Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the main cause of visual impairment in diabetic retinopathy patients. It mainly includes focal DME and diffuse DME, while DME of clinical significance needs timely intervention treatment. Optical coherence tomography is currently recognized as the most sensitive method to accurately diagnose DME. Currently, the common treatments of DME include intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or glucocorticoid and laser photocoagulation. Among them, anti-VEGF injection is becoming the first-line therapeutic, and corresponding individual treatment or combined treatment strategy should be selected according to the characteristics of DME and the specific conditions of patients. During the diagnosis and treatment of DME, attention should be paid to the systemic treatment of diabetes and the effect of diabetes-related neuroretinopathy on the therapeutic effect of DME. With the appearance of heterogeneity in the efficacy of anti-VEGF drugs, it remains to be further studied how to choose alternative therapeutics and when to replace them.
Objective To study and compare the clinical efficacy between intravitreal conbercept injection and (or) macular grid pattern photocoagulation in treating macular edema secondary to non-ischemic branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods Ninety eyes of 90 patients diagnosed as macular edema secondary to non-ischemic BRVO were enrolled in this study. Forty-eight patients (48 eyes) were male and 42 patients (42 eyes) were female. The average age was (51.25±12.24) years and the course was 5–17 days. All patients were given best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, slit lamp with preset lens, fluorescence fundus angiography (FFA) and optic coherent tomography (OCT) examination. The patients were divided into conbercept and laser group (group Ⅰ), laser group (group Ⅱ) and conbercept group (group Ⅲ), with 30 eyes in each group. The BCVA and central macular thickness (CMT) in the three groups at baseline were statistically no difference (F=0.072, 0.286;P=0.930, 0.752). Patients in group Ⅰ received intravitreal injection of 0.05 ml of 10.00 mg/ml conbercept solution (conbercept 0.5 mg), and macular grid pattern photocoagulation 3 days later. Group Ⅱ patients were given macular grid pattern photocoagulation. Times of injection between group Ⅰ and Ⅲ, laser energy between group Ⅰ and Ⅱ, changes of BCVA and CMT among 3 groups at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after treatment were compared. Results Patients in group Ⅰ and Ⅲ had received conbercept injections (1.20±0.41) and (2.23±1.04) times respectively, and 6 eyes (group Ⅰ) and 22 eyes (group Ⅲ) received 2-4 times re-injections. The difference of injection times between two groups was significant (P＜0.001). Patients in group Ⅱ had received photocoagulation (1.43±0.63) times, 9 eyes had received twice photocoagulation and 2 eyes had received 3 times of photocoagulation. The average laser energy was (96.05±2.34) μV in group Ⅰ and (117.41±6.85) μV in group Ⅱ, the difference was statistical significant (P=0.003). BCVA improved in all three groups at last follow-up. However, the final visual acuity in group Ⅰ and group Ⅲ were better than in group Ⅱ (t=4.607, –4.603;P＜0.001) and there is no statistical significant difference between group Ⅲ and group Ⅰ (t=–0.802,P=0.429). The mean CMT reduced in all three groups after treating for 1 week and 1 month, comparing that before treatment (t=–11.855, –10.620, –10.254;P＜0.001). There was no statistical difference of CMT between group Ⅰand Ⅲ at each follow up (t=0.404, 1.723, –1.819, –1.755;P=0.689, 0.096, 0.079, 0.900). CMT reduction in group Ⅰ was more than that in group Ⅱ at 1 week and 1 month after treatments (t=–4.621, –3.230;P＜0.001, 0.003). The CMT in group Ⅲ at 3 month after treatment had increased slightly comparing that at 1 month, but the difference was not statistically significant (t=1.995,P=0.056). All patients had no treatment-related complications, such as endophthalmitis, rubeosis iridis and retinal detachment. Conclusions Intravitreal conbercept injection combined with macular grid pattern photocoagulation is better than macular grid pattern photocoagulation alone in treating macular edema secondary to non-ischemic BRVO. Combined therapy also reduced injection times comparing to treatment using conbercept injection without laser photocoagulation.
