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Cideciyan AV, Jacobson SG, Sumaroka A, Swider M, Krishnan AK, Sheplock R, Garafalo AV, Guziewicz KE, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA, Matsui Y, Kondo M, Heon E. Photoreceptor function and structure in retinal degenerations caused by biallelic BEST1 mutations. Vision Res 2023; 203:108157. [PMID: 36450205 PMCID: PMC9825664 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2022.108157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The only approved retinal gene therapy is for biallelic RPE65 mutations which cause a recessive retinopathy with a primary molecular defect located at the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). For a distinct recessive RPE disease caused by biallelic BEST1 mutations, a pre-clinical proof-of-concept for gene therapy has been demonstrated in canine eyes. The current study was undertaken to consider potential outcome measures for a BEST1 clinical trial in patients demonstrating a classic autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy (ARB) phenotype. Spatial distribution of retinal structure showed a wide expanse of abnormalities including large intraretinal cysts, shallow serous retinal detachments, abnormalities of inner and outer segments, and an unusual prominence of the external limiting membrane. Surrounding the central macula extending from 7 to 30 deg eccentricity, outer nuclear layer was thicker than expected from a cone only retina and implied survival of many rod photoreceptors. Co-localized however, were large losses of rod sensitivity despite preserved cone sensitivities. The dissociation of rod function from rod structure observed, supports a large treatment potential in the paramacular region for biallelic bestrophinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Arun K Krishnan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Rebecca Sheplock
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexandra V Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Karina E Guziewicz
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yoshitsugu Matsui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Mineo Kondo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Elise Heon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2L3, Canada
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Cideciyan AV, Jacobson SG, Swider M, Sumaroka A, Sheplock R, Krishnan AK, Garafalo AV, Guziewicz KE, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA, Heon E. Photoreceptor Function and Structure in Autosomal Dominant Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy Caused by BEST1 Mutations. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:12. [PMID: 36512348 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.13.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate rod and cone function and outer retinal structure within macular lesions, and surrounding extralesional areas of patients with autosomal dominant Best vitelliform macular dystrophy caused by BEST1 mutations. Methods Seventeen patients from seven families were examined with dark- and light-adapted chromatic perimetry and optical coherence tomography. Subsets of patients had long-term follow-up (14-22 years, n = 6) and dark-adaptation kinetics measured (n = 5). Results Within central lesions with large serous retinal detachments, rod sensitivity was severely reduced but visual acuity and cone sensitivity were relatively retained. In surrounding extralesional areas, there was a mild but detectable widening of the subretinal space in some patients and some retinal areas. Available evidence was consistent with subretinal widening causing slower dark-adaptation kinetics. Over long-term follow-up, some eyes showed formation of de novo satellite lesions at retinal locations that years previously demonstrated subretinal widening. A subclinical abnormality consisting of a retina-wide mild thickening of the outer nuclear layer was evident in many patients and thickening increased in the subset of patients with long-term follow-up. Conclusions Outcome measures for future clinical trials should include evaluations of rod sensitivity within central lesions and quantitative measures of outer retinal structure in normal-appearing regions surrounding the lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Rebecca Sheplock
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Arun K Krishnan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alexandra V Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Karina E Guziewicz
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Elise Heon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Jacobson SG, Cideciyan AV, Ho AC, Roman AJ, Wu V, Garafalo AV, Sumaroka A, Krishnan AK, Swider M, Mascio AA, Kay CN, Yoon D, Fujita KP, Boye SL, Peshenko IV, Dizhoor AM, Boye SE. Night vision restored in days after decades of congenital blindness. iScience 2022; 25:105274. [PMID: 36274938 PMCID: PMC9579015 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling of vision to the brain starts with the retinal phototransduction cascade which converts visible light from the environment into chemical changes. Vision impairment results when mutations inactivate proteins of the phototransduction cascade. A severe monogenically inherited blindness, Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), is caused by mutations in the GUCY2D gene, leading to a molecular defect in the production of cyclic GMP, the second messenger of phototransduction. We studied two patients with GUCY2D-LCA who were undergoing gene augmentation therapy. Both patients had large deficits in rod photoreceptor-based night vision before intervention. Within days of therapy, rod vision in both patients changed dramatically; improvements in visual function and functional vision in these hyper-responding patients reached more than 3 log10 units (1000-fold), nearing healthy rod vision. Quick activation of the complex molecular pathways from retinal photoreceptor to visual cortex and behavior is thus possible in patients even after being disabled and dormant for decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel G. Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Artur V. Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Allen C. Ho
- Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Alejandro J. Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Vivian Wu
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexandra V. Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Arun K. Krishnan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Abraham A. Mascio
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Dan Yoon
- Atsena Therapeutics, Inc., Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | | | - Sanford L. Boye
- Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
| | - Igor V. Peshenko
- Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Salus University, Elkins Park, PA 19027, USA
| | | | - Shannon E. Boye
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Cideciyan AV, Jacobson SG, Ho AC, Krishnan AK, Roman AJ, Garafalo AV, Wu V, Swider M, Sumaroka A, Van Cauwenbergh C, Russell SR, Drack AV, Leroy BP, Schwartz MR, Girach A. Restoration of Cone Sensitivity to Individuals with Congenital Photoreceptor Blindness within the Phase 1/2 Sepofarsen Trial. Ophthalmology Science 2022; 2:100133. [PMID: 36249682 PMCID: PMC9562351 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2022.100133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To understand consequences of reconstituting cone photoreceptor function in congenital binocular blindness resulting from mutations in the centrosomal protein 290 (CEP290) gene. Design Phase 1b/2 open-label, multicenter, multiple-dose, dose-escalation trial. Participants A homogeneous subgroup of 5 participants with light perception (LP) vision at the time of enrollment (age range, 15–41 years) selected for detailed analyses. Medical histories of 4 participants were consistent with congenital binocular blindness, whereas 1 participant showed evidence of spatial vision in early life that was later lost. Intervention Participants received a single intravitreal injection of sepofarsen (160 or 320 μg) into the study eye. Main Outcome Measures Full-field stimulus testing (FST), visual acuity (VA), and transient pupillary light reflex (TPLR) were measured at baseline and for 3 months after the injection. Results All 5 participants with LP vision demonstrated severely abnormal FST and TPLR findings. At baseline, FST threshold estimates were 0.81 and 1.0 log cd/m2 for control and study eyes, respectively. At 3 months, study eyes showed a large mean improvement of –1.75 log versus baseline (P < 0.001), whereas untreated control eyes were comparable with baseline. Blue minus red FST values were not different than 0 (P = 0.59), compatible with cone mediation of remnant vision. At baseline, TPLR response amplitude and latency estimates were 0.39 mm and 0.72 seconds, respectively, for control eyes, and 0.28 mm and 0.78 seconds, respectively, for study eyes. At 3 months, study eyes showed a mean improvement of 0.44 mm in amplitude and a mean acceleration of 0.29 seconds in latency versus baseline (P < 0.001), whereas control eyes showed no significant change versus baseline. Specialized tests performed in 1 participant confirmed and extended the standardized results from all 5 participants. Conclusions By subjective and objective evidence, intravitreal sepofarsen provides improvement of light sensitivity for individuals with LP vision. However, translation of increased light sensitivity to improved spatial vision may occur preferentially in those with a history of visual experience during early neurodevelopment. Interventions for congenital lack of spatial vision in CEP290-associated Leber congenital amaurosis may lead to better results if performed before visual cortex maturity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur V. Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Correspondence: Artur V. Cideciyan, PhD, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 51 North 39th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
| | - Samuel G. Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Allen C. Ho
- Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Arun K. Krishnan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alejandro J. Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alexandra V. Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Vivian Wu
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Stephen R. Russell
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Arlene V. Drack
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Bart P. Leroy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Division of Ophthalmology and Center for Cellular & Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Russell SR, Drack AV, Cideciyan AV, Jacobson SG, Leroy BP, Van Cauwenbergh C, Ho AC, Dumitrescu AV, Han IC, Martin M, Pfeifer WL, Sohn EH, Walshire J, Garafalo AV, Krishnan AK, Powers CA, Sumaroka A, Roman AJ, Vanhonsebrouck E, Jones E, Nerinckx F, De Zaeytijd J, Collin RWJ, Hoyng C, Adamson P, Cheetham ME, Schwartz MR, den Hollander W, Asmus F, Platenburg G, Rodman D, Girach A. Intravitreal antisense oligonucleotide sepofarsen in Leber congenital amaurosis type 10: a phase 1b/2 trial. Nat Med 2022; 28:1014-1021. [PMID: 35379979 PMCID: PMC9117145 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-022-01755-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
