Brolucizumab in age-related macular neovascularization (BRAIN study): Efficacy, optical coherence tomography biomarkers, and safety profile.

BACKGROUND: Brolucizumab is a new anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (IPCV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, consecutive, interventional study was conducted from a tertiary eye hospital, in which treatment-naïve and treatment-switch patients were included. They underwent an intravitreal injection of brolucizumab. The decision to reinject was made based on the presence of fluid on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) or worsening of vision at follow-up. Outcome measures were changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield thickness (CST), fluid (subretinal/intraretinal/sub-retinal pigment epithelium fluid) levels, and OCT biomarkers and safety analysis. RESULTS: A total of 59 eyes of 50 patients with a total of 132 intravitreal injections were included. There was a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.05) in BCVA from baseline in logMAR treatment-naïve patients (mean BCVA at baseline 0.6 ± 0.41 and 0.37 ± 0.56). The mean baseline CST of all patients significantly reduced from 582.92 ± 233.11 µm at baseline to 474.06 ± 252.89 µm at the final treatment visit. Thirty-eight percent of patients showed complete resolution of SHRM after a single injection. The interval between each subsequent injection increased from a mean of 67 to 96 days in treatment-switch patients and from 47 to 151 days in treatment-naïve patients. CONCLUSION: Brolucizumab promises reduced number of injections with longer treatment intervals.

Bilateral choroidal effusion following vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 virus.

An 80-year-old systemically stable female presented with sudden blurring of vision post the first dose of CovishieldTM, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine. On examination, she was found to have bilateral serous choroidal effusions. A thorough systemic and ocular workup was performed to rule out other causes of choroidal effusion. The effusions resolved with tapering doses of oral and systemic steroids. To the best of our knowledge, at the time of submission, this is the first case of choroidal effusion being reported after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine.

Vitreoretinal Society of India practice pattern survey 2020: Medical retina.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to present the outcomes of the Vitreo-retinal Society of India (VRSI) Practice Pattern Survey 2020 in medical retina. Methods: An online survey of members of VRSI was conducted in April 2020 regarding their practice-patterns on varied medical and surgical retina topics concerning imaging and management approach. The results were evaluated by two independent experts in this field and compared with the evidence and other practice patterns in the world. Results: A total of 107 VRSI members participated in the online survey. Responses were obtained on management of wide-ranging chorioretinal disorders such as Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR), Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy (PCV), Neovascular age related macular degeneration (n-AMD), Retinal Vein Occlusions (RVO), and Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). Participants were also surveyed regarding their attitudes and perceptions about anti-VEGF practice patterns and role of imaging in their current practice. Each of the survey question responses were then compared to contemporary literature, including evidence-based guidelines, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), real-world evidence and analogous international surveys. Comprehensive analysis related to this has been put forward in the article. Conclusion: This survey represents the contemporary practice patterns amongst vitreoretinal specialists in India. The survey results are vital for fellow practitioners to understand the 'standard of care' practice in medical retina. This will guide them to devise the best possible individualized treatment strategy for most favorable clinical outcomes.

Vitreoretinal Society of India practice pattern survey 2020: Surgical retina.

Purpose: To present the outcomes of the Vitreo-retinal Society of India (VRSI) Practice Pattern Survey 2020 in surgical retina. Methods: An online survey of members of VRSI was conducted in April 2020 regarding their practice patterns on varied medical and surgical retina topics concerning imaging and management approach. The results were evaluated by two independent experts in this field and compared with the evidence and other practice patterns in the world. Results: A total of 107 VRSI members participated in the online survey. Responses were obtained on management of wide-ranging surgical retina topics such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachments, Macular Hole, and Epiretinal membranes. Participants were also surveyed regarding their attitudes and perceptions about microscopes with the heads-up display system. Each of the survey question responses were then compared to contemporary literature, including evidence-based guidelines, randomized controlled trials, real-world evidence, and analogous international surveys. Comprehensive analysis related to this has been put forward in the article. Conclusion: This survey represents the contemporary practice patterns among vitreoretinal specialists in India. The survey results are vital for fellow practitioners to understand the "standard of care" practice in surgical retina. This will guide them to devise the best possible individualized treatment strategy for most favorable clinical outcomes.

Changing trends in the use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) biosimilars: Insights from the Vitreoretinal Society of India Biosimilars of Anti-VEGF Survey.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to present the outcomes of the 2018 and 2020 Vitreo-retinal Society of India (VRSI) biosimilars of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (VIBE) surveys. Methods: An online survey of members of VRSI was conducted in July 2018 and January 2020 regarding their practice-patterns on anti-VEGF biosimilars pertaining to safety, efficacy, pricing, and need for enhanced clinical trials before regulatory approval. Results: In 2018, 112 VRSI members participated, whereas in 2020, 98 society members participated. In both surveys, majority of respondents were aware of biosimilars (96%, 2018 vs. 100%, 2020; P = 0.9) and felt that approval of biosimilar drugs should be made more stringent with larger clinical trials (89%, 2018 vs. 91%, 2020; P = 0.93). An increase in use of ranibizumab-biosimilar (41%, 2018 to 56%, 2020; P = 0.2) and a simultaneous significant decline in use of bevacizumab-biosimilar (9%, 2018 to 2%, 2020; P = 0.04) was noted from 2018 to 2020. From 2018 to 2020, the proportion of respondents satisfied with safety (61% to 68%; P = 0.59) and efficacy (65% to 81%; P = 0.32) of ranibizumab-biosimilar increased. However, during the same period, we noted in reduction in satisfaction levels with safety of bevacizumab-biosimilar (30% to 25%; P = 0.54), whereas satisfaction with its efficacy was stable (29% vs 30%; P = 0.99). A substantial proportion of retina specialists considered that current cost of ranibizumab-biosimilar ($130) was sufficiently low for it to be used as a substitute for Avastin (37%, 2018 and 40%, 2020; P = 0.82). Conclusion: The VRSI surveys reveal that Indian vitreoretinal specialists are familiar with anti-VEGF biosimilars. There was a progressive trend favoring ranibizumab-biosimilar over bevacizumab-biosimilar. One-third of the participants deem the current price of ranibizumab-biosimilar as appropriate to replace Avastin. Simultaneously, the need for enhanced pharmacovigilance and larger clinical trials are warranted for regulatory approval of these agents.

