaptanib, ranibizumab and bevacizumab are used as treatments for these diseases. However, there have been very few direct comparisons between these agents, and as dose and treatment regimes differ their relative efficacies are hard to determine. In vitro comparisons tend to use cells from different sites or species, which show heterogeneity in their responses. The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of primary cultures of isolated human choroidal endothelial cells (hCEC) and retinal endothelial cells (hREC), and their proliferation responses to stimulation with VEGF 121 and 165, and to compare the anti-proliferative effects of these three drugs. hCEC and hREC were positive for the cell markers VEGFR1, VEGFR2, CD31, CD34 and von Willebrand's factor (vWF), with greater expression of CD34 on the hREC compared to hCEC. Contrary to previous assumptions VEGF isoforms 121 and 165 were found to be equally potent in stimulating endothelial cell proliferation. However, hREC exhibited higher proliferation with either VEGF isoform compared to hCEC. The anti-VEGF treatments ranibizumab and bevacizumab were effective in decreasing proliferation of hCEC induced by the two VEGF isoforms, individually and in combination, with ranibizumab being moderately more effective, particularly in hREC. Pegaptanib was effective in controlling the proliferation of hCEC stimulated by VEGF 165, but was ineffective against the stimulatory effect of VEGF 121. There were found to be significant differences in microvascular endothelial cells from the retina and choroid, both in the expression of cell markers and their behaviour in response to growth factors and currently available anti-VEGF agents, highlighting the importance of targeting treatments to specific intraocular vascular beds and/or diseases.

Interobserver agreement for the detection of optical coherence tomography features of neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To investigate the interobserver agreement for the detection of optical coherence tomography (OCT) features of disease activity in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional agreement study in which grading of OCT line scans from patients with nAMD was conducted by two retinal specialists before the patients received treatment. Scans were graded for the presence of features of nAMD disease activity (intraretinal cysts [IRC], subretinal fluid [SRF], diffuse retinal edema [DRE], retinal pigment epithelial detachment [PED], and subretinal tissue [SRT]).

RESULTS

Although scans from 78 patients were available for analysis, five patients were excluded because of a mean signal strength of <7. Two hundred seventy-eight line scans were analyzed from 73 patients (40 with cross-hair scan sets and 33 with radial line scan sets). Agreement for per line scan analysis was 77% for IRC (kappa = 0.41), 81% for SRF (kappa = 0.62), 91% for macular fluid (kappa = 0.28), 79% for DRE (kappa = 0.10), 90% for PED (kappa = 0.78), and 79% for SRT (kappa = 0.53). Both observers disagreed regarding the presence of macular fluid in one patient (with a cross-hair scan).

CONCLUSIONS

Interpretation of OCT line scans from patients with nAMD is subject to interobserver variability. However, when all line scans acquired are examined for the presence of fluid (IRC or SRF), there is a high level of agreement for the detection of macular fluid on a per patient basis.

The effects of growth factors on the proliferation and in vitro angiogenesis of human macular inner choroidal endothelial cells

AIM

To investigate the effect of VEGF(165), FGF2, IGF-1, PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB and IL-1 beta on the proliferation and angiogenic tube formation of human macular inner choroidal endothelial cells (ICEC).

METHODS

The proliferation of human macular ICECs after exposure to the aforementioned growth factors was determined by using both a WST-1 colorimetric assay and a cell-counting technique. The effect of growth factors on ICEC angiogenesis was assessed by sprout formation using a three-dimensional in vitro Matrigel duplex assay.

RESULTS

Using both the WST-1 assay and a cell-counting technique, VEGF(165) and FGF2 both significantly increased human macular ICEC proliferation. The effect of equimolar concentrations of VEGF(165) and FGF2 was additive. There was no significant effect for IGF-1, PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB or IL-1 beta on proliferation up to a growth factor concentration of 1000 pmol/l. The angiogenesis assay found a significant effect on sprout formation for VEGF(165) and FGF-2. Again, the effect of equimolar concentrations of VEGF(165) and FGF2 was additive. There was no significant effect for IGF-1, PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB or IL-1 beta on sprout formation at 1000 pmol/l.

CONCLUSIONS

Both VEGF(165) and FGF2 significantly increase human macular ICEC proliferation and sprout formation in an angiogenesis assay. When present together, their effect was additive. IGF-1, PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB and IL-1 beta did not have any significant effect on proliferation or sprout formation in vitro. These results suggest that targeting other growth factors such as FGF2, in addition to VEGF, may be beneficial in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Prevalence of biometry assessment experiences among trainee ophthalmologists in the United Kingdom

PURPOSE

To determine the biometry assessment experiences of senior house officers (SHOs) during basic surgical training (BST).