CEP290-associated Leber congenital amaurosis type 10 (LCA10) is a retinal disease resulting in childhood blindness. Sepofarsen is an RNA antisense oligonucleotide targeting the c.2991+1655A>G variant in the CEP290 gene to treat LCA10. In this open-label, phase 1b/2 ( NCT03140969 ), 12-month, multicenter, multiple-dose, dose-escalation trial, six adult patients and five pediatric patients received ≤4 doses of intravitreal sepofarsen into the worse-seeing eye. The primary objective was to evaluate sepofarsen safety and tolerability via the frequency and severity of ocular adverse events (AEs); secondary objectives were to evaluate pharmacokinetics and efficacy via changes in functional outcomes. Six patients received sepofarsen 160 µg/80 µg, and five patients received sepofarsen 320 µg/160 µg. Ten of 11 (90.9%) patients developed ocular AEs in the treated eye (5/6 with 160 µg/80 µg; 5/5 with 320 µg/160 µg) versus one of 11 (9.1%) in the untreated eye; most were mild in severity and dose dependent. Eight patients developed cataracts, of which six (75.0%) were categorized as serious (2/3 with 160 µg/80 µg; 4/5 with 320 µg/160 µg), as lens replacement was required. As the 160-µg/80-µg group showed a better benefit-risk profile, higher doses were discontinued or not initiated. Statistically significant improvements in visual acuity and retinal sensitivity were reported (post hoc analysis). The manageable safety profile and improvements reported in this trial support the continuation of sepofarsen development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R Russell
- University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Arlene V Drack
- University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bart P Leroy
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Division of Ophthalmology and Center for Cellular & Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Allen C Ho
- Wills Eye Hospital/Mid Atlantic Retina, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alina V Dumitrescu
- University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Ian C Han
- University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Mitchell Martin
- University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Wanda L Pfeifer
- University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Elliott H Sohn
- University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jean Walshire
- University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Alexandra V Garafalo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Arun K Krishnan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christian A Powers
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alejandro J Roman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eva Vanhonsebrouck
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eltanara Jones
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fanny Nerinckx
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Julie De Zaeytijd
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rob W J Collin
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Carel Hoyng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Krishnan AK, Roman AJ, Swider M, Jacobson SG, Cideciyan AV. Macular Rod Function in Retinitis Pigmentosa Measured With Scotopic Microperimetry. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:3. [PMID: 34473224 PMCID: PMC8419874 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.11.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the validity and reliability of macular rod photoreceptor function measurement with a microperimeter. Methods Macular sensitivity in dark-adapted retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients (22 eyes; 9–67 years of age) and controls (five eyes; 22–55 years of age) was assessed with a modified Humphrey field analyzer (mHFA), as well as a scotopic microperimeter (Nidek MP-1S). Sensitivity loss (SL) was estimated at rod-mediated locations. All RP eyes were re-evaluated at a second visit 6 months later. The dynamic range of the MP-1S was expanded with a range of neutral-density filters (NDFs). Results In controls, a 4 NDF was used at all macular locations tested. In patients with RP, 0 to 3 NDFs were used, depending on the local disease severity. At rod-mediated locations (n = 281), SL estimates obtained with the MP-1S were highly correlated (r = 0.80) with those of the mHFA. The inter-perimeter difference of SL averaged less than 3 decibels (dB) with all NDFs, except those with most severe locations evaluated with a 0 NDF, where the difference averaged more than 6 dB. The results were similar on the second visit. Conclusions The MP-1S estimates of SL are highly correlated with those of the mHFA over a wide range of disease severity replicated at two visits; however, there was an unexplained bias in the magnitude of SL estimated by the MP-1S especially at loci with severe disease. Translational Relevance MP-1S scotopic microperimetry can be used to evaluate changes to macular rod function, but evaluation of treatment potential by quantitative comparison of SL to retinal structure will be more challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun K Krishnan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alejandro J Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Cideciyan