Pegcetacoplan for the treatment of geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration (OAKS and DERBY): two multicentre, randomised, double-masked, sham-controlled, phase 3 trials.

BACKGROUND: Geographic atrophy is a leading cause of progressive, irreversible vision loss. The objectives of OAKS and DERBY were to assess the efficacy and safety of pegcetacoplan compared with sham treatment in patients with geographic atrophy. METHODS: OAKS and DERBY were two 24-month, multicentre, randomised, double-masked, sham-controlled, phase 3 studies, in which patients aged 60 years and older with geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration were enrolled at 110 clinical sites and 122 clinical sites worldwide, respectively. Patients were randomly assigned (2:2:1:1) by central web-based randomisation system to intravitreal 15 mg per 0·1 mL pegcetacoplan monthly or every other month, or sham monthly or every other month using stratified permuted block randomisation (stratified by geographic atrophy lesion area at screening, history or presence of active choroidal neovascularisation in the eye not under assessment, and block size of six). Study site staff, patients, reading centre personnel, evaluating physicians, and the funder were masked to group assignment. Sham groups were pooled for the analyses. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline to month 12 in the total area of geographic atrophy lesions in the study eye based on fundus autofluorescence imaging, in the modified intention-to-treat population (ie, all patients who received one or more injections of pegcetacoplan or sham and had a baseline and at least one post-baseline value of lesion area). Key secondary endpoints (measured at 24 months) were change in monocular maximum reading speed of the study eye, change from baseline in mean functional reading independence index score, change from baseline in normal luminance best-corrected visual acuity score, and change from baseline in the mean threshold sensitivity of all points in the study eye by mesopic microperimetry (OAKS only). Safety analyses included patients who were randomly assigned and received at least one injection of pegcetacoplan or sham. The now completed studies are registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03525613 (OAKS) and NCT03525600 (DERBY). FINDINGS: Between Aug 30, 2018, and July 3, 2020, 1258 patients were enrolled in OAKS and DERBY. The modified intention-to-treat populations comprised 614 (96%) of 637 patients in OAKS (202 receiving pegcetacoplan monthly, 205 pegcetacoplan every other month, and 207 sham) and 597 (96%) of 621 patients in DERBY (201 receiving pegcetacoplan monthly, 201 pegcetacoplan every other month, and 195 sham). In OAKS, pegcetacoplan monthly and pegcetacoplan every other month significantly slowed geographic atrophy lesion growth by 21% (absolute difference in least-squares mean -0·41 mm2, 95% CI -0·64 to -0·18; p=0·0004) and 16% (-0·32 mm2, -0·54 to -0·09; p=0·0055), respectively, compared with sham at 12 months. In DERBY, pegcetacoplan monthly and pegcetacoplan every other month slowed geographic atrophy lesion growth, although it did not reach significance, by 12% (-0·23 mm2, -0·47 to 0·01; p=0·062) and 11% (-0·21 mm2, -0·44 to 0·03; p=0·085), respectively, compared with sham at 12 months. At 24 months, pegcetacoplan monthly and pegcetacoplan every other month slowed geographic atrophy lesion growth by 22% (-0·90 mm2, -1·30 to -0·50; p<0·0001) and 18% (-0·74 mm2, -1·13 to -0·36; p=0·0002) in OAKS, and by 19% (-0·75 mm2, -1·15 to -0·34; p=0·0004) and 16% (-0·63 mm2, -1·05 to -0·22; p=0·0030) in DERBY, respectively, compared with sham. There were no differences in key secondary visual function endpoints at 24 months. Serious ocular treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in five (2%) of 213, four (2%) of 212, and one (<1%) of 211 patients in OAKS, and in four (2%) of 206, two (1%) of 208, and two (1%) of 206 patients in DERBY receiving pegcetacoplan monthly, pegcetacoplan every other month, and sham, respectively, at 24 months. New-onset exudative age-related macular degeneration was reported in 24 (11%), 16 (8%), and four (2%) patients in OAKS, and in 27 (13%), 12 (6%), and nine (4%) patients in DERBY receiving pegcetacoplan monthly, pegcetacoplan every other month, and sham, respectively, at 24 months. INTERPRETATION: Pegcetacoplan, the first treatment approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for geographic atrophy, slowed geographic atrophy lesion growth with an acceptable safety profile. FUNDING: Apellis Pharmaceuticals.

