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Erschienen in:

06.08.2020 | original article

Retinal pigment epithelial characteristics in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Long-term retinal changes under anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment

verfasst von: Christian Ebner, MD, Clara Wernigg, MD, Christopher Schütze, MD, PhD, PD, Birgit Weingessel, MD, PD, Prof. Pia-Veronika Vécsei-Marlovits, MD, MBA

Erschienen in: Wiener klinische Wochenschrift | Ausgabe 3-4/2021

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Summary

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) and retinal structural changes in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) during long-term follow-up and to evaluate morphological markers potentially influencing prognosis.

Methods

A total of 18 eyes of 18 patients with neovascular AMD were examined subsequent to completion of the Avastin Versus Lucentis in Age Related Macular Degeneration (MANTA) study following a mean period of 84 months (range 69–93 months). After receiving a loading dose of 3 intravitreal anti-VEGF injections subsequent to baseline of the MANTA study, patients were treated as needed (pro re nata, PRN). Functional and morphological changes were assessed, the latter using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Results

Retinal/RPE atrophy generally increased significantly during follow-up compared to baseline (fibrosis 28% vs. 89%, p = 0.0001, geographic atrophy, GA 0% vs. 67%, p = 0.0002, RPE porosity 61% vs. 100%, p = 0.009) whereas regenerative alterations tendentially increased until 3 months and then subsequently declined until the last visit (RPE thickening 28% vs. 11%, p = 0.22 and intraretinal hyperreflective foci 89% vs. 78%, p = 0.39).

Conclusion

Atrophic alterations of the retina and RPE are progressive and may partly be induced by anti-VEGF. Morphological findings may aid in the identification of prognostic markers in the progression of neovascular AMD. This could lead to a more targeted education of affected patients.
Literatur
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Metadaten
Titel
Retinal pigment epithelial characteristics in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Long-term retinal changes under anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment
verfasst von
Christian Ebner, MD
Clara Wernigg, MD
Christopher Schütze, MD, PhD, PD
Birgit Weingessel, MD, PD
Prof. Pia-Veronika Vécsei-Marlovits, MD, MBA
Publikationsdatum
06.08.2020
Verlag
Springer Vienna
Erschienen in
Wiener klinische Wochenschrift / Ausgabe 3-4/2021
Print ISSN: 0043-5325
Elektronische ISSN: 1613-7671
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00508-020-01718-6