AV, Krishnan AK, Roman AJ, Sumaroka A, Swider M, Jacobson SG. Measures of Function and Structure to Determine Phenotypic Features, Natural History, and Treatment Outcomes in Inherited Retinal Diseases. Annu Rev Vis Sci 2021; 7:747-772. [PMID: 34255540 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-vision-032321-091738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are at the forefront of innovative gene-specific treatments because of the causation by single genes, the availability of microsurgical access for treatment delivery, and the relative ease of quantitative imaging and vision measurement. However, it is not always easy to choose a priori, from scores of potential measures, an appropriate subset to evaluate efficacy outcomes considering the wide range of disease stages with different phenotypic features. This article reviews measurements of visual function and retinal structure that our group has used over the past three decades to understand the natural history of IRDs. We include measures of light sensitivity, retinal structure, mapping of natural fluorophores, evaluation of pupillary light reflex, and oculomotor control. We provide historical context and examples of applicability. We also review treatment trial outcomes using these measures of function and structure. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Vision Science, Volume 7 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur V Cideciyan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA;
| | - Arun K Krishnan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA;
| | - Alejandro J Roman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA;
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA;
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA;
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA;
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Jacobson SG, Cideciyan AV, Ho AC, Peshenko IV, Garafalo AV, Roman AJ, Sumaroka A, Wu V, Krishnan AK, Sheplock R, Boye SL, Dizhoor AM, Boye SE. Safety and improved efficacy signals following gene therapy in childhood blindness caused by GUCY2D mutations. iScience 2021; 24:102409. [PMID: 33997691 PMCID: PMC8099775 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A first-in-human clinical trial of gene therapy in Leber congenital amaurosis due to mutations in the GUCY2D gene is underway, and early results are summarized. A recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 5 (rAAV5) vector carrying the human GUCY2D gene was delivered by subretinal injection to one eye in three adult patients with severe visual loss, nystagmus, but preserved retinal structure. Safety and efficacy parameters were monitored for 9 months post-operatively. No systemic toxicity was detected; there were no serious adverse events, and ocular adverse events resolved. P1 and P2 showed statistically significant rod photoreceptor vision improvement by full-field stimulus testing in the treated eye. P1 also showed improvement in pupillary responses. Visual acuity remained stable from baseline in P1 and P2. P3, however, showed a gain of 0.3 logMAR in the treated eye, indicating greater cone-photoreceptor function. The results show safety and both rod- and cone-mediated efficacy of this therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel G. Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Artur V. Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Allen C. Ho
- Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Igor V. Peshenko
- Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Salus University, Elkins Park, PA, USA
| | - Alexandra V. Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alejandro J. Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Vivian Wu
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Arun K. Krishnan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rebecca Sheplock
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sanford L. Boye
- Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Shannon E. Boye
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Cideciyan AV, Jacobson SG, Ho AC, Garafalo AV, Roman AJ, Sumaroka A, Krishnan AK, Swider M, Schwartz MR, Girach A. Durable vision improvement after a single treatment with antisense oligonucleotide sepofarsen: a case report. Nat Med 2021; 27:785-789. [PMID: 33795869 PMCID: PMC8127404 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01297-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Leber congenital amaurosis due to CEP290 ciliopathy is being explored by treatment with the antisense oligonucleotide (AON) sepofarsen. One patient who was part of a larger cohort (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03140969 ) was studied for 15 months after a single intravitreal sepofarsen injection. Concordant measures of visual function and retinal structure reached a substantial efficacy peak near 3 months after injection. At 15 months, there was sustained efficacy, even though there was evidence of reduction from peak response. Efficacy kinetics can be explained by the balance of AON-driven new CEP290 protein synthesis and a slow natural rate of CEP290 protein degradation in human foveal cone photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Allen C Ho
- Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia PA, USA
| | - Alexandra V Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alejandro J Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Arun K Krishnan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Abstract