Clinical exome sequencing reveals a novel pathogenic variant in KIF12 underlying cholestasis with highly variable phenotypes.

Four affected individuals from a large consanguineous family were diagnosed with variable phenotypes of cholestasis based on their clinical laboratory and biopsy findings. Cholestasis is a condition when there is not enough bile flow between liver and small intestine. Two of the affected individuals (IV-1, IV-4) died of cholestatic liver at an early age, while the other two patients are alive with chronic liver disease. Clinical exome and Sanger sequencing identified a novel homozygous pathogenic variant (c.482-7_500del) in the patients.

Mutational spectrum of CFTR in cystic fibrosis patients with gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary manifestations.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare and debilitating autosomal recessive disorder. It hampers the normal function of various organs and causes severe damage to the lungs, and digestive system leading to recurring pneumonia. Cf also affects reproductive health eventually may cause infertility. The disease manifests due to genetic aberrations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. This study aimed to screen for CFTR gene variants in Pakistani CF patients representing variable phenotypes. METHODS: Clinical exome and Sanger sequencing were performed after clinical characterization of 25 suspected cases of CF (CF1-CF25). ACMG guidelines were followed to interpret the clinical significance of the identified variants. RESULTS: Clinical investigations revealed common phenotypes such as pancreatic insufficiency, chest infections, chronic liver and lung diseases. Some patients also displayed symptoms like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), neonatal cholestasis, acrodermatitis, diabetes mellitus, and abnormal malabsorptive stools. Genetic analysis of the 25 CF patients identified deleterious variants in the CFTR gene. Notably, 12% of patients showed compound heterozygous variants, while 88% had homozygous variants. The most prevalent variant was p. (Met1Thr or Met1?) at 24%, previously not reported in the Pakistani population. The second most common variant was p. (Phe508del) at 16%. Other variants, including p. (Leu218*), p. (Tyr569Asp), p. (Glu585Ter), and p. (Arg1162*) were also identified in the present study. Genetic analysis of one of the present patients showed a pathogenic variant in G6PD in addition to CFTR. CONCLUSION: The study reports novel and reported variants in the CFTR gene in CF patients in Pakistani population having distinct phenotypes. It also emphasizes screening suspected Pakistani CF patients for the p. (Met1Thr) variant because of its increased observance and prevalence in the study. Moreover, the findings also signify searching for additional pathogenic variants in the genome of CF patients, which may modify the phenotypes. The findings contribute valuable information for the diagnosis, genetic counseling, and potential therapeutic strategies for CF patients in Pakistan.

Three-dimensional Hill of Vision of Retinal Sensitivity in X-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa Participants under Scotopic and Mesopic Conditions.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility of three-dimensional hill of vision (HOV) analysis in assessing retinal sensitivity in X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) patients under scotopic cyan, scotopic red, and mesopic microperimetry conditions. METHODS: Baseline microperimetry data from 31 eyes of 16 XLRP patients enrolled in the Horizon study were analyzed. HOVs were generated using Thin Plate Spline interpolation. Grid volumes of the central 20 degrees (V20) were compared between lighting conditions using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test with Bonferroni correction. Central and global deficits were evaluated across age groups and genotypes. RESULTS: The mesopic group showed the highest mean V20 (1.3 dB-Sr), followed by scotopic red (0.6 dB-Sr) and scotopic cyan (0.5 dB-Sr). Significant differences were found between mesopic and both scotopic conditions (p<0.01), but not between scotopic conditions (p=0.26). Central and global deficits were more prevalent under scotopic conditions and increased with age. CONCLUSION: HOV analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of retinal sensitivity in XLRP, enabling detection of localized changes and quantification of sensitivity gradients. This volumetric approach offers advantages over traditional methods for diagnosis, monitoring progression, and evaluating treatment response.

