ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the short-term effectiveness and safety outcomes following brolucizumab treatment in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) as a part of real-world clinical practice in India. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational, multicentre study including patients (≥50 years old) diagnosed with nAMD. Anonymized data of the patients receiving the first dose of brolucizumab intravitreal injection (IVI) who were either treatment-naïve or previously treated with a single or a combination of other anti-VEGF IVIs were included. The present study reported the change in retinal fluid levels from baseline to month 3, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), and the number of injections received. The adverse events in the three months after brolucizumab treatment initiation were also monitored. Results: The study included 63 patients (65 eyes) from four study centres across India (mean age: 69.1 ± 9.7 years). A total of 82 brolucizumab injections were administered during the 3 months of study duration, with 52/65 (80.0%) eyes receiving only 1 injection. Resolution of IRF, SRF, and PED was observed in 76.9%, 64.6%, and 67.7% of eyes, respectively. Further, a significant reduction in CRT was observed (baseline: 403.5 ± 118.7 µm; month 3: 308.3 ± 73.8 µm; p < 0.001), and BCVA also improved notably from 0.7 ± 0.5 logMAR at baseline to 0.5 ± 0.4 logMAR at month 3 (p < 0.001). Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 3 eyes from 3 patients; retinal pigment epithelial rip (1) and subretinal hemorrhage (2) after the first injection of brolucizumab, however, none discontinued the treatment. Conclusion: The study reports on the short-term effectiveness and tolerability of brolucizumab therapy in the management of nAMD in both treatment-naïve and switch eyes. Brolucizumab was observed to have a favourable benefit-risk profile, and study results were within the known safety profile, with no instances of intraocular inflammation.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The data on prevalence of extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) in ulcerative colitis (UC) are scanty and highly variable. METHODS: Consecutive patients with UC were prospectively evaluated from November 2016 to August 2017. A detailed history was obtained and physical examination was done. Presence of EIM was confirmed by a consultant rheumatologist, ophthalmologist and dermatologist. Tests performed were hemogram, liver function test, abdominal ultrasound, slit lamp examination, X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging when deemed necessary. RESULTS: A total of 227 patients with UC were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of EIM was 7.92%. Mucocutaneous (4.84%) manifestations were the commonest, followed by musculoskeletal (1.32%) and ocular (0.88%). Hepatobiliary (0.44%) and vascular (0.44) manifestations were present in equal frequency. History of appendicectomy was associated with EIM. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of EIM in UC was low in our study. History of appendicectomy was a risk factor for EIM.
