OUTCOMES OF TREATMENT OF CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION ASSOCIATED WITH CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY WITH INTRAVITREAL ANTIANGIOGENIC AGENTS.

PURPOSE: To report clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes from the largest case series of choroidal neovascularization secondary to central serous chorioretinopathy. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 46 eyes of 43 consecutive subjects. Collected data included demographic details, history of presenting illness, clinical examination details including visual acuity at presentation and follow-up with imaging and treatment details. Main outcome measures were the proportion of eyes that had improved (3 or more lines), stable (within ±1 line), or decreased (3 or more lines) vision at the final visit as compared with baseline examination. Secondary efficacy outcomes included change in visual acuity at final follow-up, number of injections, treatment-free interval, and adverse events. RESULTS: Mean age was 57.56 years (range 29-79 years). Mean follow-up duration was 38.3 months ± 58.9 months. More than 3 lines of improvement in 12 eyes (26%), vision was stable (within ±1 line) in 19 eyes (41.3%), and >3 lines of loss was noted in 6 eyes (13%). Mean change in the number of lines was 1.16 ± 3.74. Mean number of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections during the follow-up was 4.45 ± 4.1. The longest treatment-free interval was 8.9 months ± 7.5 months. There were no adverse events noted. CONCLUSION: Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy as a primary therapy for choroidal neovascularization secondary to central serous chorioretinopathy is safe and efficacious, without any serious adverse events.

Subretinal hyperreflective material in central serous chorioretinopathy.

Purpose: To describe the the appearance and behavior of subretinal hyperreflective material (SHRM) in eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Methods: This retrospective study included 20 eyes of 20 patients with CSCR presenting with SHRM, defined as sub-retinal deposits that appear hyper-reflective on OCT The eyes underwent either laser (15 eyes) or observation (5 eyes). Optical coherence tomography and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) characteristics were analyzed at baseline and resolution of neurosensory detachment, which were then co-related with the visual acuity at resolution. Results: Improvement in vision was seen in 16 eyes. Ellipsoid zone damage (P = 0.03) and external limiting membrane (ELM) damage (P = 0.000) at resolution; diffuse retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) abnormalities on FFA (P = 0.04), and the presence of scar (P = 0.000), were associated with poor visual outcome in univariate analysis. ELM damage at resolution was statistically significant (P = 0.001) in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: CSCR with SHRM have a good visual prognosis. ELM damage at resolution corelates with a poor visual acuity at resolution.

A 24-Month Evaluation of Aflibercept for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Patients Previously Receiving Ranibizumab or Bevacizumab.

PURPOSE: To report the 24-month results and predictive factors for outcomes in patients transitioned from other anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents to aflibercept for the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). DESIGN: A prospective, single arm, investigator-initiated study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 24 patients participated in the study and 87.5% (n = 21) completed the 24 month assessments. Patients were included if they had an active exudative AMD confirmed by fluorescein angiography, presence of fluid on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) or new hemorrhage on clinical examination, Electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study vision of 25 to 80 letters (Snellen equivalent of approximately 20/25-20/320), prior bevacizumab or ranibizumab injections within 3 months of enrollment, and an initial response on OCT defined as a decrease of retinal edema and/or subretinal fluid to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections. METHODS: Patients were treated the first 3 months with 2 mg of intravitreal aflibercept monthly, followed by a fixed bimonthly schedule for 24 months. At each study visit, visual acuity and a spectral-domain OCT scanning of both eyes were performed. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: The mean absolute change from baseline in central subfield thickness at month 24, mean change from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) score, change from baseline in macular volume, and cube average thickness by spectral-domain OCT. Additionally, predictive factors associated with final visual and anatomic outcomes at month 24. RESULTS: A mean decrease in central subfield thickness of -41 µm (P = 0.004) was observed with a mean increase in ETDRS BCVA of +10.4 letters (P < 0.001). At study entry, BCVA was a significant predictive factor for BCVA change at month 24 (rho = -0.59; P = 0.003). Also, the duration between AMD diagnosis and study entry was a significant factor for central subfield thickness change at month 24 (rho = -0.51; P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: In nonnaïve patients with active exudative AMD, treatment with a fixed intravitreal aflibercept dosing regimen for 24 months demonstrated sustained improvements in anatomy and vision in patients transitioned from other anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents and stability when compared with 12-month outcomes. Patients who benefited most were those with worse vision at entry and longer duration of disease.

