Francis Char DeCroos

Intravitreal bevacizumab for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab on the visual and anatomical outcome in eyes with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion. Methods: A retrospective, consecutive case series identified 53 consecutive patients with a branch retinal vein occlusion treated with intravitreal bevacizumab. Clinical variables were analyzed, including best-corrected visual acuity, angiographic characteristics, central foveal thickness, and complications. Results: Fifty-three eyes were identified with a mean initial best-corrected visual acuity of 20/137 and final best-corrected visual acuity of 20/96 (P = 0.05). The mean final line change was +1.6 lines (95% confidence interval, +0.7 to +2.3; +8 letters [95% confidence interval, +3.5 to 11.5]). At final follow-up, 28% gained ≥3 lines, whereas a loss of >3 lines was seen in 6% of eyes. The mean initial central foveal thickness of 425 μm decreased to 289 μm (P < 0.001). Mean number of injections was 2.5, and mean follow-up was 9 months. Eyes treated for ≤6 months after the onset of branch retinal vein occlusion showed improved functional outcomes (e.g., final best-corrected visual acuity, mean line change) as compared with those treated with >6 months of symptoms (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Intravitreal bevacizumab appears to be an effective treatment for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion in many subjects. Eyes treated with intravitreal bevacizumab showed a significant reduction in central foveal thickness and improvement in visual acuity. Early treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab resulted in a greater improvement in visual acuity compared with delayed treatment.

Optical Coherence Tomography Grading Reproducibility during the Comparison of Age-related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials

OBJECTIVE To report reading center reproducibility during grading of Stratus optical coherence tomography (OCT) (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA) images obtained during the Comparison of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials (CATT). DESIGN Prospective, clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS Independent reading teams reevaluated 270 OCT scans randomly sampled from the first 2 years of CATT enrollment. To assess temporal drift, a cohort of 23 scans submitted during the initial portion of the CATT study was longitudinally followed with serial reproducibility analysis. INTERVENTION The CATT readers performed standardized grading of OCT images. A reader team, composed of 2 independent readers and a senior reader, evaluated each scan. Grading included the CATT OCT end points of total thickness at the foveal center point and intraretinal fluid (IRF), subretinal fluid (SRF), and subretinal pigment epithelium (RPE) fluid. Independent reading teams masked to the results of initial grading reevaluated scans to determine the reproducibility of qualitative grading and measurements. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Categorical grading agreement was reported using percent agreement and kappa statistic, and measurement agreement was reported using intraclass correlations and paired differences. RESULTS Reading center teams reproducibly graded IRF (percent agreement = 73%, kappa = 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38-0.58), SRF (percent agreement = 90%; kappa = 0.80; 95% CI, 0.73-0.87), and sub-RPE fluid (percent agreement 88%; kappa = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.67-0.83). For independent reading center team measurements of total thickness at the foveal center point, the intraclass correlation was 0.99 (95% CI, 0.99-0.99), and the mean paired difference between reading center teams was 4 μm (95% limits of agreement, -55 to 47 μm). There was no qualitative or quantitative grading drift. CONCLUSIONS The standardized protocols used to evaluate OCT scans from the CATT study were reproducible. The methods used are suitable to monitor OCT imaging data from a large, neovascular age-related macular degeneration, interventional, multicenter study. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Combined bone allograft and adipose-derived stem cell autograft in a rabbit model.

Currently available options for the repair of bony defects have substantial limitations. Much work has looked to the possibility of engineering bone using stem cells. These tissue-engineering efforts have focused on calvarial defect models, which have the advantages of minimal load-bearing and a large surface area. This study aims to solve the somewhat more challenging problem of repairing segmental bony defects such as those of the mandible and long bones. Four groups of decellularized bone tubes with cortical perforations were implanted subcutaneously in a rabbit model: empty bone tubes, bone tubes containing fibrin glue alone, bone tubes containing fibrin glue and freshly isolated autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), and bone tubes containing fibrin glue and predifferentiated autologous ASCs. Results showed a foreign body response characterized by fibrous capsule formation with minimal angiogenesis and no evidence of osteoblastic activity. Substantial changes are needed if this model is to become viable.

Perioperative antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents in cataract surgery.

Purpose of review Cataract surgery has benefited from great technical advances but no consensus exists as regards optimal perioperative medical management of inflammation and infection prophylaxis. Recent findings The present article primarily reviews recent evidence about the most advantageous antibiotic regimen to minimize endophthalmitis, and the utility of steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in management of both postoperative inflammation and cystoid macular edema. Prospective data from Europe supports the efficacy of intracameral cephalosporins in reducing the incidence of endophthalmitis. We compare this with retrospective data from the United States describing a low incidence of endophthalmitis when using fourth-generation fluoroquinolones as chemoprophylaxis. Other studies demonstrate the anti-inflammatory effect of multiple perioperative topical NSAIDs. Further important questions remain, however, including whether NSAIDs exhibit a superior side-effect profile relative to corticosteroids, whether benefit exists to combination NSAID/corticosteroid therapy, as well as whether NSAIDS can reduce the incidence of cystoid macular edema. Summary New evidence clarifies the use of intracameral antibiotics, and other studies support a niche anti-inflammatory role for NSAIDs.

