Vancomycin-associated hemorrhagic occlusive retinal vasculitis masquerading as central retinal vein occlusion / Vasculite hemorrágica oclusiva da retina associada à vancomicina (HORV) mascarada como oclusão da veia central da retina

ABSTRACT A 69-year-old female was referred with sudden unilateral painless decreased vision that began 2 days after uncomplicated cataract surgery in the left eye. Visual acuity was hand motion and biomicroscopy showed a mild anterior chamber reaction, no hypopyon, and an intraocular lens that had been placed within the capsular bag. A dilated fundus examination revealed optic disk edema, widespread deep and superficial intraretinal hemorrhages, retinal ischemia, and macular edema. A cardiological evaluation was normal and thrombophilia tests were negative. After surgery, prophylactic vancomycin (1mg/0.1ml) had been injected intracamerally. The patient was diagnosed with hemorrhagic occlusive retinal vasculitis likely secondary to vancomycin hypersensitivity. Recognition of this entity is important to ensure early treatment and the use of intracameral vancomycin in the fellow eye should be avoided after cataract surgery.

RESUMO Esse caso se refere a uma paciente de 69 anos, sexo feminino, com relato de baixa acuidade visual súbita e indolor no olho esquerdo, de início 2 dias após cirurgia de catarata sem complicações. A acuidade visual era de movimento de mãos e a biomicroscopia mostrou reação de câmara anterior moderada, sem hipópio, e lente intraocular posicionada dentro do saco capsular. A fundoscopia evidenciou edema de disco óptico, hemorragias difusas intrarretinianas superficiais e profundas, isquemia retiniana e edema macular. A avaliação cardiológica foi normal e os testes para trombofilia foram negativos. Ao final da cirurgia foi injetado antibioticoprofilaxia com vancomicina (1mg/0,1ml) na câmara anterior. A paciente foi diagnosticada com vasculite hemorrágica oclusiva da retina secundária à hipersensibilidade a vancomicina. O reconhecimento dessa entidade é importante para o tratamento precoce e para evitar o uso de vancomicina intracameral em caso de cirurgia de catarata no olho contralateral.

Is there a relationship between the first-day results of anti-VEGF therapy for macular edema due to vascular diseases and longterm outcomes? / Há alguma relação entre os resultados do primeiro dia de terapia anti-VEGF para edema macular devido a doenças vasculares e o resultado a longo prazo?

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate early changes after the first antivascular endothelial growth factor injection for macular edema secondary to diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion and the relationship between longterm outcomes. Methods: The study enrolled patients who received anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections for treatment-naive macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion and diabetic retinopathy. The central macular thickness was measured at baseline, post-injection day 1, week 2, and month 1, and at the last visit using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. A good response was defined as a central macular thickness reduction of ≥10% on post-injection day 1. Patients were reassessed at the last visit with regard to treatment response on post-injection day 1 based on the favorable anatomic outcome defined as a central macular thickness <350 µm. Results: In total, 26 (44.8%) patients had macular edema-retinal vein occlusion and 32 (55.2%) had macular edema-diabetic retinopathy. The mean follow-up time was 24.0 (SD 8.5) months. A statistically significant decrease in the central macular thickness was observed in both patients with macular edema-retinal vein occlusion and macular edema-diabetic retinopathy after antivascular endothelial growth factor injection therapy (p<0.001 for both). All patients with macular edema-retinal vein occlusion were good responders at post-injection day 1. All nongood responders at post-injection day 1 belong to the macular edema-diabetic retinopathy group (n=16.50%). The rate of hyperreflective spots was higher in nongood responders than in good responders of the macular edema-diabetic retinopathy group (p=0.03). Of 42 (2.4%) total good responders, one had a central macular thickness >350 µm, whereas 5 (31.2%) of 16 total nongood responders had a central macular thickness >350 µm at the last visit (p=0.003). Conclusion: The longterm anatomical outcomes of macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion and diabetic retinopathy may be predicted by treatment response 1 day after antivascular endothelial growth factor injection.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as alterações precoces após a primeira injeção de anticorpos antifator de crescimento endotelial vascular (anti-VEGF) em casos de edema macular secundário à retinopatia diabética e oclusão da veia da retina e a relação entre essas alterações e o resultado a longo prazo. Métodos: Foram incluídos no estudo pacientes que receberam uma injeção de antifator de crescimento endotelial vascular para edema macular, virgem de tratamento e devido à oclusão da veia retiniana ou a retinopatia diabética. A espessura macular central foi medida no início do tratamento e no 1º dia, 2ª semana e 1º mês após a injeção, bem como na última visita, através de tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral. Definiu-se uma "boa resposta" como uma redução ≥10% na espessura macular central no 1º dia após a injeção. Os pacientes foram reavaliados na última visita com relação à resposta ao tratamento no 1º dia após a injeção, com base em um resultado anatômico favorável, definido como uma espessura macular central <350 µm. Resultado: Foram registrados 26 (44,8%) pacientes com edema macular e oclusão da veia da retina e 32 (55,2%) com edema macular e retinopatia diabética. O tempo médio de acompanhamento foi de 24,0 meses (desvio-padrão de 8,5 meses). Foi observada uma diminuição estatisticamente significativa da espessura macular central após o tratamento antifator de crescimento endotelial vascular tanto em pacientes com edema macular e oclusão da veia retiniana quanto naqueles com edema macular e retinopatia diabética (p<0,001 para ambos). Todos os pacientes com edema macular e oclusão da veia retiniana responderam bem no 1º dia pós-injeção. Todos os que responderam mal no 1º dia pós-injeção pertenciam ao grupo com edema macular e retinopatia diabética (n=16,50%). A presença de manchas hiperrefletivas foi maior nos pacientes que responderam mal do que naqueles que tiveram boa resposta no grupo com edema macular e retinopatia diabética (p=0,03). Um dos 42 (2,4%) pacientes com boa resposta total teve espessura macular central >350 um, enquanto 5 (31,2%) do total de 16 pacientes com resposta ruim apresentaram espessura macular central >350 µm na última visita (p=0,003). Conclusão: O resultado anatômico de longo prazo do edema macular secundário à oclusão da veia retiniana e à retinopatia diabética pode ser previsto pela resposta ao tratamento no 1º dia após a injeção de antifator de crescimento endotelial vascular.