A retrospective study of the influence of the vitreomacular interface on macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion.

AIMS: To compare anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment outcomes for macular oedema (ME) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) based on vitreoretinal interface (VRI) status. METHODS: This retrospective case series includes treatment-naive eyes diagnosed with RVO and treated with anti-VEGF injections. Eyes were stratified based on international VRI classification schema at baseline into three groups-vitreomacular traction (group A), no posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) (group B) and PVD without vitreomacular attachment (group C). Fifty-two eyes were identified based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. The primary endpoint was change in central subfield thickness (CST) on optical coherence tomography at 6 months. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics of patients with RVO when stratified by VRI subgroups. After 6 months of treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the change in CST from baseline between VRI cohorts (p=0.11). There was a trend demonstrating the greatest improvement in CST in eyes in group A compared with eyes in groups B and C (-224.13 µm, -160.88 µm and -50.92 µm, respectively, p=0.11 between cohorts). Mean change in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity from baseline to month 6 in group A compared with groups B and C was -0.25, -0.14 and -0.13, respectively (p=0.64 between cohorts). CONCLUSIONS: We did not identify an association between VRI status and treatment outcomes with anti-VEGF agents for ME secondary to RVO.

The Practice Impact of Electronic Health Record System Implementation Within a Large Multispecialty Ophthalmic Practice.

IMPORTANCE: Given the lack of previous reports examining the impact of electronic health record (EHR) system migration in ophthalmology, a study evaluating the practice and economic effect of implementing an EHR into an ophthalmic practice is warranted. OBJECTIVE: To examine the clinical and economic impact of EHR system implementation into a large multispecialty ophthalmic practice. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted comparing the pre-EHR and post-EHR time periods at the Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland, Ohio. Eight months were spent prior to implementation personalizing and customizing the system to enable advanced charting functions (July 1, 2011, to March 1, 2012). The periods were compared regarding total revenue, total visit volume, revenue per visit, coding volumes, and the number of diagnostic tests and procedures performed. In addition, the total costs of the EHR implementation and the expected return in EHR incentive payments were evaluated. Data analysis was performed from April 1, 2011, through April 5, 2013. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Net revenue, patient volume, revenue to volume ratio, diagnostic and procedure volume, capital and implementation costs, EHR incentive payments received, and coding volumes (including eye and evaluation and management [E/M] codes). RESULTS: A total of 28,161 patient encounters were identified (13,969 in the pre-EHR period and 14,191 in the post-EHR period). No significant change was identified with total net fiscal revenue between the periods (median, -$44,372 per month; 25th to 75th interquartile range [IQR], -$103,850 to $83,126; P = .42). No significant change in patient volume (median, +217.0; IQR, -511.5 to 812.0; P = .57) or revenue per visit volume (median, -$7; IQR, -$9 to -$1; P = .20) was identified. The volume of diagnostic tests and procedures billed was unchanged after conversion (median, +93; IQR, -20 to 235; P = .13). Overall use of eye codes declined (-15.7%) and use of E/M codes increased (14.7%) following EHR implementation (P < .001). The composition of eye codes showed a 2% change toward comprehensive codes over intermediate codes after implementation, but only the composition of new E/M codes increased (42.6%) (P < .001 for both values). Total capital costs amounted to $1,571,864, and personnel costs amounted to $1,514,334. A cumulative amount of $983,103 from meaningful use attestation is expected by 2016. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The analyses conducted in this study did not identify significant differences in revenue or productivity following EHR conversion in this clinical setting. The EHR incentive payments did not offset costs of implementation.