Objective To observe the efficacy of intravitreal injection of ranibizumab (IVR) for different patterns of optical coherence tomography (OCT) of diabetic macular edema and the relationship between integrity of ellipsoidal zone and visual acuity outcomes. Methods Eighty-five IVR treated eyes were enrolled. The examination of BCVA was according to Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study, and the results were recorded as logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR). Frequency-domain OCT was used to measure the central foveal thickness (CFT) and the integrity of ellipsoidal zone. All eyes were classified as diffuse macular edema (DRT group, 31 eyes), cystoid macular edema (CME group, 29 eyes), and serous retinal detachment (SRD group, 25 eyes). All the patients were treated with intravitreal injection of 0.05 ml (0.5 mg) ranibizumab. The mean follow-up time was (9.21+3.56) months after IVR treatment. The changes of BCVA and CFT in 3 groups were compared and analyzed after 3, 6 and 12 months. According to visual acuity at different ranges, the relationship between integrity of ellipsoidal zone and BCVA was analyzed. Results Compared with the average logMAR BCVA before treatment, except for 12 months after treatment in group SRD (t=2.104,P=0.053), the average logMAR BCVA after IVR at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months improved in DRT group (t=7.847, 6.771, 6.426;P=0.000, 0.000, 0.000), CME group (t=8.560, 6.680, 5.082;P=0.000, 0.000, 0.000) and SRD group (t=5.161, 3.968, 2.104;P=0.000, 0.001, 0.053). The average logMAR BCVA of the DRT group was lesser than that in CME and SRD group after 12 months treatment (t=–2.043, –3.434;P=0.030, 0.001). The average CFT after IVR at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months reduced significantly in DRT group (t=12.746, 10.687, 9.425;P=0.000, 0.000, 0.000), CME group (t=13.400, 11.460, 10.169;P=0.000, 0.000, 0.000), and SRD group (t=11.755, 10.100, 9.173;P=0.000, 0.000, 0.000). After 12 months of treatment, the average CFT of the SRD group was thicker than that in DRT group and CME group (t=–3.251, –1.227;P=0.003, 0.025); there was significant difference in the integrity of ellipsoidal zone among 3 groups (χ2=1.267,P=0.531). The results showed that there were significant differences in the integrity of ellipsoidal zone with different ranges of BCVA before and after 12 months treatment (χ2=20.145, 41.035;P=0.000, 0.000). Conclusions IVR could significantly improve the visual acuity of different patterns of DME, reduced the CFT, and had the best efficacy in the DRT group. There was relationship between the integrity of ellipsoidal zone and the visual acuity outcomes.
Objective To compare the clinical results of yellow micro-pulse laser and traditional laser grid (MLG) photocoagulation for diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods Seventy-eight patients (106 eyes) with DME diagnosed by fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into micro-pulse group (39 patients, 51 eyes) and MLG group (39 patients, 55 eyes). The patients of micropulse group underwent 577 nm yellow micro-pulse laser therapy, while the patients of MLG group underwent continuous wavelength laser photocoagulation with a 561 nm yellow green laser. All the patients were examined documenting corrected visual acuity, macular retinal thickness (CMT) and mean sensitivity within macular 10 deg; examination before and after treatment. Six months after treatment was considered as the judgment time for the therapeutic effects. The mean corrected visual acuity, CMT and MS were comparatively analyzed. Results Six months after treatment, the mean corrected visual acuity of micropulse group and MLG group were 0.45plusmn;0.20 and 0.42plusmn;0.20, which increased significantly compared to those before treatment (t=3.404,2.316; P＜0.05). The difference of mean corrected visual acuity between before and after treatment of micro-pulse group and MLG group were 0.08plusmn;0.02 and 0.06plusmn;0.03, the difference was statistically significant between two groups (t=0.532, P＞0.05). The mean CMT of micropulse group and MLG group were (323.94plusmn;68.30) and (355.85plusmn;115.88) mu;m, which decreased significantly compared to those before treatment (t=4.028, 2.039; P＜0.05). The difference of mean CMT between before and after treatment of micro-pulse group and MLG group were (55.12plusmn;13.68) and (22.25plusmn;10.92) mu;m. The difference was not statistically significant between two groups (t=1.891,P＞0.05). The mean MS of micro-pulse group and MLG group were (6.63plusmn;2.65) and (4.53plusmn;1.81) dB. The mean MS of micro-pulse group increased significantly compared to that before treatment(t=3.335,P＜0.05). The mean MS of MLG group decreased significantly compared to that before treatment (t=3.589,P＜0.05). The difference of mean MS between before and after treatment of micro-pulse group and MLG group were (1.10plusmn;0.33) and (-0.91plusmn;0.25) dB.The difference was statistically significant between groups (t=4.872，P＜0.05). Conclusions In the treatment of DME, yellow micro-pulse laser therapy and MLG can improve visual acuity, and reduce CMT. In addition, yellow micro-pulse laser therapy can improve the MS, but MLG reduces MS.