Quantification of capillary blood flow speeds in diabetic retinopathy using variable interscan time analysis (VISTA) OCTA.

PURPOSE: To investigate retinal capillary plexus capillary flow speed and vessel density in diabetic retinopathy (DR) and normal subjects using variable interscan time analysis (VISTA) optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: High speed swept source OCTA imaging using multiple interscan times was performed over a 5 mm x 5 mm field-of-view with 600 kHz A-scan rate. Second-generation VISTA OCTA was used to measure a surrogate marker for capillary blood flow speed, VISTA flow speed (VFS), in the superficial and intermediate capillary plexuses, (SCP + ICP)VFS, and deep capillary plexus, DCPVFS. Vessel density was measured using OCTA. RESULTS: Fifty-seven eyes with different DR severity and 37 normal eyes were analyzed. VISTA OCTA provided diverse blood flow speed information, including pseudo-color OCTA and mean flow speed in different regions. Both DCPVFS and DCPVFS/(SCP + ICP)VFS were higher in DR compared to normal eyes. Elevated DCPVFS correlated with decreased DCP vessel density in non-proliferative DR. CONCLUSION: VISTA OCTA can measure a quantitative biomarker for blood flow speed alterations in DR and normal eyes as well as the association with vessel density in different capillary plexuses. VISTA OCTA is promising for studies of pathogenesis and early flow alterations which may precede non-perfusion.

Frequency of vitamin D deficiency in children with iron deficiency anaemia and factors associated with vitamin D deficiency.

Objective: To evaluate vitamin D deficiency in children with iron-deficiency anaemia, and to identify the risk factors for such deficiency. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Children's Hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan, from October 2021 to March 2022, and comprised children aged 1-5 years who had been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anaemia. Quantitative variables, like age, height, weight, gender, socioeconomic status and sibling status, were controlled by stratification. Data was compared to assess the risk factors of vitamin D deficiency among the subjects. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: Of the 236 children with iron-deficiency anaemia, 159(67.5%) also had vitamin D deficiency; 95(59%) girls and 65(41%) boys. Overall, 104(65.4%) subjects were aged 4-5 years and 55(34.6%) were aged 1-3 years. Vitamin D deficiency had significant association with female gender, older age, height and weight <5th centiles, educated parents, low to middle socioeconomic status, urban residence and higher number of siblings (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among children with iron-deficiency anaemia was found to be high.

Whole exome sequencing identified a novel splice donor site variant in interleukin 2 receptor alpha chain.

Interleukin 2 receptor alpha chain (IL-2Rα or CD25) deficiency (OMIM #606367) is an immune dysregulation disorder segregating in autosomal recessive form. The disease is caused by biallelic variants in the IL-2Rα gene encoding IL-2Rα also known as CD25 protein. IL-2Rα combines with γ and ß chains of interleukin 2 receptor to form a functional interleukin 2 receptor (IL-2R). In the present study, we identified a Pakistani family presenting a unique presentation of IL-2Rα deficiency. Clinical whole exome sequencing revealed a novel splice donor site variant (NM_001378789.1 (NP_001365718); c.64 + 1G > A) in the IL-2Rα gene. American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) guidelines interpreted the identified variant as likely pathogenic. The IL-2Rα gene mutation usually presents with autoimmunity and immunodeficiency but in our patient, it presents with congenital diarrhea, metabolic crisis, and strong family history of death in infancy due to the similar complications. Her congenital diarrhea is attributed to autoimmunity in the form of autoimmune enteropathy and eczema. The laboratory findings revealed severe metabolic acidosis hypokalemia and elevated lactate and ammonia levels. This is a new presentation of IL-2Rα gene mutation. The present study highlights the importance of clinical whole exome sequencing in the correct diagnosis of congenital disorders. The study will also help clinical geneticists for genetic counseling and prevention of the disease in the affected family.