Profile of patients treated with intravitreal antiangiogenics in a Brazilian public service with high level of complexity / Perfil de pacientes tratados com antiangiogênicos intravítreo em serviço público brasileiro de alto nível de complexidade

ABSTRACT Purpose: Intravitreal antiangiogenic therapy is currently the most invasive ophthalmic procedure performed worldwide. This study aimed to describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients undergoing intravitreal antiangiogenic therapy in a tertiary referral hospital in Brazil. Methods: This cross-sectional, retrospective, and observational study analyzed medical records of patients who received intravitreal injections of antiangiogenic agents for the treatment of retinal diseases at the ophthalmology outpatient clinic in the Hospital das Clínicas at Unicamp between January and December 2020. Results: The study included 429 patients and 514 eyes. The study population was predominantly male (51.28%), white (80.89%), between 50 and 80 years old (mean age, 60.92 years), had complete or incomplete first-grade education (56.88%), and did not belong to the Regional Health Department of which Campinas is a part (78.55%). Bevacizumab was the most commonly used intravitreal injectable medicine (79.38%), pro re nata was the most commonly used treatment regimen (90.27%), and macular edema was the most prevalent pathology indicative of treatment (60.12%), with diabetes etiology accounting for 48.25%. The average number of injections per patient was 3.83, with the macular neovascularization group and the pro re nata group having the highest and lowest with five and three injections, respectively. Treatment adherence was associated with the patient's pathology, and the macular edema (52.24%) and macular neovascularization (49.48%) groups had the lowest adherence rates. Conclusions: This study evaluated the epidemiological and clinical profile of patients undergoing antiangiogenic therapy in a high-complexity public hospital, which is fundamental for a better understanding of the demand for ophthalmic reference service in Brazil, and the analysis of functional results and user adherence profile promotes optimization of indications and leverages the benefits of intravitreal therapy.

RESUMO Objetivo: A terapia antiangiogênica intravítrea revolucionou o tratamento de inúmeras patologias de relevância global, sendo atualmente o procedimento oftalmológico invasivo mais realizado no mundo. Objetiva-se no presente estudo descrever o perfil clínico e epidemiológico dos pacientes submetidos a terapia intravítrea com antiangiogênicos em hospital terciário de referência no Brasil. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, retrospectivo e observacional que foi realizado através da análise de prontuários de pacientes submetidos a injeção intravítrea de antiangiogênicos para tratamento de doenças retinianas no ambulatório de oftalmologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Unicamp no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2020. Resultados: O estudo analisou 429 pacientes e 514 olhos. A maioria pertencia ao sexo masculino (51,28%), raça branca (80,89%), possuía entre 50-80 anos com idade média de 60,92 anos e escolaridade de 1º grau completo ou incompleto (56,88%) e não pertenciam (78,55%) a área de abrangência do Departamento Regional de Saúde do qual Campinas faz parte. O fármaco mais utilizado nas injeções intravítreas foi o bevacizumabe (79,38%), o principal regime de tratamento foi o pro re nata (90,27%) e a principal grupo de patologia indicativa de tratamento foi o edema macular (60,12%), sendo 48,25% desses de etiologia diabética. A média de injeções foi de 3,83/paciente, sendo o grupo de neovascularização macular o de maior mediana com 5 injeções/paciente e o esquema pro re nata o regime de tratamento com menor mediana, 3 injeções/paciente. A adesão ao tratamento associou-se a patologia do paciente, sendo as menores taxas de adesão as dos grupos com edema macular (52,24%) e neovascularização macular (49,48%). Conclusões: O presente estudo avaliou o perfil epidemiológico e clínico dos pacientes submetidos a terapia antiangiogênica em hospital público de alta complexidade, o que é fundamental para melhor conhecimento da demanda de serviço oftalmológico de referência no Brasil e possibilita, a partir da análise dos resultados funcionais e perfil de adesão dos usuários, otimizar as indicações e alavancar os benefícios de terapia intravítrea.