A single-arm, investigator-initiated study of the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of intravitreal aflibercept injection in subjects with exudative age-related macular degeneration previously treated with ranibizumab or bevacizumab (ASSESS study): 12-month analysis.

SUMMARY STATEMENT: In subjects with active exudative age-related macular degeneration, treating with a fixed intravitreal aflibercept injection dosing regimen for 12 months demonstrated improved anatomic and vision endpoints from baseline. PURPOSE: Switching therapies in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may offer an advantage for some patients. This study evaluates the efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI) in subjects previously treated with ranibizumab and/or bevacizumab. METHODS: Subjects (n=26) were given monthly 2 mg of IAI for 3 months, followed by 2 mg once in every 2 months for up to 12 months. The mean absolute change from baseline in central subfield thickness (CST) measured by optical coherence tomography and the mean change from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) early treatment in diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) letter score were obtained. Additionally, the percentage of subjects who gained or lost ≥15 letters of vision and the percentage of subjects who are 20/40 or better or 20/200 or worse were evaluated. RESULTS: There was a mean decrease in CST of -50.3 µm (P<0.001) and a mean increase in ETDRS BCVA of +9.2 letters (P<0.001). Twenty-seven percent of subjects experienced a ≥15-letter improvement in visual acuity, and no subject lost ≥3 lines of vision from baseline. Fifty percent of subjects were 20/40 or better, and 11.5% of subjects were 20/200 or worse at month 12. CONCLUSION: Fixed IAI dosing regimen for 12 months demonstrated improved anatomic and vision endpoints in subjects with active exudative AMD.

Oral eplerenone for the management of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy.

AIM: To examine eplerenone (Inspra, Pfizer), a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, as a treatment option for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). METHODS: A retrospective consecutive case series was conducted for patients receiving oral eplerenone for chronic CSCR. At baseline and each follow-up visit, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging was performed, including manual measurements of the height and diameter size of subretinal fluid. The primary outcome measure was the reduction in subretinal fluid following initiation of therapy. RESULTS: A total of 17 eyes of 13 patients treated with 25 and 50 mg of oral eplerenone per day were identified. Subretinal fluid (SRF) decreased over time following eplerenone therapy (P= 0.007 and P = 0.002, diameter and height respectively). Maximum SRF height decreased from a mean of 131.5 µm at baseline to 15.3 µm at day 181+. SRF diameter decreased from an average of 2174.4 µm at baseline to 46.9 µm at day 181+. LogMAR visual acuity improved from 0.42 (Snellen equivalent: 20/53) at baseline to 0.29 (Snellen equivalent: 20/39) at day 181+ (P = 0.024). Central subfield thickness (CST) decreased from 339.5 µm at baseline to 270.3 µm at day 181+ (P = 0.029). CONCLUSION: Eplerenone therapy resulted in significant anatomic and visual improvements in eyes with chronic CSCR.

A single-arm, investigator-initiated study of the efficacy, safety and tolerability of intravitreal aflibercept injection in subjects with exudative age-related macular degeneration, previously treated with ranibizumab or bevacizumab: 6-month interim analysis.

