Bevacizumab Injection in Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Increases Angiogenic Biomarkers.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the expression of 19 angiogenic biomarkers in the aqueous humor before and after intravitreal bevacizumab injection (IVB) in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). DESIGN: Prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-three eyes of 23 treatment-naïve patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to neovascular AMD. METHODS: Eyes were diagnosed with CNV secondary to neovascular AMD and were treated with 3 monthly IVBs. Aqueous humor samples were obtained by anterior chamber paracentesis at baseline and immediately before each intravitreal bevacizumab injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Aqueous humor levels of 19 angiogenic biomarkers (angiopoietin 2, bone morphogenetic protein 9 [BMP-9], epidermal growth factor [EGF], endoglin, endothelin 1, fibroblast growth factor [FGF]-1 and FGF-2, follistatin, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor [GCSF], heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor [HB-EGF], hepatocyte growth factor [HGF], interleukin 8, leptin, placental growth factor [PLGF], vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases [TIMP]-1 and TIMP-2) were measured. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spectral-domain OCT parameters, and intraocular pressure also were evaluated. RESULTS: Baseline aqueous VEGF-A expression was elevated in all study eyes before treatment initiation. A statistically significant decrease of VEGF-A was observed at the 1- and 2-month follow-ups. A statistically significant increased concentration was observed in 7 biomarkers: VEGF-C, angiopoietin 2, endothelin 1, follistatin, HB-EGF, HGF, and interleukin 8. The other 11 study biomarker levels (VEGF-D, BMP-9, EGF, endoglin, FGF-1, FGF-2, GCSF, leptin, PLGF, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2) did not show any significant difference during follow-up. The BCVA statistically improved significantly at 2 months. Spectral-domain OCT parameters improved significantly at all follow-ups. Mean intraocular pressure values were not statistically different during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a decrease in VEGF-A, the aqueous levels of VEGF-C, angiopoietin 2, endothelin 1, follistatin, HB-EGF, HGF, and interleukin 8 increased significantly after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab. These upregulated angiogenic biomarkers may represent new therapeutic targets in exudative AMD.

[Amsler grid and visual field on screening for chloroquine retinopathy]. / Tela de Amsler e campo visual no rastreamento da retinopatia por cloroquina.

PURPOSE: To compare the modified Amsler grid to the Humphrey(®) 10-2 red visual field in chloroquine users for the detection of early maculopathy, and to correlate with the risk variables. METHODS: The study included 116 eyes of 58 patients followed at the Department of Ophthalmology of Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo, from April, 2006 to April, 2008. All users had normal fundus and more than 2 years of chloroquine therapy. Their clinical data were evaluated and they underwent visual acuity examination, fundus biomicroscopy, visual field and Amsler grid. RESULTS: The incidence of early maculopathy was 7 to 10%, depending on the examination considered. The agreement between the Amsler grid and visual field was low. There was statistical significance with the use of high daily dose, elevated cumulative dose and low visual acuity in patients whose eyes had both abnormal tests; patient age and duration of treatment did not show good correlation in these cases, but their averages (67.4 years and 8.4 years, respectively) were within the range of high risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that Amsler can be useful in complementing the information on the visual field for chloroquine retinopathy periodic screening, especially for those patients who present high risk factors well established, selecting better candidates for objective tests, such as HD OCT and mfERG.

Tela de Amsler e campo visual no rastreamento da retinopatia por cloroquina / Amsler grid and visual field on screening for chloroquine retinopathy

OBJETIVOS: Comparar a tela de Amsler modificada com o campo visual Humphrey® 10-2 vermelho nos usuários de cloroquina, na detecção da maculopatia precoce, e correlacionar com as variáveis de risco. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados 116 olhos de 58 pacientes, acompanhados no Serviço de Oftalmologia do Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo, entre abril de 2006 e abril de 2008. Todos os usuários tinham fundo de olho normal e mais de dois anos de terapia com cloroquina. Os participantes tiveram seus dados clínicos avaliados e foram submetidos ao exame da acuidade visual corrigida, biomicroscopia de fundo, campimetria macular automatizada e tela de Amsler. RESULTADOS: A incidência da maculopatia precoce foi de 7 a 10%, dependendo do exame considerado. A concordância entre a tela de Amsler e o campo visual foi baixa. Para o grupo de olhos que apresentaram ambos os exames alterados, houve significância estatística com a alta dose diária, dose cumulativa elevada e baixa acuidade visual; a idade do paciente e a duração do tratamento não mostraram boa correlação nestes casos, mas suas médias (67,4 anos e 8,4 anos, respectivamente) situaram-se dentro da faixa dos fatores de alto risco. CONCLUSÕES: O estudo sugere que a tela de Amsler pode ser útil na complementação das informações do campo visual no rastreamento periódico da retinopatia por cloroquina, sobretudo naqueles com fatores de alto risco bem estabelecidos, selecionando melhor os candidatos à realização de testes objetivos, como o OCT de alta resolução e o ERG multifocal.