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the most common retinopathy that seriously threatens the visual function of diabetic patients, and it represents a major cause of blindness especially among people in working age. Ocular VEGF inhibitors are most often used as a first line therapy for DME, and have revolutionary significance in improving visual outcomes. However, there remain 30%-50% patients who fail to respond to anti-VEGF treatment, and the need for frequent injections brings a substantial treatment burden to patients and society. Novel therapeutic strategies include improving efficacy and duration of anti-VEGF drugs, targeting inflammation, the plasma kallikrein–kinin system, the angiopoietin-Tie2 system, neurodegeneration and other alternative pathways, as well as using subthreshold and targeted laser therapy. It is still challenging in the individualized management of DME to identify non-responders to anti-VEGF drugs and to establish a standardized regimen for the switch from anti-VEGF therapy to anti-inflammatory or other alternative treatment. Further research and development of new therapies, as well as preventive and screening strategies, are needed to reduce the impact of diabetic retinopathy and DME on public health.
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of 577 nm subthreshold micropulse laser on diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods Retrospective case series study. A total of 30 patients (35 eyes) with center−involving DME were enrolled in this study. All the patients received the examinations of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus colorized photography, fluorescein fundus angiography (FFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). BCVA was measured by Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study charts. The average retinal thickness (ART), total macular volume (TMV) and the retinal thickness (RT) and macular volume (MV) of 9 ETDRS domains were measured by the Japanese Topcon 3D-OCT 2000 instrument. The mean BCVA was 62.4±10.5 letters. The mean ART was 327.3±41.2 μm. The mean TMV was 9.24±1.17 mm3. All patients were treated with 577 nm subthreshold micropulse laser treatment. Subthreshold micropulse laser were performed in the micropulse mode, using a 200 μm spot diameter, a 0.2 s duration with 5% duty cycle and its treatment energy was 6−7 times of threshold energy. Three months after treatment, re-treatment was performed on patients with incomplete absorption of macular edema. The treatment was the same as before. The BCVA, ART, TMV and the RT and MV of each ETDRS domain were compared and analyzed before and after treatment. The possible complications of micropulse laser treatment were also observed and the safety was evaluated. Results The difference of BCVA were statistically significant in month 3 and month 6 (t=−5.58, −7.24; P＜0.05), but not in month 1 (t=−1.82, P＞0.05). The average CRT (t=4.11, 4.17, 5.96), CMV (t=3.92, 4.05, 5.80) significantly decreased in 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment, the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05). At sixth months, the average retinal thickness (t=3.53, 5.07, 5.02, 4.87, 4.94, 3.48, 4.03, 3.17, 3.73) and retinal volume (t=3.54, 5.16, 4.99, 4.91, 5.05, 3.47, 4.08, 3.10, 3.70) of the 9 ETDRS subdomains significantly decreased, and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05). There was no visible laser spots, changes in the outer retina and complications of neovascularization and subretinal fibrosis in the fundus of all patients. Conclusion577 nm subthreshold micropulse laser can reduce the CMT, CMV and improve the BCVA of DME patients with high security.