Evolving consensus on managing vitreo-retina and uvea practice in post-COVID-19 pandemic era.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges to the health care community. Many of the super-speciality practices are planning to re-open after the lockdown is lifted. However there is lot of apprehension in everyone's mind about conforming practices that would safeguard the patients, ophthalmologists, healthcare workers as well as taking adequate care of the equipment to minimize the damage. The aim of this article is to develop preferred practice patterns, by developing a consensus amongst the lead experts, that would help the institutes as well as individual vitreo-retina and uveitis experts to restart their practices with confidence. As the situation remains volatile, we would like to mention that these suggestions are evolving and likely to change as our understanding and experience gets better. Further, the suggestions are for routine patients as COVID-19 positive patients may be managed in designated hospitals as per local protocols. Also these suggestions have to be implemented keeping in compliance with local rules and regulations.

A Review of the Role of Intravitreal Corticosteroids as an Adjuvant to Antibiotics in Infectious Endophthalmitis.

Infectious endophthalmitis is an important cause of vision loss worldwide. This entity most often occurs as a complication of intraocular surgery especially following cataract surgery or intravitreal injection. Endophthalmitis is regarded as a serious complication following ocular surgery and the final visual outcome is fundamentally contingent on timely recognition and intervention. Intravitreal and oral antibiotics in combination with pars plana vitrectomy or vitreous aspiration remain the mainstay in the management of endophthalmitis. However, significant inflammation may persist even after sterilization of the intraocular cavities with appropriate antibiotics resulting in failure of treatment. This forms the basis for the use of intravitreal corticosteroids as an adjuvant to antibiotics in the management of infectious endophthalmitis. In the index manuscript, we review the existing literature to determine the role of intravitreal corticosteroids as an adjuvant to antibiotics in treating infectious endophthalmitis, and discuss their beneficial effects and controversial concerns.

A Combined Bony and Soft Tissue, Thoracic Chance Fracture: Late Displacement following Conservative Treatment.

We report the first case of a combined bony and soft tissue Chance fracture in the thoracic spine, with late presenting displacement following conservative management. Chance fractures are flexion-distraction injuries to the spine. They consist of disruption and longitudinal separation of the posterior elements of the vertebra, with the fracture extending through the pedicles and into the vertebral body. Both bony and soft tissue Chance fractures of the lumbar spine have been reported, as well as bony Chance fractures in the thoracic spine. This case suggests that this type of fracture is unstable and is an indication for operative management. It is also important to note that the displacement of the fracture occurred at more than eight weeks after injury, suggesting that instability may not present immediately.

Management of noninfectious posterior uveitis with intravitreal drug therapy.

Uveitis is an important cause of vision loss worldwide due to its sight-threatening complications, especially cystoid macular edema, as well as choroidal neovascularization, macular ischemia, cataract, and glaucoma. Systemic corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy for noninfectious posterior uveitis; however, various systemic side effects can occur. Intravitreal medication achieves a therapeutic level in the vitreous while minimizing systemic complications and is thus used as an exciting alternative. Corticosteroids, antivascular endothelial growth factors, immunomodulators such as methotrexate and sirolimus, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are currently available for intravitreal therapy. This article reviews the existing literature for efficacy and safety of these various options for intravitreal drug therapy for the management of noninfectious uveitis (mainly intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis).

Talonavicular dislocation with associated cuboid fracture following low-energy trauma.

Isolated talonavicular dislocations are uncommon injuries, usually occurring as a result of high-energy trauma. As a result extensive disruption of the midfoot ligamentous structures commonly occur with these injuries, often resulting in a poor outcome. Due to its rarity these injuries remain poorly understood, and several opinions exist on the probable mechanisms of injury and the optimal treatment. Five main injury types have been classified based on the deforming forces and direction of displacement; medial, lateral, longitudinal, plantar, and crush. However new mechanisms and injury patterns continue to be reported. We report a case of a medial swivel type talonavicular dislocation, associated with a cuboid body fracture, which is previously undescribed.

284 press-fit Kinemax total knee arthroplasties followed for 10 years: poor survival of uncemented prostheses.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Our institution began using the Kinemax total knee arthroplasty system in 1988, both with and without cement fixation. We report 10-year survival figures. METHODS: Theater records showed that 284 Kinemax total knee arthroplasties had been performed 1988 through 1993. Life-table survival estimates were used to determine the probability of survivorship 10 years after surgery for the total group and by age, sex, diagnosis, and mode of fixation. Median follow-up was 11 (0.8-15) years for unrevised knees in patients who were still alive. RESULTS: The 10-year cumulative survivorship was higher (93%, 95% CI: 81-97) when both components had been cemented than if either, or both, were uncemented (77%, CI: 67-83; p < 0.001). There was an increased incidence of failure in patients who were less than 60 years of age at the time of surgery (p = 0.004). INTERPRETATION: The smooth-backed Kinemax knee without cement was found to be associated with a high failure rate at 10 years. The 10-year cumulative survival results of the cemented prosthesis are acceptable.