Construction of a individualized model for predicting the risk of recurrence in patients with retinal vein occlusion induced macular edema / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To analyze the recurrence factors of patients with retinal vein occlusion(RVO)induced macular edema(ME)and construct a nomogram model.METHODS: Retrospective study. A total of 306 patients with RVO induced ME admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to June 2022 were included as study objects, and they were divided into modeling group with 214 cases(214 eyes)and 92 cases(92 eyes)in the verification group by 7:3. All patients were followed up for 1 a after receiving anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)treatment, and patients in the modeling group were separated into a recurrence group(n=66)and a non recurrence group(n=148)based on whether they had recurrence. Clinical data were collected and multivariate Logistic regression was applied to analyze and determine the factors affecting recurrence in patients with RVO induced ME; R3.6.3 software was applied to construct a nomogram model for predicting the recurrence risk of patients with RVO induced ME; ROC curve and calibration curve were applied to evaluate the discrimination and consistency of nomogram model in predicting the recurrence risk of patients with RVO induced ME.RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in central retinal thickness(CRT), course of disease, hyperreflective foci(HF), disorder of retinal inner layer structure, and injection frequency between the non recurrence group and the recurrence group before treatment(all P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that pre-treatment CRT(OR=1.011), course of disease(OR=1.104), HF(OR=5.074), retinal inner layer structural disorder(OR=4.640), and injection frequency(OR=4.036)were influencing factors for recurrence in patients with RVO induced ME(all P&#x0026;#x003C;0.01). The area under the ROC curve of the modeling group was 0.924(95%CI: 0.882-0.966), the slope of the calibration curve was close to 1, and the results of the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test showed that χ2=11.817, P=0.160; the area under the ROC curve of the verification group was 0.939(95%CI: 0.892-0.985), the slope of the calibration curve was close to 1, and the results of the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test showed χ2=6.082, P=0.638.CONCLUSION: Pre-treatment CRT, course of disease, HF, disorder of retinal inner layer structure, and injection frequency are independent risk factors for recurrence in patients with RVO induced ME. The nomogram model constructed based on this has a high discrimination and consistency in predicting the recurrence risk of patients with RVO induced ME.

Influencing factors of telangiectasia secondary to diabetic retinopathy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To investigate the influencing factors of abnormal telangiectasia secondary to diabetic retinopathy(DR).METHODS: Prospective studies. A total of 153 cases(240 eyes)with DR treated in our hospital from January 2021 to January 2023 were selected to analyze the risk factors of abnormal telangiectasia secondary to DR and its predictive efficacy.RESULTS: The patients were divided into dilated group(77 eyes of 40 cases)and non-dilated group(163 eyes of 113 cases)according to whether they had secondary abnormal telangiectasia. There were significant differences in diabetic macular edema, hard exudates grade and fasting blood glucose level between the two groups(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that diabetic macular edema, high hard exudates grade and high blood glucose level were the risk factors for abnormal telangiectasia secondary to DR(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05).CONCLUSION: The occurrence of telangiectasia secondary to DR may be related to diabetic macular edema, grade 3 hard exudates and high blood glucose level.

