[Two-year results of photodynamic therapy for choroidal neovascularization in young patients].

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To study the safety and efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin in treating choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in young Japanese patients.

METHODS:

Ten eyes of 10 patients aged 50 years or younger with the diagnosis of CNV were retrospectively analyzed. CNV was of idiopathic origin in 8 eyes and of myopic origin in 2. Five eyes were treated with PDT. The visual, clinical, and angiographic responses and complications were investigated. Mean follow-up period was 33.2 months.

RESULTS:

The initial mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was significantly worse in the PDT treated group than in the non-PDT treated group (0.55 vs. 0.21, p = 0.029). The mean CNV size was significantly larger in the PDT treated group (1752 microm vs. 782 microm, p = 0.014). BCVA improved in 40% (2 eyes), unchanged in 40% (2 eyes), and worsened in 20% (1 eye) in both PDT-treated and non-treated groups. No significant complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS:

PDT seems to be a good treatment strategy in achieving a stable or improved vision for young CNV patients, even if they had very poor visual acuity at their initial visits. Further prospective studies are needed.

• Authors: Kaori Fujisato, Atsushi Otani, Manabu Sasahara, Yuko Yodoi, Hiroko Aikawa, Hiroshi Tamura, Akitaka Tsujikawa, Nagahisa Yoshimura
• Journal: Nippon Ganka Gakkai zasshi (Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi) Vol. 112 Issue 9 Pg. 777-85 (Sep 2008) ISSN: 0029-0203 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 18833941 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Photosensitizing Agents
• Porphyrins
• Verteporfin

Topics

• Adult
• Choroidal Neovascularization (drug therapy)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Photochemotherapy (adverse effects)
• Photosensitizing Agents (therapeutic use)
• Porphyrins (therapeutic use)
• Retrospective Studies
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome
• Verteporfin