AIM: To evaluate efficacy and safety of intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI) in subjects who were previously treated with ranibizumab and/or bevacizumab for active exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Patients (n=26) were enrolled in a 12-month prospective, interventional, single arm, investigator-initiated study with planned 6-month interim analysis. Patients with active exudative AMD, previously treated with ranibizumab and/or bevacizumab, were treated with 2 mg IAI every month for the first 3 months, followed by a fixed dosing schedule of 2 mg IAI every 2 months. The primary study endpoint was the mean absolute change from baseline central subfield thickness (CST) at month 12 as measured by SDOCT. Secondary outcomes included mean change from baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) score, percentage of subjects who gained or lost greater than or equal to 15 letters of vision, percentage of subjects who are 20/40 or better, percentage of subjects who are 20/200 or worse, and the incidence of adverse events (AE) and serious AEs. RESULTS: Planned 6-month interim analysis demonstrated a mean decrease in CST of 38.6 µm (p<0.001) and a mean increase in ETDRS BCVA of +5.9 letters (p<0.001). Fifteen percent of subjects experienced a greater than 15-letter improvement in visual acuity, 84.6% of patients gained visual acuity, and no patient lost 3 lines of vision from baseline. Forty-two percent of subjects were 20/40 or better, and 11.5% of subjects were 20/200 or worse at month 6. No serious ocular or systemic AEs were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: IAI-treated eyes demonstrated improved short-term functional and anatomic endpoints in subjects with active exudative AMD switching from previous anti-VEGF treatment when given in a fixed dosing scheme for 6 months. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01617148.

Retinal infiltrates secondary to metastatic squamous cell carcinoma masquerading as infectious retinitis.

PURPOSE: This report presents a case of metastatic carcinoma to the retina. METHODS: Retrospective chart review and systematic literature review. The patient was a 78-year-old man with history of small-cell lung cancer and with the development of metastatic carcinoma to the retina. RESULTS: The review of this case and previous literature reveals that the presentation of retinal metastases can occasionally be misinterpreted as infectious retinitis, which can delay the diagnosis of the disease. CONCLUSION: Metastatic carcinoma to the retina is a rare condition, which should be considered in patients who are suspected of having infectious retinopathy and who fail to respond to traditional antimicrobial therapies.

Anatomical and visual outcomes following ocriplasmin treatment for symptomatic vitreomacular traction syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anatomical and visual outcomes of patients treated with ocriplasmin for the treatment of symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion (sVMA), including vitreomacular traction syndrome and macular holes. DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional, single centre, case series. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with sVMA. INTERVENTION: Patients were treated with a single intravitreal injection of 0.125 mg ocriplasmin (Jetrea, Thrombogenics Inc, USA, Alcon/Novartis EU) with the reconstitution technique recommended by the manufacturer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary study endpoint was the resolution of sVMA by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) at day 28. Secondary outcome measures included time to vitreous release, visual acuity (VA), changes in the optical coherence tomography (OCT) thickness and structure and macular hole closure rate. RESULTS: 17 patients were included in the study and resolution of vitreomacular adhesion (VMA) was verified by SDOCT in eight patients by day 28 (overall response rate of 47.1%, 8/17 eyes) with most patients experiencing VMA release by 7 days (41.2%, 7/17 eyes). Those who did not have VMA resolution showed no statistically significant change in VMA diameter as measured by horizontal and vertical 5-line raster scans at final follow-up (p=0.82 and p=0.75, respectively). The mean baseline Snellen VA was 20/49 and at final follow-up was 20/46 (p=0.59). The average central subfield thickness was 371 microns prior to treatment and 324 microns at final follow-up (range 191-767 microns, p=0.25). Patients meeting three of four positive predictors criteria (eg, no epiretinal membrane (ERM) at baseline, VMA diameter ≤1500 µm and phakic lens status) showed a response rate of 50.0% (seven of 14 patients); those meeting all four criteria (eg, younger than 65, no ERM at baseline, VMA diameter ≤1500 µm and phakic lens status) showed a response rate of 75.0% (three of four eyes). Transient outer segment ellipsoid zone loss was documented in seven patients and subretinal fluid presence following injection was noted in five patients. Four of the five patients with macular holes at baseline experienced resolution of their macular hole after injection. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to quantify the extent of outer retinal changes seen in patients receiving ocriplasmin. Our initial experience with ocriplasmin shows a significant anatomical effect and is accompanied by transient changes in the outer retinal structures visualised by SDOCT.