Brolucizumab after failure of aflibercept with photodynamic therapy in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: A case report

We describe one case of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy with persistent subretinal fluid despite multiple treatment with intravitreal Bevacizumab, Ranibizumab and Aflibercept, as well as Aflibercept associated with photodynamic therapy. The patient reached complete resolution after intravitreal Brolucizumab injection, but experienced recurrence of subretinal fluid 12 weeks after discontinuation. Brolucizumab might be an option in treating subretinal fluid after failure of other anti-VEGF agents associated with photodynamic therapy.

Comparative analysis of the quality of life among different retinal diseases

PURPOSE

To assess the impact on the quality of life (QoL) among different retinal diseases such as diabetic macular edema (DME), retinal vein occlusion (RVO), pathologic myopia (PM), neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 241 patients, affected by DME (n=44), RVO (n=41), PM (n=34) and nAMD (n=85) receiving intravitreal injections due to the presence of macular edema or choroidal neovascularization. The CSC patients included (n=37) were candidates for laser treatment. The patients included completed the National Eye Visual Functioning Questioning-25 (NEI VFQ-25). Best eye visual acuity (BEVA) was recorded using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) scale.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between subgroups for all the domains, except for the general vision in which all scores among diseases ranged from 40.7 to 45.2 out of 100 (P=.436), despite the difference in BEVA (CSC: 86.3±11.9; RVO: 78.5±15.5, DME: 73.3±15.2, nAMD: 72.9±12.6 and PM: 68.5±18.1 letters respectively; P<.001). The lowest VFQ-25 total score was observed in the PM patients (52.1±20.9), followed by nAMD (55.3±20.8), RVO (65.0±22.3), DME (68.6±21.0) and CSC (70.9±16.2). The DME group reported the worst score for general health (38.9±21.4). Mental health and role difficulties were lowest for PM (48.2±28.8 and 48.2±31.9, P<.007).

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals the differences in the QoL among DME, RVO, nAMD, PM and CSC, describing the different repercussions that they can suffer, observing a higher impact in PM and nAMD.

[Management optimization of neovascular age-related macular degeneration in Spain: Evolution towards proactive treatment models]

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Healthcare resources optimization is crucial to assume the growing demand of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). This work provides guidelines and support so that each hospital can lead its change management.

METHODS

The OPTIMUS project (n=10 hospitals) was based on face-to-face interviews with the key staff of the ophthalmology services, and alignment with the main responsible for each centre (nominal group) to identify potential needs for improving nAMD. The OPTIMUS nominal group was expanded to 12 centres (eVOLUTION). Through different remote work sessions, different guides and tools were defined and developed to implement proactive treatment strategies, one-step treatment administration and potential for remote visits (eConsult) in nAMD.

RESULTS

The information collected from the OPTIMUS interviews and working groups (n=10 centres) defined roadmaps to promote the development of protocols and proactive treatment strategies, including healthcare workload optimization and one-stop treatment administration in nAMD. With eVOLUTION, processes and tools were developed to promote eConsult: (i) healthcare burden calculator; (ii) definition of potential patients for telematic management; (iii) definition of nAMD management archetypes; (iv) definition of processes for implementation of eConsult by archetype; and (v) key performance indicators for changing evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

Managing change is an internal task that requires an adequate diagnosis of processes and feasible implementation roadmaps. OPTIMUS and eVOLUTION provide the basic tools for an autonomous advance of hospitals in the optimization of AMD management, with the available resources.

Evaluation of non-exudative tomographic signs in cases of exudative age-related macular degeneration

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the prevalence of non-exudative tomographic signs (onion sign, pseudoswelling, external retinal tubulation, pseudocysts, subretinal clefts and macular atrophy) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 174 eyes of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration who had not received previous treatment were included in the study. Visual acuity, neovascularization activity, and the appearance or not of the different signs under study were assessed at times 0 (initial visit), 4 months, one year, year and a half, and at 2 and 3 years of follow-up. The following were also evaluated: age, sex, affected eye and type of neovascularization (1, 2, 3, polypoid or mixed). The analysis were performed using the statistical software R (version 3.3.2) and the glmmADMB package (version 0.8.3.3).