Combination of Ranibizumab and Dexamethasone intravitreal implant for macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To compare the differences in the efficacy and safety of combination of intravitreal dexamethasone(Ozurdex)and ranibizumab or monotherapy of ranibizumab in eyes with macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion(RVO-ME).METHODS: Patients diagnosed with non-ischemic RVO-ME by fluorescein fundus angiography in our hospital from June 2020 to December 2022 were selected. All patients were initially treated with intravitreal injection of ranibizumab(0.5 mg), and 42 patients(42 eyes)who had central retinal thickness(CRT)≥300 μm after 2 wk were included. They were randomly divided into combined treatment group and monotherapy group. The combined treatment group(21 eyes)received Ozurdex intravitreal injection immediately, while the monotherapy group(21 eyes)was treated with ranibizumab intravitreal injection by 3+pro re nata(PRN). The changes of best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), CRT, and intraocular pressure before and at 2 wk, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mo after treatment were recorded, and the ocular or systemic complications were observed.RESULTS:The BCVA and CRT of all patients at 2 wk, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mo after treatment were significantly better than those before treatment(all P&#x0026;#x003C;0.01). There were statistical significance in the BCVA and CRT between two groups at 2 and 3 mo after treatment(all P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). The most significant increase of BCVA in the combined treatment group occurred at 2 mo after treatment. The mean recurrence time of macular edema in the monotherapy group was 1.45±0.53 mo, with 4.21±0.78 injection times of ranibizumab. None of the patients showed serious complications after treatment. The most common complications in the combined treatment group were subconjunctival hemorrhage and elevated intraocular pressure, which were manageable with topical ocular hypotensive agents, and no patient required antiglaucoma or cataract surgery.CONCLUSION: Compared with monotherapy of ranibizumab, intravitreal injection of dexamethasone combined with ranibizumab can significantly improve the visual acuity and effectively reduce the macular edema in the treatment of RVO-ME, with a long duration of efficacy and less intravitreal injection of drugs.

Research progress of mechanism and risk factors of retinal vein occlusion / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Retinal vein occlusion(RVO), the second most prevalent retinal vascular disease, has complex pathophysiological mechanism. Except for mechanical pressure on blood vessel, inflammation and endothelin have been confirmed to be involved in the pathogenesis of RVO. However, its specific mechanism remains unclear. Hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia have been previously shown to be the most common risk factors in elder population, while recent studies found that coagulation and hemorheological abnormalities are more common in people under 50 years old. Ocular risk factors including glaucoma, high corrected intraocular pressure and retinal vessels abnormality, have gained more and more attention. These factors probably exert a synergistic effect when present simultaneously in the same patient. Therefore, early identification and intervention of those factors could lower the incidence of RVO. This article aims to review recent research and summarize existing mechanism and theories, giving some new research ideas for potential therapy targets and providing references for identification and management of risk factors.

Adalimumab combined with Dexamethasone intravitreal implant in the treatment of refractory noninfectious uveitis macular edema / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the effect of adalimumab combined with dexamethasone intravitreal implant in the treatment of refractory non-infectious uveitis macular edema(UME).METHODS: A total of 92 cases(131 eyes)of refractory non-infectious UME patients admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to January 2022 were selected and randomly divided into control group, with 46 cases(63 eyes)treated with dexamethasone intravitreal implant and observation group, with 46 cases(68 eyes)treated with adalimumab subcutaneous injection combined with dexamethasone intravitreal implant. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central retinal thickness(CRT), vitreous opacity and Th17/Treg cytokines were measured before and after treatment, and the occurrence of adverse reactions was recorded.RESULTS: Totally 3 cases(4 eyes)were lost to follow-up. After treatment for 1, 3, 6 and 12 mo, BCVA was improved in both groups compared with that before treatment, and CRT, vitreous opacity score, serum interleukin(IL)-17 and IL-22 levels were decreased compared with those before treatment, and serum transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)and IL-10 levels were increased compared with those before treatment. BCVA in the observation group was better than that in the control group, and CRT, vitreous opacity score, serum IL-17 and IL-22 levels were lower than those in the control group, and serum TGF-β and IL-10 levels were higher than those in the control group(all P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). During treatment and follow-up, no serious adverse reactions occurred in both groups.CONCLUSION: Adalimumab combined with dexamethasone intravitreal implants in the treatment of refractory non-infectious UME can significantly subside the macular edema, reduce vitreous opacity and improve visual acuity.

Alternativas de tratamiento de la obstrucción venosa retiniana: terapias combinadas y vitrectomía pars plana

Dentro de las enfermedades vasculares de la retina, la oclusión venosa retiniana es relativamente frecuente y debido a sus complicaciones afecta de forma moderada o grave la visión. Las opciones terapéuticas aplicadas en el edema macular y los desprendimientos de retina traccionales causados por las oclusiones venosas son varias. Se realizó una revisión en la literatura científica para valorar la eficacia y seguridad del uso combinado de diferentes terapias que incluye los antiangiogénicos y esteroides intravítreos con o sin aplicación de láser, así como la vitrectomía pars plana como alternativas de tratamiento de las complicaciones de la enfermedad oclusiva venosa retiniana. Aun cuando los antiangiogénicos se consideren como primera línea de tratamiento en la oclusión venosa retiniana, en varios casos hay mejor respuesta en sus combinaciones y de los esteroides con láser. Para resolver el desprendimiento de retina traccional y hemorragia vítrea, debidas a las oclusiones venosas, se requiere, mayormente, operación de vitrectomía pars plana. Se realizó una búsqueda en bases de datos electrónicas como PubMed, Cochrane y otras publicaciones relacionadas con las alternativas de tratamiento de la obstrucción venosa retiniana en los últimos años.