METHODS

This is a postal survey of SHOs in recognized UK surgical training posts from April 2005 to November 2005. Data collected included SHO proficiency in various types of biometry, practical biometry experience and opinions as to whether performing biometry is still a required skill.

RESULTS

Of 460 SHOs who were sent questionnaires 279 (60.1%) responded. Only 13% of respondents received formal training in biometry while 43% received informal training in biometry from either senior colleagues or nurses. SHOs maintained they were proficient in different types of biometry including contact biometry (49%), non contact biometry (45%), immersion biometry (2.5%) and keratometry (81%). If their current unit, 84% of SHOs did not perform any biometry. Although the majority of SHOs reported familiarity with IOL power prediction formulae, there was no consistency among the SHOs working in the same unit. Despite the lack of exposure to biometry, most (88%) felt that biometry was still a required skill.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the lack of training and low prevalence of performing biometry among trainee ophthalmologists. As proficiency in biometry is part of BST and the majority of the trainees wished to learn the skill, it is hoped that this issue will be addressed in the new Ophthalmic Specialist Training curriculum.

Successful Treatment of Invasive Cavernous Sinus Aspergillosis with Oral Itraconazole Monotherapy

An 83-year-old woman receiving long-term prednisolone treatment presented with a right optic neuropathy and right third, fourth, fifth, and sixth cranial nerve palsies secondary to sino-orbital aspergillosis with cavernous sinus involvement. Because the patient refused conventional treatment, she was given a two-year course of oral itraconazole 200 mg/day, leading to a complete imaging resolution of the lesion. Three years after completing treatment, there is no clinical or imaging evidence of disease recurrence. Visual and ocular motor function did not recover, but ptosis and proptosis improved. We believe this to be the first documented case of successful treatment of such a lesion with oral itraconazole monotherapy.

Single perioperative triamcinolone injection versus standard postoperative steroid drops after uneventful phacoemulsification surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a single perioperative sub-Tenon's injection of triamcinolone following cataract surgery and its effect on the incidence of early pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (CME).

SETTING

Ophthalmology Department, Queen's Medical Centre University Hospital, Nottingham. United Kingdom.

METHODS

This prospective randomized controlled trial included 54 eyes (54 patients) having routine cataract surgery. Twenty-seven eyes received the conventional postoperative care with steroid drops (drops group), whereas the other 27 were given a perioperative sub-Tenon's injection of triamcinolone (injection group); 10 of these received 20 mg, and the remaining 17 eyes had 30 mg triamcinolone. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and at days 1, 8, 30, and 90. The outcome measures evaluated were logMAR best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior chamber flare (Kowa-500 flare meter), intraocular pressure, and slitlamp biomicroscopy. Oral fluorescein angiograms were performed at 30 and 90 days to detect angiographic CME.

RESULTS

The mean logMAR BCVA improved from a baseline of 0.38 +/- 0.38 (SD) and 0.44 +/- 0.26 to 0.02 +/- 0.14 and 0.0 +/- 0.07 at 90 days in the steroid drops and injection groups, respectively. (P = .59). The mean flare increased from a baseline of 8.9 +/- 3.2 photons/ms and 8.3 +/- 3.7 photons/ms in the steroid drops and injection groups, respectively, to a maximum of +/-14.1 photons/ms and 25.8 +/- 7.5 photons/ms at day 8. Mean flare decreased to 15.8 +/- 9.7 photons/ms and 13.8 +/- 10.1 photons/ms at 30 days (P = .48, difference between groups) and 10.4 +/- 3.6 photons/ms and 9.8 +/- 3.1 photons/ms at 90 days, respectively, in the 2 groups. Subanalysis revealed lowest peak flare (17.9 +/- 7.9 photons/ms) at 8 days in the group that received 30 mg triamcinolone.

CONCLUSIONS

A single sub-Tenon's injection of 30 mg triamcinolone seem to be safe and effective as a route of steroid delivery after uneventful phacoemulsification surgery. Larger numbers in patients at high risk are required to assess its effectiveness in reducing the risk for pseudophakic CME.

Isolation, culture, and characterisation of human macular inner choroidal microvascular endothelial cells

AIM

To develop a method for the reliable isolation of adult human macular inner choroidal endothelial cells (ICECs) and to subsequently characterise them for their expression of a range of endothelial cell associated surface markers.