The Mutational Landscape Of Genetic Cholestatic Diseases In Pakistani Children.

Objectives: To report the mutational landscape of a clinically diagnosed cohort of paediatric patients with cholestasis liver diseases. METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted at the University of Child Health Sciences, The Children Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from December 10, 2021, to March 31, 2022, and comprised data collected from the Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology unit on demographics, clinical and laboratory findings related to children of either gender aged <12 years and diagnosed with cholestatic liver disease from July 2018 to June 2021. The diagnosis was based on clinical and biochemical findings, with no evidence of biliary atresia and metabolic liver disease. Molecular characterisation was done through whole exome sequencing. RESULTS: Of the 171 children evaluated, 92(53.8%) were diagnosed with genetic cholestatic disorders. There were 52(56%) boys and 41(44%) girls. The median age at presentation was 19.5 months (interquartile range: 51 months). Consanguinity was found in 82(88.1%) cases, and positive family history with one or more affected siblings was noted in 60(64.5%). Exome sequencing identified pathogenic mutations in 13 genes underlying the hereditary cholestasis; ATP8B1, ABCB11, ABCB4, TJP2, NR1H4, DCDC2, ACOX2, AKR1D1, HSD3B7, ABCC2, USP53, SLC10A1, and SLC51A. Of the 70 variants identified, 50(71.4%) were novel variants. The ABCB11-related hereditary cholestasis was the most frequent 27(29%), followed by ABCB4 (26(27.9%). Homozygosity was frequently seen in all except 8(8.6%) children, who had compound heterozygous pathogenic variants. There was no evidence of phenotypic expression in the carrier parents despite the severe nature of the respective mutations identified in the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic heterogeneity of paediatric intrahepatic cholestasis showed recurrent and novel mutations.

MULTISCALE CORRELATION OF MICROVASCULAR CHANGES ON OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY WITH RETINAL SENSITIVITY IN DIABETIC RETINOPATHY.

PURPOSE: To assess global, zonal, and local correlations between vessel density changes measured by optical coherence tomography angiography and retinal sensitivity measured by microperimetry across diabetic retinopathy severity. METHODS: Diabetic patients and nondiabetic controls underwent optical coherence tomography angiography imaging and microperimetry testing. Pearson's correlation was used to assess associations between average sensitivity and skeletonized vessel density (SVD) or foveal avascular zone area centrally. Linear mixed effects modeling was used to assess relationships between local SVD measurements and their spatially corresponding retinal sensitivity measurements. RESULTS: Thirty-nine eyes from 39 participants were imaged. In all slabs, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between retinal sensitivities and SVDs on both global and zonal scales. No statistically significant correlation was found between central retinal sensitivities and the foveal avascular zone areas. Assessment of 1,136 spatially paired retinal sensitivity and SVD measurements revealed a statistically significant local relationship; this seemed to be driven by eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy that had reduced retinal sensitivities. CONCLUSION: This study supports positive correlations between SVD and retinal sensitivity at global and zonal spatial scales in diabetic eyes. However, our analysis did not find evidence of statistically significant correlations between retinal sensitivity and SVD on a local scale until advanced diabetic retinopathy.

A case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children presenting as systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare and serious COVID-19 manifestation characterised by generalised inflammatory response including inflammation of the heart, blood vessels, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes and gastrointestinal system. Children usually present with fever lasting for 24 hours or more along with other symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin rash, red eyes, and swelling of the lips, tongue, hands and feet. Children with MIS-C usually have negative results for a current infection with COVID-19 but positive antibody results indicating that these children were infected with the COVID-19 virus in the past. We present the case of a 12-month-old girl with multisystem inflammatory syndrome presenting as systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SoJIA) and positive Covid-19 PCR. She was treated successfully with Dexamethasone and Naproxen.