Among retinal vascular diseases, retinal venous occlusion is relatively frequent and due to its complications, it moderately or severely affects vision. The therapeutic options applied in macular edema and tractional retinal detachments caused by venous occlusions are several. A review of the scientific literature was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of the combined use of different therapies including intravitreal antiangiogenics and steroids with or without laser application, as well as pars plana vitrectomy as treatment alternatives for the complications of retinal venous occlusive disease. Even when antiangiogenics are considered as first line of treatment in retinal venous occlusion, in several cases there is better response in their combinations and steroids with laser. To resolve tractional retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage due to venous occlusions, a pars plana vitrectomy operation is mostly required. A search was made in electronic databases such as PubMed, Cochrane and other publications related to treatment alternatives for retinal venous obstruction in recent years.

Risk of renal damage associated with intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy for diabetic macular edema in routine clinical practice

Purpose: Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (anti?VEGF) have been shown to be effective in the treatment of diabetic macular edema. However, there is little information about the systemic effects of intraocular administration of anti?VEGF drugs in patients with coexistent diabetic nephropathy because it can produce adverse renal effects. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed the effect of intravitreal anti?VEGF drugs (bevacizumab, ranibizumab, or aflibercept) on eFGR and microalbuminuria (MicA) in patients with diabetic macular edema and nonproliferative retinopathy without chronic kidney disease (CKD). Results: Sixty?six patients were included, 54.5% male and 45.5% female, with a mean age of 66.70 ± 11.6 years. The mean follow?up of patients with antiangiogenic treatment was 42.5 ± 28.07 months, and the mean number of injections was 10.91 ± 7.54. In 12.1% of the cases, there was a worsening of the glomerular filtration rate (eFGR) and a 19.7% worsening of the microalbuminuria (MicA). The number of injections was not related to the worsening of the eFGR (P = 0.74) or the MicA (P = 0.239). No relationship was found between the type of drug and the deterioration of the GFR (P = 0.689) or the MicA (P = 0.53). Conclusions: Based on the results, there is a small proportion of patients with increase in MicA and the decrease in eFGR after anti?VEGF therapy, and these was no associated with the number of injection or the drug type. Ophthalmologists should be aware of renal damage in order to do a close monitoring of renal function and proteinuria after intravitreal administration of anti?VEGF mainly in hypertensive patients.

Distance and near vision changes after intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection in eyes with center-involving diabetic macular edema

Purpose: To elucidate distance and near vision changes after intravitreal injections in center?involving diabetic macular edema (CIDME) in phakic and pseudophakic groups. Methods: A retrospective study was done on 148 eyes (72 phakic and 76 pseudophakic) with center?involving DME. All eyes were treated with intravitreal anti?vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injection. All patients underwent distance best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing, near BCVA testing, dilated fundus examination, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) at baseline and follow?up visits. Eyes that could not improve after the first injection were given 2nd, 3rd, and more injections in the subsequent visits. Results: On follow?up, post injections in the phakic group (n = 72), there were 65 eyes (90.3%) with stable/improved near vision and 59 eyes (81.9%) with stable/improved distance vision, whereas in the pseudophakic group (n = 76), 63 eyes (82.9%) and 60 eyes (78.9%), respectively. Both in phakic and pseudophakic eyes, 7.7%–13% of the cohort showed only near vision improvement. Conclusion: In DME, besides the changes in distance vision, there are also changes in near vision. These changes should be taken into account while determining the response to anti?VEGF in DME treatment.

Retinal laser – Protocols and practical tips

Background: Many a young doctors in training find retinal laser photocoagulation a daunting task. However, if correct protocols are followed and checklists are observed, then it is not difficult to have a successful laser sitting with a happy patient. Most of the complications can be avoided with correct settings and techniques. Purpose: To enumerate the basic protocols of retinal laser photocoagulation and provide practical tips including laser settings and checklists for hassle?free laser experience. Synopsis: Laser settings for a pan?retinal photocoagulation (PRP) for proliferative diabetic retinopathy differ from those for a focal laser for macular edema. A fill in PRP is indicated when an active Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is seen after the initial PRP is completed. The settings and protocols for laser photocoagulation for lattice degeneration are different, and various techniques of barrage laser are discussed. Practical tips and checklists are given, which will not be found in any textbooks. Highlights: Animated illustrations and fundus photos are used to explain the correct techniques of performing laser photocoagulation in different indications and scenarios. Detailed instructions and checklists are provided, which can be very useful to avoid complications and medicolegal problems. The practical tips and guidelines in an easy?to?understand manner make this video highly educational for the novice retinal surgeons who want to perfect their technique of retinal laser photocoagulation.