Pars Plana Vitrectomy, Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling, and Panretinal Endophotocoagulation for Macular Edema Secondary to Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

PURPOSE To investigate the visual and anatomic outcomes in eyes with cystoid macular edema (CME) resulting from central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) that underwent pars plana vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peeling, and panretinal endolaser photocoagulation (PPV/MP/EL). DESIGN Retrospective, observational case series. METHODS Consecutive, nonrandomized patients at the Duke Eye Center who underwent PPV/MP/EL for treatment of CME secondary to CRVO by a single surgeon (S.F.) over the last 5 years were identified and reviewed. Outcome measures include best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), foveal thickness, and total macular volume (TMV). RESULTS Twelve patients were identified. Duration of CRVO before surgery ranged from 3 to 19 months (mean, 12.3 months). Preoperative perfusion status was not ischemic in 6 eyes, ischemic in 5 eyes, and indeterminate in 1 eye. Intravitreal triamcinolone had been administered in 66% and was given at least 4 months before surgical intervention. After surgery, foveal thickness and TMV improved, but BCVA demonstrated only a modest improvement that did not reach statistical significance. At the time of surgery, 50% of eyes were pseudophakic. Of the remaining eyes, visually significant cataracts developed in all 6 (100%) within 1 year after surgery, with 67% of those undergoing cataract extraction within 15 months after PPV/MP/EL. CONCLUSIONS PPV/MP/EL performed for CME secondary to CRVO reduced foveal thickness and TMV at final follow-up; however, anatomic improvement did not correlate with a statistically significant improvement in BCVA.

A prospective pilot study of intravitreal aflibercept for the treatment of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy: the CONTAIN study

Aim To evaluate the role of intravitreal aflibercept injection as a treatment for eyes with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Methods This prospective pilot study enrolled 12 patients with chronic CSCR who received a 6-month treatment regimen of intravitreal aflibercept. Patients were followed with monthly Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) with enhanced depth imaging. Results All patients were men between 29 and 64 years (median 55). Subfoveal fluid was present on OCT for a median duration of 6 months (range 4–29 months) prior to treatment. Baseline BCVA ranged from 20/25 to 20/160 (median 20/50) with a mean of 62 (SD=13) ETDRS letters. No patients experienced serious ocular or systemic adverse events over the course of the study. Post-treatment BCVA ranged from 20/20 to 20/200 (median 20/40), with a mean of 64 (SD=16) ETDRS letters (p=0.56). At baseline, three patients (25%) had BCVA of ≥20/40 versus seven patients (58%) at the conclusion of the study. Two patients gained at least 15 ETDRS letters and no patients lost more than 15 ETDRS letters. Six of 12 patients (50%) had complete resolution of subfoveal fluid. Mean central macular thickness decreased from 400 µm (SD=104 µm) to 306 µm (SD=94 µm) (p=0.03), and mean subfoveal fluid decreased from 159 µm (SD=93 µm) to 49 µm (SD=68 µm) (p=0.02). Mean choroidal thickness decreased from 307 µm (SD=72 µm) to 263 µm (SD=63 µm) (p=0.0003). Conclusions Intravitreal aflibercept was well tolerated over a 6-month treatment course for chronic CSCR. No change was observed in visual acuity metrics. Anatomic trends may suggest some morphological activity, but larger controlled trials are needed. Trial registration number NCT01710332

Postoperative vitreous hemorrhage after diabetic 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy.