Characterizing New-Onset Exudation in the Randomized Phase 2 FILLY Trial of Complement Inhibitor Pegcetacoplan for Geographic Atrophy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate clinical characteristics of eyes in which investigator-determined new-onset exudative age-related macular degeneration (eAMD) developed during the FILLY trial. DESIGN: Post hoc analysis of the phase 2 study of intravitreal pegcetacoplan in geographic atrophy (GA). SUBJECTS: Patients with GA secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), n = 246. INTERVENTION: Either 15 mg intravitreal pegcetacoplan or sham given monthly or every other month for 12 months followed by a 6-month off-treatment period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Time of new eAMD onset in the study eye, history of eAMD in the fellow eye, presence of double-layer sign (DLS) on structural OCT in the study eye, changes in retinal anatomic features by structural OCT and fluorescein angiography (FA), and changes in visual acuity. RESULTS: Exudation was reported in 26 study eyes across treatment groups over 18 months. Mean time to eAMD diagnosis was 256 days (range, 31-555 days). Overall, a higher proportion of patients with a baseline history of eAMD in the fellow eye (P = 0.016) and a DLS in the study eye (P = 0.0001) demonstrated eAMD. Among study eyes in which eAMD developed, 18 of 26 (69%) had history of fellow-eye eAMD and 19 of 26 (73.1%) had DLS at baseline, compared with 76 of 217 study eyes (35%; P = 0.0007) and 70 of 215 study eyes (32.5%; P < 0.0001), respectively, in which eAMD did not develop. All 21 patients with structural OCT imaging at the time of eAMD diagnosis demonstrated subretinal fluid, intraretinal cysts, or both consistent with exudation. Among 17 patients who underwent FA at eAMD diagnosis, 10 showed detectable macular neovascularization (MNV), all occult lesions. Development of eAMD did not have an appreciable impact on visual acuity, and all patients responded to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal pegcetacoplan slowed the rate of GA growth and was associated with an unexpected dose-dependent increased incidence of eAMD with no temporal clustering of onset. Exudative AMD seemed to be associated with baseline eAMD in the contralateral eye and a DLS, suggestive of nonexudative MNV, in the study eye. The safety profile of pegcetacoplan was acceptable to proceed to phase 3 studies without adjustments to enrollment criteria.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 Infection in Children With Liver Transplant and Native Liver Disease: An International Observational Registry Study.

OBJECTIVE: Increased mortality risk because of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2) infection in adults with native liver disease (LD) and liver transplant (LT) is associated with advanced age and comorbid conditions. We aim to report outcomes for children with LD and LT enrolled in the NASPGHAN/SPLIT SARS-CoV2 registry. METHODS: In this multicenter observational cohort study, we collected data from 91 patients <21 years (LD 44, LT 47) with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV2 infection between April 21 and September 17, 2020. RESULTS: Patients with LD were more likely to require admission (70% vs 43% LT, P = 0.007) and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) management (32% vs 4% LT, P = 0.001). Seven LD patients required mechanical ventilation (MV) and 2 patients died; no patients in the LT cohort died or required MV. Four LD patients presented in pediatric acute liver failure (PALF), 2 with concurrent multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C); all recovered without LT. Two LD patients had MIS-C alone and 1 patient died. Bivariable logistic-regression analysis found that patients with nonalcoholic fatty LD (NAFLD) (odds ratio [OR] 5.6, P = 0.02) and LD (OR 6.1, P = 0.01, vs LT) had higher odds of severe disease (PICU, vasopressor support, MV, renal replacement therapy or death). CONCLUSIONS: Although not directly comparable, LT recipients had lower odds of severe SARS-CoV2 infection (vs LD), despite immunosuppression burden. NAFLD patients reported to the registry had higher odds of severe SARS-CoV2 disease. Future controlled studies are needed to evaluate effective treatments and further stratify LD and LT patients with SARS-CoV2 infection.