PURPOSE: To compare the modified Amsler grid to the Humphrey® 10-2 red visual field in chloroquine users for the detection of early maculopathy, and to correlate with the risk variables. METHODS: The study included 116 eyes of 58 patients followed at the Department of Ophthalmology of Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo, from April, 2006 to April, 2008. All users had normal fundus and more than 2 years of chloroquine therapy. Their clinical data were evaluated and they underwent visual acuity examination, fundus biomicroscopy, visual field and Amsler grid. RESULTS: The incidence of early maculopathy was 7 to 10%, depending on the examination considered. The agreement between the Amsler grid and visual field was low. There was statistical significance with the use of high daily dose, elevated cumulative dose and low visual acuity in patients whose eyes had both abnormal tests; patient age and duration of treatment did not show good correlation in these cases, but their averages (67.4 years and 8.4 years, respectively) were within the range of high risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that Amsler can be useful in complementing the information on the visual field for chloroquine retinopathy periodic screening, especially for those patients who present high risk factors well established, selecting better candidates for objective tests, such as HD OCT and mfERG.

[Study of visual acuity and intraocular pressure in the treatment of macular diabetic edema with intravitreous triamcinolone]. / Avaliação da acuidade visual e da pressão intraocular no tratamento do edema macular diabético com triancinolona intravítrea.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in patients with diffuse diabetic macular edema on the visual acuity and intraocular pressure. To report the potential adverse events and to analyze the potential relationship between age and visual acuity and intraocular pressure variability. METHODS: This clinical controlled study included 14 patients (28 eyes), 14 of the eyes received an intravitreal injection of 4 mg triamcinolone acetonide for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. The study group was compared to a control group of 14 eyes, without diabetic macular edema. The follow-up period was of 3 months. RESULTS: Pressure spikes >21 mmHg occurred in 28.7% of eyes, with a significant difference of intraocular pressure between the study group and the control group in the first week after treatment. Visual acuity showed a significant improvement when compared with the control group since the second day after the treatment. There was no association between age and variability of visual acuity and intraocular pressure. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide showed to be effective for improving visual acuity in patients with diabetic macular edema, in the first three months of treatment. The incidence of intraocular hypertension was 28.7%, easily manageable.

Avaliação da acuidade visual e da pressão intraocular no tratamento do edema macular diabético com triancinolona intravítrea / Study of visual acuity and intraocular pressure in the treatment of macular diabetic edema with intravitreous triamcinolone

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar os efeitos do acetato de triancinolona intravítreo em pacientes com edema macular diabético difuso na acuidade visual e pressão intraocular. Relatar os possíveis efeitos adversos e analisar a possível relação da idade dos pacientes com as variações da acuidade visual e pressão intraocular. MÉTODOS: O ensaio clínico controlado incluiu 14 pacientes (28 olhos), sendo que 14 olhos receberam injeção de 4 mg de acetato de triancinolona intravítreo para o tratamento de edema macular diabético difuso. O grupo tratado foi comparado a um grupo controle de 14 olhos sem edema macular diabético difuso. O tempo de seguimento foi de três meses. RESULTADOS: Os picos de pressão intraocular >21 mmHg ocorreram em 28,57 por cento, com diferença significante entre a pressão intraocular do grupo tratado com o grupo controle na primeira semana após o tratamento. A acuidade visual mostrou uma significativa melhora quando comparada com o grupo controle desde o segundo dia após o tratamento. Não houve associação entre a idade com as variações da acuidade visual e a pressão intraocular. CONCLUSÃO: O acetato de triancinolona intravítreo mostrou-se ser eficiente para melhorar a acuidade visual em pacientes com edema macular diabético difuso, nos primeiros três meses de tratamento. A incidência de hipertensão intraocular foi de 28,57 por cento, podendo ser caracterizada como de fácil controle.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in patients with diffuse diabetic macular edema on the visual acuity and intraocular pressure. To report the potential adverse events and to analyze the potential relationship between age and visual acuity and intraocular pressure variability. METHODS: This clinical controlled study included 14 patients (28 eyes), 14 of the eyes received an intravitreal injection of 4 mg triamcinolone acetonide for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. The study group was compared to a control group of 14 eyes, without diabetic macular edema. The follow-up period was of 3 months. RESULTS: Pressure spikes >21 mmHg occurred in 28.7 percent of eyes, with a significant difference of intraocular pressure between the study group and the control group in the first week after treatment. Visual acuity showed a significant improvement when compared with the control group since the second day after the treatment. There was no association between age and variability of visual acuity and intraocular pressure. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide showed to be effective for improving visual acuity in patients with diabetic macular edema, in the first three months of treatment. The incidence of intraocular hypertension was 28.7 percent, easily manageable.