PURPOSE To report the frequency of postoperative vitreous hemorrhage (VH) in eyes that underwent primary 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for nonclearing VH resulting from proliferative diabetic retinopathy, as well as associated risk factors. DESIGN Retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series. METHODS SETTING Institutional (Retina Service of Wills Eye Institute). STUDY POPULATION One hundred seventy-three eyes of 157 patients. INTERVENTION Twenty-three-gauge PPV for nonclearing diabetic VH. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Percentage of eyes in which postoperative VH developed, categorized as early, delayed, or severe persistent, as well as percentage requiring reoperation. RESULTS During a mean follow-up of 32 weeks, 56 (32%) of 173 eyes demonstrated postoperative VH, categorized as early (8 eyes; 5%), delayed (13 eyes; 8%), or severe persistent (35 eyes; 20%). Twenty-two (13%) of 173 eyes required reoperation: 4 (50%) of 8 in the early group, 8 (62%) of 13 in the delayed group, and 10 (29%) of 35 in the severe persistent group. Mean preoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity was 1.5 (Snellen equivalent, approximately 20/600); mean postoperative VA was 0.65 (Snellen equivalent, approximately 20/90), a gain of 0.85 (P < .0001). Thirty-four (27%) of 127 eyes with complete scatter photocoagulation before undergoing PPV compared with 22 (48%) of 46 eyes with incomplete scatter photocoagulation before undergoing PPV demonstrated postoperative VH (P = .002). Other factors associated with postoperative VH included younger age (P = .022) and phakia (P = .036). CONCLUSIONS Postoperative VH was not uncommon after initial 23-gauge PPV for diabetic VH and was associated with incomplete scatter photocoagulation, younger age, and phakia before PPV. However, only a minority of patients required reoperation.

Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Membrane Alters Tissue Response to Implanted Ahmed Glaucoma Valve

Purpose: Long-term intraocular pressure control by glaucoma drainage implants is compromised by the formation of an avascular fibrous capsule that surrounds the glaucoma implant and increases aqueous outflow resistance. It is possible to alter this fibrotic tissue reaction and produce a more vascularized and potentially more permeable capsule around implanted devices by enclosing them in a porous membrane. Methods: Ahmed glaucoma implants modified with an outer 5-μ m pore size membrane (termed porous retrofitted implant with modified enclosure or PRIME-Ahmed) and unmodified glaucoma implants were implanted into paired rabbit eyes. After 6 weeks, the devices were explanted and subject to histological analysis. Results: A tissue response containing minimal vascularization, negligible immune response, and a thick fibrous capsule surrounded the unmodified Ahmed glaucoma implant. In comparison, the tissue response around the PRIME-Ahmed demonstrated a thinner fibrous capsule (46.4 ± 10.8 μ m for PRIME-Ahmed versus 94.9 ± 21.2 μ m for control, p < 0.001) and was highly vascularized near the tissue-material interface. A prominent chronic inflammatory response was noted as well. Conclusions: Encapsulating the aqueous outflow pathway with a porous membrane produces a more vascular tissue response and thinner fibrous capsule compared with a standard glaucoma implant plate. Enhanced vascularity and a thinner fibrous capsule may reduce aqueous outflow resistance and improve long-term glaucoma implant performance.

Outcomes of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in the management of choroidal neovascularization associated with choroidal osteoma.

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of serial anti–vascular endothelial growth factor injections for choroidal neovascularization associated with choroidal osteoma. Methods: In this retrospective interventional case series, eyes with choroidal osteoma and associated choroidal neovascularization were treated with intravitreal ranibizumab or bevacizumab with or without photodynamic therapy consolidation. Resolution of subretinal fluid on optical coherence tomography and best-corrected visual acuity were assessed. Results: Eight eyes in eight patients were treated with monthly intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor injections with or without photodynamic therapy. Resolution of subretinal fluid on optical coherence tomography was achieved in 7 of 8 eyes (87%) with a mean of 12.3 ± 12.6 injections (range, 1–40). Four eyes (50%) experienced at least 1 recurrence of exudation at a mean interval of 10 months (median, 7.5; range, 5–21 months), necessitating further therapy. The mean Snellen visual acuity improvement was 1 ± 4 lines (range, loss 3 to gain 7 lines) at a mean of 32-months follow-up. Conclusion: Serial anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy alone or with photodynamic therapy consolidation for choroidal neovascularization due to choroidal osteoma resulted in anatomical improvement and modest visual gain.

The Histology of Graft Adhesion in Descemet Stripping with Endothelial Keratoplasty

PURPOSE To describe the histologic findings of full-thickness corneas from penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in 10 patients with a prior history of Descemet stripping with endothelial keratoplasty. DESIGN Retrospective review of the histopathology of 10 PK specimens. METHODS We reviewed histologic sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, and colloidal iron stains from 10 PK specimens, which had been trisected and submitted in their entirety. Clinical data were abstracted from the medical record. RESULTS The interface between host and graft in most cases was barely perceptible with minimal changes in the degree of tissue eosinophilia, a subtle increase in keratocyte cellularity focally, or the presence of melanin granules within keratocytes. Residual host Descemet membrane (DM) was found in 8 of the 10 cases, most often at the edges of the graft. In no case did the presence of DM appear to hinder graft adhesion. CONCLUSION The adhesion of Descemet stripping with endothelial keratoplasty grafts is not associated with significant scarring or keratocyte proliferation. Contrary to previous assumptions, retained DM did not appear to hinder graft adhesion, raising the possibility that removal of DM may be unnecessary for endothelial transplantation.