Macular degeneration typically results in heterogeneous binocular central visual defects. Currently available approaches to assess central visual field, like the microperimetry, can test only one eye at a time. Therefore, they cannot explain how the defects in each eye affect the binocular interaction and real-world function. Dichoptic stimulus presentation with a gaze-controlled system could provide a reliable measure of monocular/binocular visual fields. However, dichoptic stimulus presentation and simultaneous eye-tracking are challenging because optical devices of instruments that present stimulus dichoptically (e.g., haploscope) always interfere with eye-trackers (e.g., infrared video-based eye-trackers). Therefore, the goals were 1) to develop a method for dichoptic stimulus presentation with simultaneous eye-tracking, using 3D-shutter glasses and 3D-ready monitors, that is not affected by interference and 2) to use this method to develop a protocol for assessing central visual field in subjects with central vision loss. The results showed that this setup provides a practical solution for reliably measuring eye-movements in dichoptic viewing condition. In addition, it was also demonstrated that this method can assess gaze-controlled binocular central visual field in subjects with central vision loss.
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11
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Krishnan AK, Jacobson SG, Roman AJ, Iyer BS, Garafalo AV, Héon E, Cideciyan AV. Transient pupillary light reflex in CEP290- or NPHP5-associated Leber congenital amaurosis: Latency as a potential outcome measure of cone function. Vision Res 2020; 168:53-63. [PMID: 32088401 PMCID: PMC7068155 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2020.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in photoreceptor cilium genes CEP290 and NPHP5 cause a form of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) which typically lacks rods but retains central cones. The current study evaluated the transient pupillary light reflex (TPLR) as an objective outcome measure to assess efficacy of ongoing and future therapies. Eleven eyes of six patients selected for retained cone function were tested with TPLR using full-field stimuli in the dark-adapted state. Stimuli were red or blue with 1 s duration and spanned a 6-log unit dynamic range. TPLR response amplitude was quantified at fixed times of 0.9 and 2 s after stimulus onset and TPLR latency was defined as the time to reach 0.3 mm constriction. Full-field stimulus testing (FST) and static perimetry were used to correlate subjective perception with objective TPLR parameters. TPLR and FST thresholds with both red and blue stimuli were abnormally elevated in patients to near -1.25 log phot-cd·m-2 consistent with the lack of rods. TPLR latencies were delayed on average but showed some differences among patients. Remnant extrafoveal vision was correlated with faster TPLR latencies. Our results support the use of a short TPLR protocol with full-field red stimuli of 0.7 log phot-cd·m-2 or brighter as an objective and convenient outcome measure of cone function in CEP290- and NPHP5-LCA. The latency parameter of the TPLR would be expected to show a detectable change when an intervention modifies cone sensitivity in the extrafoveal region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun K Krishnan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Alejandro J Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Bhavya S Iyer
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Alexandra V Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Elise Héon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
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12
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Sumaroka A, Garafalo AV, Semenov EP, Sheplock R, Krishnan AK, Roman AJ, Jacobson SG, Cideciyan AV. Treatment Potential for Macular Cone Vision in Leber Congenital Amaurosis Due to CEP290 or NPHP5 Mutations: Predictions From Artificial Intelligence. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:2551-2562. [PMID: 31212307 PMCID: PMC6586080 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-27156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To use supervised machine learning to predict visual function from retinal structure in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and apply these estimates to CEP290- and NPHP5-associated Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) to determine the potential for functional improvement. Methods Patients with RP (n = 20) and LCA due to CEP290 (n = 12) or NPHP5 (n = 6) mutations were studied. A patient with CEP290 mutations but mild retinal degeneration was included. RP patients had cone-mediated macular function. A machine learning technique was used to associate perimetric sensitivities to local structure in RP patients. Models trained on RP data were applied to predict visual function in LCA. Results The RP and LCA patients had comparable retinal structure. RP patients had peak sensitivity at the fovea surrounded by decreasing sensitivity. Machine learning could successfully predict perimetry results from segmented or unsegmented optical coherence tomography (OCT) input. Application of machine learning predictions to LCA within the residual macular island of photoreceptor structure showed differences between predicted and measured sensitivities defining treatment potential. In patients with retained vision, the treatment potential was 4.6 ± 2.9 dB at the fovea but 16.4 ± 4.4 dB at the parafovea. In patients with limited or no vision, the treatment potential was 17.6 ± 9.4 dB. Conclusions Cone vision improvement potential in LCA due to CEP290 or NPHP5 mutations is predictable from retinal structure using a machine learning approach. This should allow individual prediction of the maximal efficacy in clinical trials and guide decisions about dosing. Similar strategies can be used in other retinal degenerations to estimate the extent and location of treatment potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alexandra V Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Evelyn P Semenov