Compliance with follow-up in patients with diabetic macular edema: Eye care center vs. diabetes care center

Purpose: The study was conducted to compare the compliance to intravitreal injection treatment and follow?up in patients with center?involving diabetic macular edema (CI?DME) and treatment outcomes between a tertiary eye care facility and a tertiary diabetes care center. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on treatment naïve DME patients who had received intravitreal anti?vascular endothelial growth factor (anti?VEGF) injections in 2019. Participants were people with type 2 diabetes who were under regular care at the eye care center or the diabetes care center in Chennai. The outcome measures were noted at months 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12. Results: A review of 136 patients treated for CI?DME (72 from the eye care center and 64 from a diabetes care center) was carried out. The severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) was similar in both centers. There was no statistically significant (P > 0.05) difference in the choice of initial intravitreal drug in the two centers. At 12?month follow?up, only 29.16% came for a follow?up in the eye center vs. 76.56% in a diabetes care center (P = 0.000). The multivariate logistic regression showed increasing age was associated with non?compliance in both the groups (eye care center: odds ratio [OR] 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82–1.21; P = 0.044) and diabetes care center (OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.02–1.29; P = 0.020). Conclusion: The follow?up rate between eye care and diabetic care center with DME showed a significant disparity. By providing comprehensive diabetes care for all complications under one roof, compliance with follow?up can be improved in people with DME

Correlation between different retinal layers with visual acuity in diabetic retinopathy patients with clinically significant macular edema

Purpose: To study the corelation between outer retinal layer thickness (ORL), outer photoreceptor segment thickness (PROS), and central macular thickness (CMT) with best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in patients having clinically significant macular edema (CSME) and compare these parameters with normal patients. Methods: This was a prospective, nonrandomized, observational, comparative study done during the period of January to May 2019. The study included 60 eyes of 36 patients. The patient population was segregated into two Groups: Group ? (30 normal eyes of 15 normal patients) and Group ?? (30 eyes of 21 diabetic patients) with CSME. The comparison between ORL, PROS, and CMT was made between both the groups, and the correlation between ORL thickness, PROS thickness, and CMT with BCVA in Group ?? was studied. Results: The mean age in Group I was 52.6+10.66 years, and 53.42+8.15 years in Group II. The male/ female ratio was 1.1:1 in Group I and 4:3 in Group II. The mean CMT was greater in Group ?? (330.13 ± 37.01) than in Group ? (222.20 ± 12.30). The mean ORL thickness was greater in Group ? (97.73 ± 6.92) than in Group ?? (80.63 ± 9.03). The PROS thickness was statistically significant in Group ? (35.05 ± 3.4) than in Group ?? (28.57 ± 3.53). There was a strong correlation between BCVA and ORL thickness (r = ?0.580, P < 0.001) and more strong correlation between BCVA and PROS thickness in Group ?? (r = ?0.611, P < 0.000). There was a moderate correlation between BCVA and CMT (r = 0.410, P < 0.025), and all results were statistically significant. Conclusion: Both ORL and PROS thickness were greater in healthy normal eyes than in eyes with CSME. BCVA was strongly correlated with PROS and ORL thickness and moderately associated with CMT.

Evaluating peripheral blood inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers as predictors in diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema

Purpose: To determine the correlation between serum inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers of patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: Serum samples were obtained from 100 diabetic patients. Patients were divided into three groups: group 1 (patients with no DR, n = 27), group 2 (DR with DME, n = 34), and group 3 (DR without DME, n = 39). Serum concentrations of C?reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin?6 (IL?6) were measured by quantitative turbidimetric immunoassay and sandwich chemiluminescence immunoassay, respectively. Metabolic parameters such as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, low?density lipoprotein (LDL), high?density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), serum creatinine, and blood urea were determined by automated analyzer om?360 after standardization. Results: The levels of IL?6 and CRP differed significantly in patients with DR and without DR (P < 0.001 and P = 0.045, respectively). We also found a positive correlation between IL?6 and CRP with the severity of DR. When DR patients with DME were compared to patients without DME, only IL?6 was observed to be significantly elevated (P < 0.001). None of the metabolic markers correlated significantly with DR and DME. Conclusion: Significantly raised levels of serum inflammatory biomarkers can be used to elucidate the significant role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of DR. Therefore, circulating biomarkers can serve as diagnostic and therapeutic predictors for monitoring the onset and progression of DR and DME.