METHOD

Human ICECs were isolated after manual dissection of maculas from fresh human posterior segments. Following enzyme digestion to form a single cell suspension, the ICECs were isolated using anti-CD31 coated Dynabeads. The isolated cells were grown in culture and examined for typical endothelial cell morphology, surface expression of vWf, CD 31, CD 105, VEGF receptors 1 and 2, and expression of E-selectin after stimulation with TNF-alpha. The cells were also examined for their ability to form fenestrations and capillary-like tubes in Matrigel.

RESULTS

The method enabled the rapid isolation of viable cells that demonstrated typical endothelial cobblestone morphology in culture. The cells stained positive for CD31, vWf, CD105, VEGF receptors 1 and 2, and E-selectin (after stimulation with TNF-alpha). The cells stained negative for alpha smooth muscle actin and fibroblast surface protein. The cells also developed fenestrations when cultured on fibronectin coated plates and formed capillary-like tubes structures when cultured on Matrigel.

CONCLUSIONS

This technique isolates cells from the human macular inner choroid that display features consistent with vascular endothelial cells. These cells could subsequently be used to further the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of diseases of the inner choroid, such as choroidal neovascularisation.

Effect of diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia on the proliferation of human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts: implications for wound healing after glaucoma drainage surgery

Glaucoma drainage surgery in diabetic patients is associated with a relatively poor prognosis due to increased scarring at the site of surgery, secondary to increased proliferation of human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts (hTCF). This is in marked contrast to diabetic wound healing at other sites, where it is generally impaired. The aim of this study was to determine why diabetics show an increased ocular scarring response in comparison to that found at other sites. Under normoglycemic conditions, hTCF isolated from diabetics showed a mean reduction in short-term proliferation (95% CI) of 45 +/- 12% compared with normal controls (p < 0.001). Under hyperglycemic conditions, proliferation of diabetic hTCF was reduced by 21 +/- 11% (p < 0.01) compared with nondiabetic controls. When exposed to transforming growth factor-beta2 (1-10,000 pg/ml) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (0.5-500 ng/ml) under both normo- and hyperglycemic conditions, there was a dose-related increase in proliferation of both diabetic and nondiabetic controls. There was no significant difference in response to cytokine stimulation between the two groups at any of the cytokine concentrations used. Western blot analysis did not show any apparent difference in the expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha, mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK2, or transforming growth factor-beta receptor II to account for the reduced proliferation of diabetic hTCF. These results suggest that hTCF behave in a manner similar to fibroblasts from other nonocular sites and that the increased proliferation and scarring response found in vivo may be secondary to the previously noted elevated cytokine concentrations in the aqueous and vitreous of diabetics.

A randomised, double-blind trial of topical ketorolac vs artificial tears for the treatment of episcleritis

PURPOSE

To determine whether topical ketorolac (Acular) is more effective than artificial tears in treating the signs and symptoms of idiopathic episcleritis.

METHODS

In this prospective, randomised, double-blind study, 38 eyes of 37 patients presenting with idiopathic episcleritis were allocated to receive either topical ketorolac (0.5%) or artificial tears three times a day for 3 weeks. The severity of patients' signs (episcleral injection and the number of clock hours affected) were recorded at weekly intervals. Patients' symptoms (perceived redness and pain scores) were recorded using a daily diary.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the ophthalmic signs between the two groups at each assessment, including intensity of episcleral injection and the number of clock hours affected. No significant difference was found in the time to halve the baseline redness intensity scores (4.4 vs 6.1 days, P=0.2) or pain scores (3.6 vs 4.3 days, P=0.55). Significantly more patients on ketorolac reported stinging at the first follow-up visit (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Topical ketorolac is not significantly better than artificial tears in treating the signs or symptoms of idiopathic episcleritis.

Verteporfin photodynamic therapy of choroidal neovascularization in angioid streaks: one-year results of a prospective case series

PURPOSE

To report the 12-month results on the use of verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to angioid streaks.

STUDY DESIGN

Five-center prospective case series.