SWEPT-SOURCE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY IN SMALL CHOROIDAL MELANOMAS AND CHOROIDAL NEVI.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography to detect distinct vascular features in small choroidal melanomas and choroidal nevi. METHODS: Patients with a choroidal nevus or a treatment-naïve choroidal melanoma were imaged with color fundus photography, ultrasound, and swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (12 × 12 mm). High-risk features including overlying fluid, orange pigment, shaggy photoreceptors, acoustic hollowness, depth >2 mm, and basal diameter >5 mm were assessed. Optical coherence tomography angiography vascular markers included: choroidal vessel visualization, choroidal vessel depth, and choriocapillaris flow signal, assessed qualitatively by comparison with surrounding, unaffected choriocapillaris. RESULTS: Twenty-nine lesions were included in this study, seven flat choroidal nevi, 17 elevated choroidal nevi, and 5 choroidal melanomas. Distinct vascular patterns were noted between flat nevi, elevated nevi, and small choroidal melanomas. Choroidal melanomas displayed two types of vasculature: "nevus-like" vasculature with straight parallel vessels and complex vasculature with vascular loops and crosslinking. Visualized choroidal vessels were significantly deeper in melanomas (110 µm) than elevated (84 µm) or flat nevi (70 µm). In a size-matched subanalysis of 5 elevated choroidal nevi and 5 choroidal melanomas, choroidal melanomas had increased mean choroidal vessel depth (P = 0.015), deepest choroidal vessel visualized (P = 0.034), and presence of a deep choroidal vessel >155 µm (P = 0.048). CONCLUSION: Swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography may detect distinct vascular features in choroidal nevi and small choroidal melanomas.

FULL-THICKNESS MACULAR HOLE SIZE BY HYPERTRANSMISSION SIGNAL ON SPECTRAL-DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY.

PURPOSE: To assess the full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) size using the choroidal hypertransmission signal on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and to compare this method to the standard aperture measurement of the minimum aperture size at the level of the neurosensory retina. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of retrospective data. METHODS: Eyes with FTMH imaged on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were included. Two independent masked graders used the device's built-in caliper tool to measure the FTMH minimum aperture size at the level of the neurosensory retina and the size of the corresponding hypertransmission signal below the level of the retinal pigment epithelium/Bruch membrane complex. To assess the reproducibility of the hypertransmission measurement in tilted scans, two measurements were obtained and compared; the first was traced parallel to the retinal pigment epithelium (parallel hypertransmission), and the second was horizontal to the image frame (horizontal hypertransmission), both using Image J software. RESULTS: A total of 31 eyes were enrolled. The mean FTMH minimum aperture size was smaller compared with both the choroidal parallel hypertransmission and horizontal hypertransmission measurements (mean ± SD: 335.7 ± 139.5 µm, 376.7 ± 150.6 µm, 375.1 ± 150.0 µm, respectively. P < 0.001 for both comparisons). CONCLUSION: The proposed hypertransmission measurement is a feasible and reproducible alternative to assess FTMH size and could provide the basis for an automated FTMH measurement on cross-sectional spectral-domain optical coherence tomography scans, as presented in this study, or on the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography volumetric data set by using an en face projection.

ASSESSING THE ABILITY OF PREOPERATIVE QUANTITATIVE SPECTRAL-DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY CHARACTERISTICS TO PREDICT VISUAL OUTCOME IN IDIOPATHIC MACULAR HOLE SURGERY.