Discapacidad visual asociada a retinopatía diabética y edema macular: un estudio de base hospitalaria / Visual impairment associated with diabetic retinopathy and macular edema: a hospital-based study

Resumen Antecedentes: Los datos sobre discapacidad visual (DV) en pacientes con diabetes son necesarios para orientar los recursos económicos y humanos que disminuyan su prevalencia. Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de DV relacionada con retinopatía diabética en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 en un entorno hospitalario. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal realizado de 2014 a 2019 en una consulta externa de oftalmología. Cualquier DV se definió como agudeza visual corregida con agujero estenopeico en el ojo con mejor visión (≥ 0.24 logMAR). Se evaluó la presencia de retinopatía diabética, edema macular diabético (EMD) y cataratas. Resultados: Se incluyeron 840 pacientes; la mediana de duración de la diabetes fue de 15 años. La prevalencia de DV fue de 30 %. Se encontró retinopatía diabética en 62 % (30 % tenía retinopatía diabética que amenazaba la visión [RDAV]); 17 %, EMD y 3 %, cataratas. La razón de momios para DV moderada o de mayor gravedad fue de 9.02 para RDAV (p < 0.001), 5.89 para EMD referible (p = 0.001) y 2.51 para catarata (p = 0.006). Conclusión: Treinta por ciento de los participantes tenía algún grado de DV. La DV moderada o de mayor gravedad mostró una fuerte asociación con RDAV y EMD referible.

Abstract Background: Data on visual impairment (VI) in patients with diabetes are necessary in order to guide economic and human resources for reducing its prevalence. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy-related VI in patients with type 2 diabetes in a hospital-based setting. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study carried out from 2014 to 2019 in an ophthalmology outpatient clinic. Any VI was defined as corrected pin-hole visual acuity in the better eye of ≥ 0.24 logMAR. The presence of diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic macular edema (DME) and cataract was evaluated. Results: A total of 840 patients were included; median diabetes duration was 15 years. The prevalence of VI was 30 %. DR was found in 62 % of patients (30 % had sight-threatening DR [STDR]), 17 % had referable DME, and 3 %, cataracts. The odds ratio for moderate or worse VI was 9.02 for STDR (p < 0.001), 5.89 for referable DME (p = 0.001), and 2.51 for cataract (p = 0.006). Conclusion: Thirty percent of participants had some degree of VI. Moderate or worse VI showed a strong association with STDR and referable DME.

Efficacy and safety analysis of intravitreal bio-similar products of bevacizumab in patients with macular edema because of retinal diseases

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the efficacy and safety profile of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab bio?similar product Zybev(Z) for macular edema because of retinal diseases. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with macular edema because of retinal diseases, who had been administered intravitreal injections of bio?similar bevacizumab at a tertiary eye care center. Changes in the retinal thickness and visual acuity were evaluated to judge the efficacy, and adverse events were noted for the safety profile over a period of 6 weeks. Results: A total of 104 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 53 ± 13.5 years. The mean pre?injection best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.32 ± 0.70 log minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) with a central subfield thickness (CST) of 429.26 ± 204.30 ?m, and the post?injection BCVA at 6 weeks was 1.13 ± 0.71 logMAR with a CST of 302.26 ± 104.50 ?m; this change was statistically significant (P < 0.05) for all groups. The mean average cube thickness (?m) decreased from 11.85 ± 1.96 pre?injection to 10.52 ± 1.75 post?injection, and the mean average cube volume (mm3) decreased from 329.30 ± 54.35 to 302.23 ± 49.56 (P < 0.05). During the follow?up period after injection, no patient had inflammation, endophthalmitis, an increase in intra?ocular pressure, or systemic side effects. Conclusion: This short?term retrospective analysis provides evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of intravitreal injection of bio?similar products of bevacizumab for the treatment of macular edema because of retinal diseases

Prospective evaluation of the effectiveness of combined treatment of macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion with intravitreal bevacizumab and dexamethasone implants / Estudo intervencionista prospectivo para avaliar a eficácia da associação do bevacizumabe intravítreo ao implante de dexametasona para edema macular secundário à oclusão da veia retiniana