RESULTS

The presence of pseudocysts and external retinal tubulation increases throughout the follow-up. The onion sign begins with an ascending frequency up to 12 months, then decreases at 18 months and increases again at 24 months. Regarding pseudowelling, it maintains an increase until 18 months to finally decrease. Subretinal clefts is the rarest sign, presenting in 1.1% on the first visit. Finally, macular atrophy, present in 12.6% of the eyes initially, is found in 25% after 2 years.

CONCLUSION

Pseudocysts, external retinal tubulation and macular atrophy were the most prevalent signs, while subretinal clefts were the most infrequent.

Dexamethasone implant prior to anti-VEGF therapy in pigment epithelium detachments with high-risk rupture characteristics secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the incidence of pigment epithelial tear when intravitreal delayed-release dexamethasone implant is administered (off-label use) prior to antiangiogenic treatment in pigment epithelium detachments (PED) secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) with high-risk rupture characteristics and investigate if it causes a decrease in the PED size.

METHODS

Patients with nAMD, PED height >500 microns and Ozurdex implant prior to the antiangiogenic therapy were included. The presence of pigment epithelium rupture in optical coherence tomography scans, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and PED measurements (maximum height and diameter) were registered.

RESULTS

The study included 14 eyes of 14 patients: mean age 77 ± 7 years, 11 (79%) females. 25 ± 13 days after the Ozurdex, patients started with at least 3 anti-VEGF monthly injections. BCVA improved from 64 ± 14-69 ± 11 letters after anti-VEGF therapy (p > 0.05). Mean baseline PED height was 817 ± 269 µm, being 639 ± 268 µm after Ozurdex and 370 ± 260 µm after anti-VEGF injections (p = 0.035 and p = 0.009). One retinal pigment epithelium tear occurred (7%). No other adverse effects were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Dexamethasone implant prior to anti-VEGF therapy may represent a promising therapeutic modality for large PED in nAMD, reducing PED dimensions and the risk of pigment epithelium tears prior to anti VEGF therapy.

Assessment of the perception of healthcare barriers and the impact of intravitreal injections on neovascular age-related macular degeneration

AIM

To evaluate the perception of barriers in healthcare and the impact of intravitreal injections in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

METHODS

Cross-sectional study including 108 patients with nAMD in treatment with intravitreal injections. The patients answered a questionnaire with 26 questions (score from 1 to 5) divided in three sections: 1) the disease and its treatment with injections, 2) healthcare barriers and 3) new technologies.

RESULTS

The mean age was 80.4 ± 7.0 years and visual acuity (VA) was 75.2 ± 12.4 letters. The main barriers in healthcare were long waiting times (72%), followed by other comorbidities (10%). Some 63% of patients have to wait between 3 and 5 h to attend their clinical visit. Significant anxiety due to the injections (2.8 ± 1.3) was observed, being present in 71% of the cases the day before. A great fear of blindness and losing independence was observed (4.4 ± 0.9 and 4.3 ± 1.1), with no differences in relation to VA, age or sex (p ≥ 0.135). Moreover, 28% of the patients reported that it was quite or very difficult for them to attend the clinical visit, with 69% of the total showing great interest in having a diagnostic device at home.

CONCLUSION

The nAMD and its treatment represent a significant burden on patients, among whom there is a great fear of blindness and of losing their independence, the main barrier being the long waiting time for the clinical visit.

Real-life results in treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration with anti-VEGF therapy. Analysis of 122 patients from a single centre

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has improved significantly since the advent of antiangiogenic treatments. However, several «real life» studies have shown lower number of injections and a markedly worse visual prognosis than pivotal clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness and safety of the treatment of neovascular AMD and analyse clinical factors related to the functional and structural prognosis in routine clinical practice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective, observational, single-centre study that included 143 eyes of 122 patients diagnosed with neovascular AMD between the years 2015 and 2016, who received treatment with antiangiogenic drugs and were followed up for two or more years.