PURPOSE: To determine which spectral domain optical coherence tomography biomarkers of idiopathic macular hole (MH) correlate with the postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in anatomically closed MH. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of spectral domain optical coherence tomography scans of 44 patients presenting with MH followed for a mean of 17 months. Widths of MH aperture, base, and ellipsoid zone disruption were calculated from presenting foveal spectral domain optical coherence tomography B-scans. Macular hole base area and ellipsoid zone disruption area were calculated through the custom in-house software. RESULTS: Poorer postoperative BCVA correlated with increased preoperative choroidal hypertransmission (r = 0.503, P = 0.0005), minimum diameter (r = 0.491, P = 0.0007), and base diameter (r = 0.319, P = 0.0348), but not with preoperative ellipsoid zone width (r = 0.199, P = 0.2001). Applying en-face analysis, the BCVA correlated weakly with preoperative ellipsoid zone loss area (r = 0.380, P = 0.013), but not with preoperative MH base area (r = 0.253, P = 0.1058). CONCLUSION: Increased MH minimum diameter, base diameter, base area, and choroidal hypertransmission are correlated with a poorer postoperative BCVA. Ellipsoid zone loss measurements were not consistently correlated with a BCVA. Choroidal hypertransmission width may be an easy-to-visualize predictive imaging biomarker in MH surgery.

Can the Onset of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Be an Acceptable Endpoint for Prophylactic Clinical Trials?

Many studies over the past 20 years have pursued the goal of preventing or deferring progression from early and intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to advanced AMD. The onset of neovascular AMD has been used as a primary endpoint in some prophylactic clinical trials because it is easy to assess and relatively well-defined. Nevertheless, the use of this endpoint for assessing progression of AMD lacks validation. The aims of this paper are to review the current practice of clinical trials investigating the prevention of progression of early or intermediate AMD to neovascular AMD, so-called prophylactic trials, as well as identify ongoing efforts to standardize endpoints and select the ideal population for such studies.

Mean macular intercapillary area in eyes with diabetic macular oedema after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy and its association with treatment response.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the changes in the mean macular intercapillary area (ICA) from sequential enface optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images following intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy in initially treatment-naïve eyes with diabetic macular oedema (DME). METHODS: In this multicentre retrospective study, 6 × 6 and 3 × 3 mm customised, total retinal projection enface OCTA images were collected and processed for quantitative assessment of ICA by a customised MATLAB software. Measurements were done in concentric regions centred on the fovea-with the exclusion of foveal avascular zone (FAZ)-in 0.5 mm diameter increments as well as within the intervening rings. RESULTS: In this study, 6 × 6 mm OCTA images from 46 eyes of 29 patients, and 3 × 3 mm OCTA images from 23 eyes of 15 patients were included. There was no significant change in mean ICA after treatment in either scan size or in any measurement regions (all p > 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that baseline BCVA was significantly correlated with the visual outcome (p = 0.039). Additionally, after correction for age, baseline central retinal thickness (CRT), baseline BCVA, and retinopathy severity, mean ICA in the 1.5 mm circle was found to be a significant predictor of post treatment CRT, (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Absence of significant change in mean ICA after a minimum of three intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, may indicate that, in the short term, anti-VEGF injections neither impair nor improve macular perfusion in DME. Baseline BCVA was found to be a robust predictor of functional outcome, while inner mean ICA was a significant predictor for macular thickness outcomes.

Very early onset inflammatory bowel disease: Spectrum of clinical presentation, diagnostic tools and outcome in children.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the spectrum of presentation, underlying monogenetic defects and outcome in very early onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO-IBD). METHOD: The prospective, observational study was conducted at the Children's Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from January 2017 to December 2018, and comprised children developing features of inflammatory bowel disease aged <6 years. Data included demography, clinical presentation, diagnostic tools and outcome. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. RESULTS: Of the 60 children with relevant symptoms, 26(43.3%) were diagnosed as having very early onset inflammatory bowel disease. Of them, 13(50%) had underlying monogenic defect, and 16(61.5%) had ulcerative colitis. There were 22(84.6%) males with median age of 1.5(11) months in monogenic inflammatory bowel disease versus 24(43) months for non-monogenic inflammatory bowel disease (p<0.05). In the monogenic group, isolated rectal bleeding was the major presentation 13(100%) versus non-monogenic who presented mainly with failure to thrive 13(100%). Upper and lower endoscopies with histopathology had good diagnostic yield and inflammatory infiltrates on the biopsied tissues were the major findings. Mutations detected among the subjects were XIAP, PRKDC, PIK3CD, RAG-1, LRBA, DOCK8, TTC7, MEFV and EPCAM. Mortality was significantly higher in the monogenic group 7(54%) than in the non-monogenic group 2(15%) (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Very early onset inflammatory bowel disease should be suspected when conventional management fails to rectify common disease mimickers. Testing for underlying immunological defect and genetic mutation would be helpful for managing these rare disorders.