METHODS

Patients with CNV secondary to angioid streaks who were treated with PDT were recruited and followed up at 3-month intervals for 12 months, with the addition of visits at 1.5 and 4.5 months if deemed appropriate by the investigator. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured at each visit after full refraction or with their current distance spectacles using Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution charts. Stereoscopic fundus fluorescein angiography was used to determine baseline lesion characteristics and location.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients were recruited (23 eyes, 16 with subfoveal CNV and 7 with juxtafoveal; all classic no occult). Seventeen patients (77%) had angioid streaks secondary to pseudoxanthoma elasticum. In the subfoveal group, median BCVA at baseline was 49 letters (approximate Snellen equivalent, 20/100) and was 46 at 12 months (approximate Snellen equivalent, 20/125). Twelve of 16 eyes (75%) lost fewer than 8 letters, whereas 14 of 16 eyes (88%) lost fewer than 15 letters. The mean CNV greatest linear dimension (GLD) was 2520 microm at baseline. At 12 months, 7 of 16 eyes with subfoveal CNV at baseline were leaking (GLD = 3220 microm; P = 0.62). The mean number of treatments in the first 12 months was 2.9. In the juxtafoveal group, the median BCVA at baseline was 66 letters (approximate Snellen equivalent, 20/50) and was 51 letters at 12 months (approximate Snellen equivalent, 20/100). Two of 7 eyes (29%) gained 8 or more letters at the 12-month examination, whereas 4 of 7 eyes (57%) lost more than 15 letters. The mean CNV GLD at baseline was 1890 microm. At 12 months, 1 of 7 eyes with juxtafoveal CNV at baseline was leaking. Choroidal neovascularization progressed from juxtafoveal to subfoveal location during the follow-up period in 4 of 7 eyes. The mean number of treatments in the first 12 months was 3.4. No side effects were noted in either patient group.

CONCLUSIONS

This small series suggests that treatment of CNV secondary to angioid streaks with verteporfin PDT seems to limit visual loss in most patients through the first 12 months of follow-up, particularly in those with subfoveal lesions at baseline.

Verteporfin photodynamic therapy for the treatment of persistent subfoveal choroidal neovascularization after external beam radiotherapy: one-year results

PURPOSE

To determine the safety and efficacy of verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of persistent choroidal neovascularization (CNV) previously treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT).

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

Verteporfin PDT was performed on 14 eyes of 13 patients with symptomatic leakage from CNV previously treated by EBRT. Principal outcome measures were: comparison of visual acuity at 12 months post-PDT with baseline and the recording of any ocular or systemic adverse events.

RESULTS

At baseline, the mean logMAR (+/-SD) VA was 0.81 +/- 0.33, whereas at the 12-month point it was 0.89 +/- 0.43 (P = .326). At the 12-month examination 10 eyes had lost less than 3 lines of VA, and 8 eyes had lost less than 1.5 lines. During this time, there were 2.1 PDT treatment sessions per eye on average (range = 1 to 4). There were no ocular or systemic adverse events recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

This short-term study shows that verteporfin PDT is safe after EBRT and may be of benefit for recalcitrant CNV.

The effect of corneal thickness on intraocular pressure measurement in patients with corneal pathology

BACKGROUND/AIM

To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements taken by the Goldmann applanation tonometer, the Tono-Pen and the ocular blood flow pneumotonometer in eyes with varying central corneal thickness (CCT) due to penetrating keratoplasty (PK), keratoconus (KC), and Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy (FED).

METHODS

IOP was measured with the Goldmann applanation tonometer, Tono-Pen XL, and OBF pneumotonometer in 127 eyes with the following corneal abnormalities. There were 56 eyes that had undergone PK, 37 eyes with KC, and 34 eyes with FED. CCT was measured using an ultrasound pachymeter after IOP determinations had been made.

RESULTS

Mean IOP measurements in all three patient groups were significantly higher when measured by OBF pneumotonometer. Linear regression analysis showed that patients with FED had a significant increase in IOP with increasing CCT of 0.18 mm Hg/10 microm using the Goldmann tonometer, 0.15 mm Hg/10 microm with the Tono-Pen, and 0.26 mm Hg/10 microm with the OBF pneumotonometer. In patients with KC and after PK, linear regression analysis did not show a significant effect of CCT on IOP. A multivariate linear regression model controlling for age, sex, graft size, and patient group, showed that the effect of CCT on IOP for Tono-Pen (0.13 mm Hg/10 microm CCT) and Goldmann (0.14 mm Hg/10 microm CCT) were significantly lower than for the OBF pneumotonometer (0.26 mm Hg/10 microm CCT).

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that mean IOP measurements using the OBF pneumotonometer were significantly higher than those made using the Goldmann applanation tonometer or Tono-Pen in eyes with a variety of cornel pathologies. The OBF pneumotonometer was found to be most affected by variation in CCT. For all three instruments, the relation between IOP and CCT depended on the corneal pathology and was greatest for FED.