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of in­­­travitreal bevacizumab injections following a single dexamethasone implant in the treatment of macular edema secondary to branch and central retinal vein occlusion. Methods: This was a prospective interventional non-comparative study, 44 eyes of patients with naïve macular edema related to branch and central retinal vein occlusion were treated with a dexamethasone implant. Patients were followed-up at four-week intervals from the second to the sixth month. If persistent or recurrent macular edema occurred during this period, the patient was treated with intravitreal bevacizumab injections on an as-needed basis. The outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness changes. Results: The mean best-corrected visual acuity changed from 0.97 ± 0.33 LogMAR at baseline to 0.54 ± 0.40 at the six-month post-implant examination (p<0.00001). Improvement ≥3 Snellen lines were seen in 20 eyes (45.54%). The mean central macular thickness at baseline was 670.25 ± 209.9 microns. This had decreased to 317.43 ± 112.68 microns at the six-month follow-up (p<0.00001). The mean number of intravitreal bevacizumab injections received in the six months post-implant was 2.32. The mean time from dexamethasone implant to first anti-VEGF injection was 3.45 months. Conclusions: Intravitreal bevacizumab injections following a single dexamethasone implant were found to improve best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness in patients with macular edema due to branch and central retinal vein occlusion at six months, with few intravitreal injections required.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da combinação de in­jeções intravítreas de bevacizumabe em olhos com edema macular secundário à oclusão de ramo e da veia central da retina após um único implante de dexametasona. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo prospectivo intervencionista não comparativo com 44 olhos de pacientes com edema macular relacionado à oclusão de ramo e veia central da retina, sem tratamento prévio e tratados com um único implante de dexametasona, que foram acompanhados em intervalos de quatro semanas do segundo ao sexto mês. Se fosse constatado edema macular persistente ou recorrente durante esse período, os pacientes eram tratados com injeções intravítreas de bevacizumabe em um regime ajustado conforme a necessidade. Foram estudadas a melhor acuidade visual corrigida e alterações da espessura macular central. Resultados: A média da melhor acuidade visual corrigida mudou de 0,97 ± 0,33 LogMAR iniciais para 0,54 ± 0,40 no exame de 6 meses (p<0,00001). Vinte olhos (45,54%) melhoraram 3 linhas de Snellen ou mais. A média da espessura macular central inicial foi de 670,25 ± 209,9 μm e diminuiu para 317,43 ± 112,68 μm na visita de 6 meses (p<0,00001). O número médio de injeções intravítreas de bevacizumabe em 6 meses foi de 2,32 e o tempo médio entre o implante de dexametasona e a primeira injeção de anti-VEGF foi de 3,45 meses. Conclusão: Injeções intravítreas de bevacizumabe após um único implante de dexametasona podem proporcionar um aumento da melhor acuidade visual corrigida e diminuição da espessura macular central aos 6 meses em pacientes com edema macular devido à oclusão de ramo e da veia central da retina, com poucas injeções intravítreas.

Management of Diabetic Macular Edema Through Ayurveda: A Single Case Study

Diabetic macular edema is one of the leading causes of visual acuity loss in people with diabetes. It produces blurry vision, particularly in the centre of the vision field, floaters and black spots in front of the eyes etc. The treatment recommended by modern science is laser photocoagulation and anti-VEGF injection, which is pricey and does not ensure visual reversal in the patient. In Ayurveda text, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema are not directly described but etiopathogenesis of eye diseases and Prameha gives an idea of possible correlation between these two diseases. So, DME resembles Timira (Pramehajanya). In Ayurveda, Timira has been explained in detail by our Acharyas. Clinical manifestations of Timira are Vihwal Drishti (blurred vision), Makshika Mashaka Kesha Jaala Pashyati (floaters), Tamasa Darshanam (Scotoma- black spots in front of eyes) and Nasa Akshi Yuktani Vipritani Vikshate (Metamorphopsia or distorted vision) which has similarity with features of DME. Material & Methods: In the present study, a female patient aged 51 years, visited the Shalakya Tantra OPD of National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, with complaining of Blurriness of vision since 6 months and uncontrolled blood sugar level. Result: Blood sugar level was controlled and saw reduction in subjective and objective parameters. Discussion: Following an Ayurvedic drugs and routine will assist to slow the advancement of the condition, prevent further diabetes complications, and improve quality of life.

Effect of dexamethasone implant on intraocular cytokines in diabetic macular edema

Purpose: Our primary aim was to evaluate intraocular cytokines (IC) before and after dexamethasone in diabetic macular edema (DME). Our secondary aim was to study the early and late effects of single dexamethasone implant in DME. Methods: This before and after comparative study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology and Centre for Nanosciences at a quaternary referral center in Kerala, India, from September 2016 to September 2018. Patients underwent complete ophthalmological examination and cytokine analysis before and after dexamethasone implant. Levels of cytokines at baseline and repeat sample were studied. Results: Twenty?seven eyes (21 patients) were divided into two groups depending on time from baseline to second injection. Group 1 included patients with <3 months between the two samples – 12 (44.4%). Group 2 included patients with >3 months between the two samples –15 (55.6%). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) improved significantly post?dexamethasone in group 1, but not in group 2. Interleukin (IL)?4, IL?6, IL?10, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), IL?1?, interferon?gamma inducible protein?10 (IP?10), monocyte chemoattractant protein?1 (MCP?1), and IL?2 decreased post?injection in group 1. But cytokines increased post?dexamethasone in group 2, except IL?10. When compared to baseline, IL?6 reduced to half in group 1 (P?value 0.814) and it tripled in group 2 ( P?value 0.009). The level of VEGF in the first and second samples was not different in either group. Conclusion: Our study suggests that dexamethasone acts more on IC than VEGF in DME. This is significant in the first 3 months with a rebound effect on IL?6 after 3 months. Our study also suggests that repeat injection of DEX in DME should be done at 3 months to prevent deterioration of visual acuity (VA) and worsening of CMT.