Intravitreal Combined Aflibercept + Anti-Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor ß for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Results of the Phase 2 CAPELLA Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of intravitreal aflibercept + anti-platelet-derived growth factor receptor ß (PDGFRß) combination with intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI) monotherapy in patients with treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). DESIGN: Phase 2, randomized, double-masked study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 505 patients (eyes) with nAMD. METHODS: Patients were randomized 1:2:2 to low-dose combination intravitreal anti-PDGFRß 1 mg and aflibercept 2 mg (LD combo), high-dose combination intravitreal anti-PDGFRß 3 mg and aflibercept 2 mg (HD combo), or IAI alone every 4 weeks through week 12. At week 12, patients in the HD combo and IAI groups were re-randomized to continue as assigned or switch to HD combo → IAI or IAI → HD combo and dosed every 4 weeks through week 28. During weeks 28 to 52, patients received treatment as needed per prespecified criteria. This report presents efficacy through week 28 and safety through week 52. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) change from baseline at week 12 (primary end point). RESULTS: At week 12, mean BCVA gains from baseline were 5.8, 5.8, and 7.5 letters with LD combo, HD combo, and IAI, respectively (P = 0.21 for LD combo and P = 0.10 for HD combo vs. IAI). The corresponding proportions of eyes that gained ≥15 letters were 12%, 19%, and 22%, respectively. Mean reductions in central retinal thickness from baseline were 126.1, 127.1, and 126.9 µm, respectively. Proportions of eyes with complete resolution of fluid from baseline were 35%, 24%, and 42%, respectively. Vision and anatomic outcomes at week 28 were consistent with the week 12 results. Through week 52, the incidence of intraocular inflammation was 1.0%, 7.5%, 2.1%, 2.1%, and 0%, respectively. The incidence of Anti-Platelet Trialists' Collaboration-defined arterial thromboembolic events was 1.9%, 0.9%, 1.1%, 2.1%, and 1.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal aflibercept + anti-PDGFRß did not improve BCVA over IAI alone. Anatomic outcomes evaluating complete fluid resolution favored IAI. Adverse events were consistent with the reported IAI safety profile, except for a higher frequency of intraocular inflammation in the HD combo group.

Consensus Nomenclature for Reporting Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Data: Consensus on Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Nomenclature Study Group.

PURPOSE: To establish a process to evaluate and standardize a state-of-the-art nomenclature for reporting neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) data. DESIGN: Consensus meeting. PARTICIPANTS: An international panel of retina specialists, imaging and image reading center experts, and ocular pathologists. METHODS: During several meetings organized under the auspices of the Macula Society, an international study group discussed and codified a set nomenclature framework for classifying the subtypes of neovascular AMD and associated lesion components. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A consensus classification of neovascular AMD. RESULTS: The study group created a standardized working definition of AMD. The components of neovascular AMD were defined and subclassified. Disease consequences of macular neovascularization were delineated. CONCLUSIONS: The framework of a consensus nomenclature system, a definition of AMD, and a delineation of the subtypes of neovascular AMD were developed. Establishing a uniform set of definitions will facilitate comparison of diverse patient groups and different studies. The framework presented is modified and updated readily, processes that are anticipated to occur on a periodic basis. The study group suggests that the consensus standards outlined in this article be used in future reported studies of neovascular AMD and clinical practice.