[Evaluation of the macular function by focal electroretinography and by fluorescein angiography in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration submitted to verteporfin photodynamic therapy]. / Avaliação da função macular por eletrorretinografia focal e por angiofluoresceinografia em pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade neovascular submetidos à terapia fotodinâmica com verteporfina.

PURPOSE: To evaluate macular function by focal electroretinography and fluorescein angiography (FA) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration submitted to verteporfin photodynamic therapy (VPT). METHODS: Prospective study involving 22 patients with age-related macular degeneration and predominantly classic subfoveal neovascular membrane, in non consecutive series, treated with VPT and followed for 12 months. They had their best corrected visual acuity measured by ETDRS chart, changes of lesion measured by fluorescein angiography and cone function assessed by focal electroretinography at baseline and each 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: All 22 patients completed the scheduled follow-up. After a mean of 3.5 sessions of treatment per patient, the mean visual acuity variation was not significant at the end of study. Eleven patients showed variation > or =1 line. 86% of patients achieved stabilization of lesion leakage at the end of the study. Focal electroretinography showed a mean of 194.88 nV in amplitude and 29.19 ms in latency and did not present a significant variation during treatment. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in focal electroretinography amplitudes and latencies after a 9-month period. Visual acuity did not show important variations during the 12 months. The decrease of lesion size showed a significant difference at 12 months with negative correlation between the amplitude of focal electroretinography and best corrected visual acuity.

Avaliação da função macular por eletrorretinografia focal e por angiofluoresceinografia em pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade neovascular submetidos à terapia fotodinâmica com verteporfina / Evaluation of the macular function by focal electroretinography and by fluorescein angiography in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration submitted to verteporfin photodynamic therapy

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a função macular por eletrorretinografia focal e angiofluoresceinografia em pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade neovascular submetidos à terapia fotodinâmica com verteporfina. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo incluindo 22 pacientes (12 homens) com degeneração macular relacionada à idade e lesão neovascular coroídea subfoveal predominantemente clássica, não consecutivos, tratados com terapia fotodinâmica com verteporfina padrão e acompanhados por um período de 12 meses. A acuidade visual melhor corrigida foi medida utilizando tabela ETDRS, as alterações das lesões foram avaliadas pela angiofluoresceinografia e a função dos cones foram obtidas pela eletrorretinografia focal na visita inicial e nas subsequentes a cada três meses. RESULTADOS: Todos os pacientes completaram as visitas programadas. Após uma média de 3,5 sessões por paciente, a variação da acuidade visual melhor corrigida não foi significante no decorrer do estudo. Em 50 por cento dos pacientes a variação da acuidade visual melhor corrigida foi >1 linha. Ao final do estudo observou-se ausência de vazamento em 86 por cento dos pacientes. A média da amplitude e latência do ERG focal na visita inicial foram de, respectivamente, 194,88 nV e 29,19 ms e as variações no decorrer do estudo não foram significantes. CONCLUSÕES: Não foram encontradas diferenças na amplitude e latência do eletrorretinografia focal após um período de 9 meses. A acuidade visual melhor corrigida não sofreu variações significativas ao longo dos 12 meses. A lesão foi significativamente reduzida ao longo do tempo e houve uma correlação negativa entre a amplitude e a acuidade visual melhor corrigida.