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Rebecca Sheplock
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Arun K Krishnan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alejandro J Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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Heravian A, Solomon R, Krishnan G, Vasudevan CK, Krishnan AK, Osmand T, Ekstrand ML. Alcohol consumption patterns and sexual risk behavior among female sex workers in two South Indian communities. Int J Drug Policy 2012; 23:498-504. [PMID: 22608567 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2012.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2011] [Revised: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV transmission in India is primarily heterosexual and there is a concentrated HIV epidemic among female sex workers (FSWs). Earlier reports demonstrate that many FSWs consume alcohol regularly before sexual encounters. This qualitative study is part of a larger quantitative study designed to assess alcohol consumption patterns among female sex workers and their association with sexual risk taking. Here we investigate the environmental influence, reasons for and consequences of consuming alcohol in the FSW population. METHODS Trained staff from two Non-Governmental Organizations in Andhra Pradesh and Kerala conducted semi-structured interviews with 63 FSWs in Chirala, Andhra Pradesh (n = 35) and Calicut, Kerala (n = 28) following extensive formative research, including social mapping and key informant interviews, to assess drinking patterns and sexual risk behaviors. RESULTS FSWs reported consuming alcohol in multiple contexts: sexual, social, mental health and self-medication. Alcohol consumption during sexual encounters with clients was usually forced, but some women drank voluntarily. Social drinking took place in public locations such as bars and in private locations including deserted buildings, roads and inside autorickshaws (motorcycle taxis). Consequences of alcohol consumption included failure to use condoms and to collect payments from clients, violence, legal problems, gastrointestinal side effects, economic loss and interference with family responsibilities. CONCLUSION FSWs consume alcohol in multilevel contexts. Alcohol consumption during transactional sex is often forced and can lead to failure to use condoms. Social drinkers consume alcohol with other trusted FSWs for entertainment and to help cope with psychosocial stressors. There are multiple reasons for and consequences of alcohol consumption in this population and future interventions should target each specific aspect of alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisa Heravian
- University of California, San Francisco, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
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Van Damme L, Govinden R, Mirembe FM, Guédou F, Solomon S, Becker ML, Pradeep BS, Krishnan AK, Alary M, Pande B, Ramjee G, Deese J, Crucitti T, Taylor D. Lack of effectiveness of cellulose sulfate gel for the prevention of vaginal HIV transmission. N Engl J Med 2008; 359:463-72. [PMID: 18669425 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa0707957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 333] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women make up more than 50% of adults living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, female-initiated HIV prevention methods are urgently needed. METHODS We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of cellulose sulfate, an HIV-entry inhibitor formulated as a vaginal gel, involving women at high risk for HIV infection at three African and two Indian sites. The primary end point was newly acquired infection with HIV type 1 or 2. The secondary end point was newly acquired gonococcal or chlamydial infection. The primary analysis was based on a log-rank test of no difference in the distribution of time to HIV infection, stratified according to site. RESULTS A total of 1398 women were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive cellulose sulfate gel (706 participants) or placebo (692 participants) and had follow-up HIV test data. There were 41 newly acquired HIV infections, 25 in the cellulose sulfate group and 16 in the placebo group, with an estimated hazard ratio of infection for the cellulose sulfate group of 1.61 (P=0.13). This result, which is not significant, is in contrast to the interim finding that led to the trial being stopped prematurely (hazard ratio, 2.02 [corrected]; P=0.05 [corrected]) and the suggestive result of a preplanned secondary (adherence-based) analysis (hazard ratio, 2.02; P=0.05). No significant effect of cellulose sulfate as compared with placebo was found on the risk of gonorrheal infection (hazard ratio, 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74 to 1.62) or chlamydial infection (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.47 to 1.08). CONCLUSIONS Cellulose sulfate did not prevent HIV infection and may have increased the risk of HIV acquisition. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00153777; and Current Controlled Trials number, ISRCTN95638385.)