ObjectiveTo observe the alterations of microvascular structure in patients with macular edema (ME) associated with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) before and after anti-VEGF drug therapy.MethodsA retrospective case study. Thirty-two eyes of 32 patients with unilateral BRVO-ME at Department of Ophthalmology in Beijing Hospital during November 2016 to June 2018 were enrolled in this study. There were 14 males (14 eyes) and 18 females (18 eyes), with the mean age of 57.81±10.58 years, and the mean course of the disease of 12.13±7.13 d. The affected eyes was defined as the eyes with BRVO-ME. All the affected eyes received intravitreal anti-VEGF drug injections (3+PRN). BCVA and OCT angiography (OCTA) were performed on the BRVO and fellow eyes before and after intravitreal anti-VEGF drug injections. The scanning region in the macular area was 3 mm×3 mm. Macular blood flow density in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP), macular hemodynamics parameters [foveal avascular area (FAZ) area, perimeter (PERIM), acircularity index (AI) and vessel density within a 300um width ring surrounding the FAZ (FD-300)] and central retinal thickness (CRT) were measured in all eyes. Paired samples t-test and Univariate Linear Regression were used in this study.ResultsComparing with fellow eyes, the mean macular blood flow density measured in the entire scan was lower in BRVO-ME eyes in the SCP (t=6.589, P=0.000) and DCP (t=9.753, P=0.000), PERIM (t=4.054, P=0.000) ), AI enlarged in BRVO-ME eyes (t=4.988, P=0.000), FD-300 was lower in BRVO-ME eyes (t=2.963, P=0.006), FAZ area enlarged in BRVO-ME eyes (t=0.928, P=0.361). The blood flow density in the DCP was the parameter most significantly correlated with BCVA and FAZ area (r=0.462, −0.387;P＜ .05). After 3 intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drug, the CRT and FD-300 decreased, BCVA increased (t=9.865, 3.256, −10.573; P＜0.05), PERIM and AI was not changed significantly (t=0.520, 2.004; P＞0.05). The blood flow density in the SCP decreased (t=2.814, P＜0.05), but the blood flow density in the DCP was not changed significantly (t=0.661, P=0.514). Contrarily, comparing with after 1 anti-VEGF drug injection, the blood flow density in the DCP increased after 2 anti-VEGF drug injections (t=3.132, P＜0.05). FAZ area enlarged in BRVO-ME eyes (t=5.340, P＜0.001). Comparing with last anti-VEGF drug injection, FAZ area enlarged after every anti-VEGF drug injection (t=2.907, 3.742, 2.203; P＜0.05).ConclusionsIn BRVO-ME eyes, the blood flow density in the SCP and DCP are decreased. The blood flow density in the DCP is positively correlated with BCVA and negatively correlated with FAZ area. After anti-VEGF drug therapy, the blood flow density is decreased in the SCP and increased in the DCP, FAZ area enlarged gradually, PERIM and AI are not changed significantly.
Objective To observe the visual acuity change in patients with different patterns of optical coherence tomography (OCT) of diabetic macular edema (DME) after intravitreal ranibizumab injection and/or laser photocoagulation. Methods A retrospective observational case series. Seventy patients (99 eyes) with DME were enrolled. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was evaluated using the international vision test chart, and then convert the result to the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR). According to the morphological characteristics of OCT, the DME was divided into 3 patterns, including diffuse macular edema (DRT), cystoid macular edema (CME) and serous neuroepithelial layer detachment. The average follow-up was (80.43±74.89) days. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the different treatments, including intravitreal ranibizumab injection group (group A, 21 patients, 25 eyes), intravitreal ranibizumab injection and laser photocoagulation group (group B, 23 patients, 26 eyes), laser photocoagulation group (group C, 26 patients, 48 eyes). The changes of absolute BCVA (ABCVA) and improved visual acuity were compared between different treatment groups and different OCT patterns. ABCVA = logMAR BCVA before treatment－logMAR BCVA after treatment. Improvement more than 0.3 of logMAR value was considered as improved visual acuity. Results There was no significant difference in ABCVA between different treatment groups (F=0.050,P＞0.05). The improved visual acuity in group A and B were great than group C (χ2=5.645, 6.301;P＜0.05). In group A, B and C, there was no significant difference in ABCVA and improved visual acuity between different OCT patterns (P＞0.05). Improved visual acuity of DRT and CME eyes were higher in group A&B (70.59% and 50.00%) than in group C (26.47% and 14.29%), the difference was statistically significant (χ2=5.075, 4.453;P＜0.05). Conclusions There is no obvious change of visual acuity in patients with different OCT patterns of DME after the same treatment by intravitreal ranibizumab injection and/or laser photocoagulation. The improved visual acuity is not consistent in same OCT patterns after different treatment.