RESULTS

Visual acuity improved in 45% of patients after two years of treatment. The mean decrease in central macular thickness was 85 μm (p < 0.001) and the mean number of injections was 13. Retinal pigment epithelium rupture was present in 3.5%. Ranibizumab was the drug most used as a first option, although 79 patients (55.2%) required a change in treatment, most being switched to aflibercept. A greater number of visits (p < 0.001) and a lower number of injections (p < 0.01) were predictors of worse structural outcome. The number of visits was associated with better visual acuity (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment has demonstrated its efficacy by improving visual acuity and central macular thickness. However, the number of injections performed has generally been higher than in other real-life studies.

Assessment of vision-related quality of life and depression and anxiety rates in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To assess the vision-related quality of life and the depression and anxiety rates in patients with neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of patients with nAMD treated with intravitreal injections was performed. The patients completed two validated questionnaires: the Visual Functioning Questionnaire (VFQ-25, score from 0 to 100), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire. Age, gender and visual acuity (VA) in the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) scale was registered.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients with nAMD participated with a mean age of 80.9 ± 6.6 years-old (range 67-93) and a mean VA in the best eye of 73.5 ± 12.7 letters (range 44-95). The global VFQ-25 mean score was 57.4 ± 21.9 being 38.9 ± 13.2 for the general vision and 42.0 ± 19.5 for the general health. VA in the best eye was associated with the global score of the VFQ-25 scale (R = 0.608; P < .001), but no correlation was observed with general health (P = .936). In the HADS scale, 26.9% and 25.5% of patients had symptoms of depression and anxiety respectively. A negative correlation was found between the HADS and VFQ-25 scales for the general vision score (R = -0.438).

CONCLUSION

This study elucidates the impact of vision impairment and the visual functioning in nAMD, describing an important rate of depression and anxiety symptoms.

Nutritional supplements with omega 3 in retinal disease: Relationship between volume and concentration in commercial products

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the morphometric characteristics and the concentration of (docosahexaenoic acid) DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) of the different nutritional supplements with omega 3 available on the market for retinal disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A double-blind study was conducted with a single observer, of the different omega 3 supplementation tablets sample marketed in Spain. The length of the tablet, the concentration of omega 3 in total, as well as DHA and EPA were studied separately using the amount provided by the manufacturer and the volume of the capsule calculated from the development of a specific formula for it.

RESULTS

A total of 10 different nutritional supplements were included. The mean of total omega 3, DHA and EPA was 383.10±160.90, 210.72±93.3, and 112.34±140.98mg, respectively. The mean size of the capsules was 14.77±0.19×8.13±0.09mm The smallest sized capsule was that of Oftan macula omega® (Esteve, Barcelona, Spain). Brudymacula® (Brudylab, Barcelona, Spain) and Brudyretina 1.5 g® (Brudylab, Barcelona, Spain) tablets contained more DHA, with Nutrof omega® (Thea Laboratories, Barcelona, Spain) having the lowest concentration of omega 3, DHA and EPA, per tablet.

CONCLUSION

There are significant differences in size, volume, quantity, and concentration of omega 3 and its derivatives, between different commercial preparations. Only the knowledge of the characteristics of the nutritional supplements will enable us to provide a more personalised indication of their use for our patients.

Analysis and follow-up of type 1 choroidal neovascularisation with optical coherence tomography-angiography after antiangiogenic treatment

AIM

To describe the characteristics of type 1 choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) in age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) using two different optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) devices sequentially during a standard protocol of three intravitreal injections of an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF).

METHODS

The study included 6 eyes with naïve neovascular ARMD. Macular OCT-A images were acquired using AngioPlex Cirrus HD-OCT 5000 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc., Dublin, USA) and DRI OCT Triton SS-OCT Angio (Topcon, Medical Systems, Inc. Oakland, NJ, USA). The macular OCT-A scan covered an area of 3×3mm. Distinct morphological patterns and quantifiable features of the neovascular membranes were studied on en face projection images, which were taken at different stages of the follow-up.

RESULTS

Treatment response could be estimated using the OCT-A criteria of CNV activity. Higher activity scores before treatment resulted in a greater decrease in the membrane area. The estimated net decline in area ranged from 83.5% to 1.4%. The OCT-A performed one-week after treatment revealed the greatest area reductions.

CONCLUSIONS

OCT-A provides new possibilities for the non-invasive assessment of features of neovascular networks and CNV structural morphology. Newly described activity criteria can also guide therapeutic decisions, and help in evaluating responses. Quantitative and qualitative information can be provided with this technique. However, further software development and future investigation are essential to define the role of this tool on a daily basis.