PURPOSE: To evaluate macular function by focal electroretinography and fluorescein angiography (FA) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration submitted to verteporfin photodynamic therapy (VPT). METHODS: Prospective study involving 22 patients with age-related macular degeneration and predominantly classic subfoveal neovascular membrane, in non consecutive series, treated with VPT and followed for 12 months. They had their best corrected visual acuity measured by ETDRS chart, changes of lesion measured by fluorescein angiography and cone function assessed by focal electroretinography at baseline and each 3month follow-up. RESULTS: All 22 patients completed the scheduled follow-up. After a mean of 3.5 sessions of treatment per patient, the mean visual acuity variation was not significant at the end of study. Eleven patients showed variation >1 line. 86 percent of patients achieved stabilization of lesion leakage at the end of the study. Focal electroretinography showed a mean of 194.88 nV in amplitude and 29.19 ms in latency and did not present a significant variation during treatment. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in focal electroretinography amplitudes and latencies after a 9-month period. Visual acuity did not show important variations during the 12 months. The decrease of lesion size showed a significant difference at 12 months with negative correlation between the amplitude of focal electroretinography and best corrected visual acuity.

Degeneraçäo macular relacionada à idade: modalidades terapéuticas / Age related macular degeneration: therapeutic modalities

Descrever as modalidades de tratamento clínico e cirúrgico das complicaçöes da degeneraçäo macular relacionada à idade (DMRI).

Resoluçäo espontânea de buraco macular traumático associado à obstruçäo venosa do ramo / Spontaneous resolution of traumatic macular holeassociated with branch vein occlusion

É descrito um caso incomum de fechamento espontâneo de buraco de mácula traumático associado à obstruçäo venosa de ramo retiniano. Havia hemorragia com nível líquido na parte inferior da soluçäo de continuidade tecidual foveal. Após uma semana houve fechamento espontâneo do buraco. A presença de componentes sanguíneos dentro da lesäo pode fazer parte do mecanismo de resoluçäo espontânea do buraco traumático de mácula

Retinal pigment epithelium photocoagulation; for the treatment of full-thickness macular hole

O buraco macular verdadeiro pode estar associado a um halo de descolamento de retina neuro-sensorial, cujo desaparecimento pode diminuir o escotoma central e melhorar a acuidade visual. Em dois pacientes realizamos um tratamento com fotocoagulaçäo suave confluente com raio laser de argônio verde (100 um, 100mw, 0,1 sec.) no epitélio pigmentário através do buraco macular e näo sobre o tecido adjacente elevado. O campo visual central, ponto de fixaçäo e tamanho dos buracos permaneceram os mesmos, mas as margens tornaram-se discretamente irregulares. Houve uma grande melhora da metamorfopsia nos dois olhos tratados, sendo que a acuidade visual final em 6 meses de observaçäo melhorou de 20/400 para 20/100 em um olho e permaneceu 20/200 no outro olho

Crioblaçäo retiniana no glaucoma neovascular / Retinal cryoablation in neovascular glaucoma

Os autores analisaram 81 casos de cavidade anoftálmica atendidos no Ambulatório de Cirurgia Plástica Ocular, do Serviço de Oftalmologia da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu-UNESP, no período de janeiro de 1986 a dezembro de 1992. Sessenta e nove por cento dos pacientes eram do sexo masculino. A causa mais frequente da perda do globo foi a endoftalmite (24,7 por cento), seguida pelos traumas, phthisis bulbi e outras. Em 61,7 por cento dos pacientes foi realizada a evisceraçäo e em 38,3 por cento, a enucleaçäo. O implante de cavidade mais utilizado foi a esfera de Mulles de 18 mm. As complicaçöes pós-operatórias mais frequentes foram a deiscência de sutura e a extrusäo do implante. A extrusäo do implante ocorreu mais frequentemente após a enucleaçäo

Desaparecimento do buraco macular associado ao desenvolvimento de membrana epiretiniana / Macular hole cure associated with the development of epiretinal membrane

Os autores relatam um caso de buraco de mácula associado à traçäo vítreo-retiniana provocada por coriorretinite. Após a vitrectomia via "pars plana" para aliviar a traçäo, desenvolveu uma membrana epiretiniana, cuja contraçäo levou ao fechamento das bordas do buraco, melhorando a acuidade visual e metamorfopsia. O aparecimento de uma membrana epiretiniana, seja ela espontânea ou provocada por estímulos (endodiatermia, endolaser ou toque no epitélio pigmentário exposto) pode provocar a aposiçäo das bordas do buraco e levar à melhora da funçäo visual, desde que os fotorreceptores estejam ainda viáveis neste local