Real-world experience with brolucizumab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration over 2 years: the REBA extension study

BACKGROUND

To determine long-term efficacy and safety of intravitreal brolucizumab therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in the real-world setting.

METHODS

Retrospective, observational, multicentric study and an extension of the REBA study (Real-world Experience with Brolucizumab in nAMD) to 24 months. The study entailed follow-up of 91 consecutive eyes (67 patients) with nAMD who received brolucizumab therapy and completed 24 months of follow-up. Both treatment-naïve and switch therapy patients were included. All relevant data were collected. The primary outcome measure was changed in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) over time. Secondary outcome measures included change in central subfield thickness (CST) and complications.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) baseline BCVA was 48.4 (3.5) letters and 36.2 (7.1) letters in treatment-naïve group and switch therapy group, respectively. BCVA gain was + 9.2 (3.7) letters (p = 0.01) and + 7.7 (3.4) letters (p = 0.011), respectively. The change in mean (SD) CST has shown a significant decrease in retinal thickness in treatment-naïve group (from 432.5 (68.4) to 283.0 (51.3) µm; p = 0.018) and in switch therapy group (from 452.5 (40.5) to 271.0 (43.4) µm; p = 0.011) group. One switch patient developed vascular occlusion and another a macular hole after the fifth brolucizumab injection as reported in the primary study. Both patients recovered uneventfully. Three patients demonstrated reversible intraocular inflammation between months 10 and 24.

CONCLUSION

Patients showed a significant anatomical and functional response to brolucizumab therapy in the real world, regardless of prior treatment status, until the end of the follow-up period. Overall, 5 significant untoward events were noted.

Suprachoroidal silicone oil as an intraoperative complication during Pars Plana Vitrectomy: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Complications related to silicone oil tamponade are frequent. There are reports of events related to silicone oil (SO) injection during Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV). This case presents the unexpected injection of SO in the suprachoroidal space. The proper management of this complication along with the preventive measures are discussed.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 38-year-old male presented with a one-week history of decreased vision in his right eye (OD). His visual acuity was hand motion (HM). A late-onset retinal detachment recurrence with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in his OD was diagnosed. Cataract surgery and PPV were scheduled. During PPV, a choroidal detachment (CD) secondary to the suprachoroidal injection of silicone oil (SO) was noted. Suprachoroidal SO was identified timely and was managed with external drainage through a posterior sclerotomy.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Suprachoroidal silicone oil injection is a potential complication during PPV. For the management of this complication, the drainage of the silicone oil from the suprachoroidal space through a posterior sclerotomy may be considered as an option. This complication may be avoided by periodically checking the correct position of the infusion cannula during the PPV, by injecting the SO into the vitreous cavity under direct visualization and by using automated injection systems.

CONCLUSION

Suprachoroidal silicone oil injection is an intraoperative complication that might be avoided by cross-checking the correct position of the infusion cannula and by injecting SO under direct visualization.

Spontaneous closure of an idiopathic macular hole after epiretinal membrane development

Purpose

To report non-operative closure of an idiopathic full thickness macular hole (FTMH) spontaneous secondary to the development of a macular epiretinal membrane (ERM).

Observations

A 68-year-old woman, with no relevant medical history, and a 6-month history of decreased visual acuity in her right eye was diagnosed to have an idiopathic FTMH. The patient refused surgery and the FTMH was followed-up for seven years. The spectral domain optical coherent tomography follow-up showed the evolution of the FTMH and its spontaneous closure after development of an ERM. In the presence of an ERM with vitreo-papillary detachment, it is possible that the centripetal forces involved helped bring together the edges of the macular hole resulting in a possible spontaneous closure. Additionally and separately, the presence of an ERM may act as scaffolding for Muller cell migration and consequent macular hole closure.

Conclusions and importance

Development of an ERM was followed by non-operative FTMH closure in this specific case. It is important to note, that this is an extraordinary situation in which the patient had a favorable anatomical evolution despite having rejected conventional surgical intervention. Studies aimed at determining the mechanisms and situations in which these cases occur could provide answers that help us make more appropriate decisions. To our knowledge, the present case is the first in the literature to report a spontaneous closure of a FTMH secondary to the appearance and progression of a previously non-existent ERM.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for the Removal of Posterior Intraocular Foreign Bodies

This is a prospective clinical assay that included six patients who were diagnosed with penetrating corneal injury, traumatic cataract, and posterior segment intraocular foreign body (IOFB). Following anterior segment repair and extraction of traumatic cataract by clear cornea phacoemulsification, a standard 25-gauge transconjunctival pars plana vitrectomy was performed to find and release the IOFB. With active suction using a 25-gauge silicone tipped cannula, the foreign body was retrieved and safely placed in the anterior chamber. After stabilization of the anterior chamber with viscoelastic injection, IOFB extraction through the main phaco incision was easily performed, followed by placement of an intraocular lens. Of the six patients, 66.6% showed a significant improvement of visual acuity. No complications associated directly with the surgical procedure occurred. Our surgical technique is a safe alternative for handling and removing a posterior IOFB. There was no need for a scleral incision.