Implications of the anatomical classification of the neovascular form of age-related macular degeneration

OBJECTIVE

To present the clinical relevance of the anatomical classification of the neovascular form of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

METHODS

Critical analysis of the current situation in the management of patients with neovascular AMD, by reviewing the available scientific evidence with regards to the classification of the types of neovascular lesion by angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

RESULTS

The classification of the neovascular lesion type secondary to AMD by OCT in type 1 lesions (under the pigment epithelium), type 2 (subretinal), and type 3 (retinal angiomatous proliferation), provides an added value in allowing to establish a long-term visual prognosis, an estimate of the number of treatments that a certain case may require, and a stratification of the risk for secondary geographic atrophy.

CONCLUSIONS

Incorporating OCT to the initial qualitative analysis of cases with neovascular AMD offers an added value superior to that provided by the angiography, with the relevant clinical implications.

Bilateral polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy coexisting with exudative and atrophic age-related macular degeneration

OBJECTIVE

To present the case of simultaneous presentation of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and aged-related macular degeneration (AMD).

CASE REPORT

An 83-year-old woman presented with decreased vision in the left eye (LE). In the examination there was an orange peripapillary lesion surrounded by lipid exudates and another subfoveal greyish lesion in the LE. Disciform scarring was observed in the right eye. Fluorescein angiography showed a classic neovascular membrane in in the LE fovea. Indocyanine angiography (ICGA) showed a polyp-like peri-papillary aneurysmal dilation in both eyes. The patient was treated with photodynamic therapy and anti-VEFG injections with stabilisation of the lesions.

CONCLUSION

PCV and AMD can co-exist in unusual cases. When PCV is suspected, ICGA is mandatory for diagnosis.

Anti-VEGF and its impact on the outer retina: retinal pigment epithelium tear after an injection of aflibercept in contralateral eye

CASE REPORT

A 62-year-old woman with a history of bilateral retinal pigment epithelium detachment (PED), secondary of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), who presented with a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tear on her left eye after an aflibercept injection in the contralateral eye one month earlier.

DISCUSSION

A RPE tear is the main complication when the anti-VEGF therapy is used for the management of the PED. Furthermore, it should be noted that systemic absorption of the drug can induce an effect on the untreated eye.

[Oct parameters as predictive factors for the visual outcome after ranibizumab therapy in neovascular age related macular degeneration]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate macular morphological parameters measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) as predictive factors of visual outcome in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treated with ranibizumab.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 47 patients diagnosed with exudative AMD and treated with intravitreal ranibizumab for twelve months. Central retinal thickness (CRT), extension and thickness of modifications secondary to neovascular process, and status of the bands corresponding to the external limiting membrane (ELM) and to the ellipsoid region of the photoreceptors (ISe) were evaluated by means of SD-OCT. The relationship between these variables and visual acuity was analyzed by statistical methods.

RESULTS

At the time of the diagnosis, preservation of ELM and ISe bands, and CRT were correlated with initial visual acuity. Twelve months later, CRT and visual acuity were independent parameters. Bivariate relationship analysis showed a correlation between final visual acuity and the following parameters: initial CRT, initial ISe and ELM status, and ISe and ELM integrity after loading dose. Multiple regression analysis indicated that initial visual acuity and ISe band status after loading dose have a predictive value for final visual acuity.

CONCLUSIONS

The status of ISe and ELM bands after twelve months of treatment with ranibizumab was associated with visual outcome. Initial visual acuity and status of the ISe band after loading dose are prognostic factors of final visual acuity.

[Management of aflibercept in routine clinical practice]

Aflibercept is a new anti-vegf drug that, unlike ranibizumab and bevacizumab blocks both vegf-A and placental growth factor. Moreover, it binds with much greater strength and affinity to human VEGF-A165 than other endogenous vegf receptors, conferring it with a more extended effect and allowing a lower frequency of intravitreal injections. This facilitates the adoption of fixed treatment regimens other than monthly or individual regimens such as "treat and extend". Aflibercept is indicated for the treatment of neovascular (exudative) age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), visual alteration due to macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and visual alteration due to diabetic macular edema (DME). The present article reviews the management of aflibercept in routine clinical practice, based on the specifications of its new core data sheet, which includes all the therapeutic indications in which its use has been approved and evaluating the distinct alternatives and treatment regimens after the initial loading doses.