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Tarakeshwar N, Krishnan AK, Johnson S, Solomon S, Sikkema K, Merson M. Living with HIV infection: perceptions of patients with access to care at a non-governmental organization in Chennai, India. Cult Health Sex 2006; 8:407-21. [PMID: 16923645 DOI: 10.1080/13691050600859609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Through interviews, we examined explanatory frameworks of living with HIV infection among 50 HIV-positive individuals (23 women, 27 men) receiving care at a non-governmental organization in Chennai, India. Results were analysed according to three sets of issues, all of which were found to differ by gender: causal beliefs about HIV, impact of HIV, and care/treatment of HIV. HIV-positive participants attributed their infection to biological, moral and social causes, and the physical, financial and relationship dimensions of their lives were impacted upon by the infection. Furthermore, HIV-related stigma evoked fears about isolation and discrimination. Regarding care/treatment, men were most usually first initiated into the healthcare system while women often entered as a consequence of their partner's condition. Non-adherence to medication was reported by 32% of the participants due to financial constraints or side-effects. Although all participants were hopeful about a cure for HIV, women were less positive than men about treatment. Results highlight the importance of a gender-sensitive approach to HIV care, nuanced to accommodate an individual's gender, marital status and social background.
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Jamail M, Andrew K, Junaidi D, Krishnan AK, Faizal M, Rahmah N. Field validation of sensitivity and specificity of rapid test for detection of Brugia malayi infection. Trop Med Int Health 2005; 10:99-104. [PMID: 15655019 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2004.01334.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a field study of a rapid test (Brugia Rapid) for detection of Brugia malayi infection to validate its sensitivity and specificity under operational conditions. Seven districts in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia, which are endemic for brugian filariasis, were used to determine the test sensitivity. Determination of specificity was performed in another state in Malaysia (Bachok, Kelantan) which is non-endemic for filariasis but endemic for soil-transmitted helminths. In Sarawak both the rapid test and thick blood smear preparation were performed in the field. The rapid test was interpreted on site, whereas blood smears were taken to the district health centres for staining and microscopic examination. Sensitivity of Brugia Rapid dipstick as compared with microscopy of thick blood smears was 87% (20/23; 95% CI: 66.4-97.2) whereas the specificity was 100% (512/512). The lower sensitivity of the test in the field than in laboratory evaluations (> or =95%), was probably due to the small number of microfilaraemic individuals, in addition to difficulties in performing the test in remote villages by field personnel. The overall prevalence of brugian filariasis as determined by the dipstick is 9.4% (95% CI: 8.2-0.5) while that determined by microscopy is 0.90% (95% CI: 0.5-1.3) thus the dipstick detected about 10 times more cases than microscopy. Equal percentages of adults and children were found to be positive by the dipstick whereas microscopy showed that the number of infected children was seven times less than infected adults. The rapid dipstick test was useful as a diagnostic tool for mapping and certification phases of the lymphatic filariasis elimination programme in B. malayi-endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Jamail
- Sarawak Health Office, Sarawak, Malaysia.
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