Residual stereopsis in age-related macular degeneration patients and its impact on vision-related abilities: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of residual stereopsis on vision-related abilities of low vision (LV) patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

METHODS

Prospective non-randomized observational case series. Inclusion criteria included documented AMD, LV with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/50-20/400 in the better eye, and ages between 50 and 90 years. Stereoacuity was measured using the near Frisby Stereotest. Vision related abilities were documented with the VA LV VFQ-48 questionnaire.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven subjects with mean age of 84±6 years old were recruited, of which 59.3% (16/27) were female. 59.3% (16/27) of the subjects were not able to see any stereoacuity plate, 25.9% (7/27) had stereoacuity of 340s of arc (SOA), 11.1% (3/27) had stereoacuity of 170 SOA and 3.7% (1/27) had stereoacuity of 85 SOA. The mean Overall Functional Visual Abilities (OFVA) score was significantly higher in those with stereopsis (2.25±0.99) than those without stereopsis (1.50±0.92) (P=0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

LV patients with stereopsis have better OFVA than those without. Stereopsis should be considered as a component of LV rehabilitation and considered as an outcome measure in research and clinical practice.

[Responses to ranibizumab in wet age-related macular degeneration patients with vitreomacular traction]

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present study is to compare the responses to ranibizumab between wet age-related macular degeneration patients, with and without accompanying vitreomacular traction syndrome.

METHODS

Our database of optical coherence tomography files was searched for eyes of age-related macular degeneration patients that had been treated with ranibizumab, and that had evidence of vitreomacular traction. A control group was selected from the same database for comparison. The case history of each selected individual was reviewed for data regarding the evolution of visual acuity in that patient, and the number of intravitreal injections that had been required to date.

RESULTS

From a database of 373 eyes, clear images of vitreomacular traction were obtained for a total of 18 eyes. The mean follow-up period was 20.6 months (SD=10.6, range=10.4-31.7). Patients in the vitreomacular traction group had been given an average of 5.1 injections versus an average of 4.2 injections in patients in the control group. The mean changes in visual acuity (which was measured using ETDRS charts) were -15 letters and -4 letters in the vitreomacular traction and control groups (P=.07), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

After ranibizumab treatment, age-related macular degeneration patients with accompanying vitreomacular traction showed a tendency to have a poorer prognosis in terms of visual acuity than patients without this finding. In addition, higher numbers of intravitreal injections were required to obtain clinical responses in patients with vitreomacular traction.

[Availability of resources for patients with wet age-related macular degeneration. Optimal study]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess the availability of resources for patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) in current clinical practice.

METHODS

Observational, cross-sectional and multicenter study. Eligible subjects were ≥ 18 years old, with primary/secondary active subfoveal AMD-related choroidal neovascularization diagnosed 12-18 months prior to inclusion in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 266 patients were included (39 centers). The mean age (SD) was 76.1 (8.1) years, of whom 55.6% were female. According to the investigator assessment a median (Q1-Q3) of 20.0 (10.0-50.0) patients were visited weekly. A mean of 100.0 (45.0-250.0) were currently under treatment mainly performed in operating rooms (61.5%). Centers had 1.0 (1.0-2.0) operating rooms available for treatment 2.0 (2.0-5.0) days/week. In 74.4% they were located on different floors/buildings from ophthalmology services. Waiting time until visit was 40.0 (30.0-60.0) min, and duration of treatment was 20.0 (15.0-50.0) min. The time between request until medical visit was 20.0 (15.0-30.0) days, and from diagnosis to treatment was 7.0 (5.0-10.0) days. Clinicians considered there was insufficient staff for examinations (84.6%), and treatment (46.2%). About 30.8% and 20.5% mentioned lack of diagnostic tools, such as optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography.

CONCLUSIONS

More resources for diagnosis and treatment of wAMD are required. These results, together with the current policy of reducing the budget in the Spanish Health System, could lead to possible delays in the diagnosis and treatment of wAMD.