Intravitreal pegaptanib sodium (Macugen) for treatment of myopic choroidal neovascularization: a morphologic and functional study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

To report the morphologic and functional outcomes resulting from the use of intravitreal pegaptanib (IVP) sodium (Macugen) in patients with myopic choroidal neovascularization.

METHODS:

An open-label, nonrandomized, prospective clinical trial was performed. Morphologic outcome, such as foveal thickness, was assessed by optical coherence tomography, whereas functional outcomes were assessed by best-corrected visual acuity and microperimetry. Treatment protocol consisted of 3 consecutive IVP (0.3 mg/0.05 mL; baseline, 6th week, and 12th week). Follow-up checks were scheduled at the following intervals: baseline, 18, 24, 36, and 48 weeks.

RESULTS:

Twenty eyes from 20 patients were studied. All patients completed follow-up at 48 weeks. After IVP, a significant decrease in foveal thickness occurred (-20%), and at the end of follow-up, choroidal neovascularization closure was obtained in all eyes. An improvement of functional parameters was recorded in all patients (best-corrected visual acuity from 25.5 ± 8.09 letters to 45.5 ± 8.16 letters, P < 0.0001; microperimetry from 8.40 ± 2.14 dB to 10.8 ± 2.05 dB, P < 0.01). The mean number of IVP was 3, and none of patients met the re-treatment criterion during the entire follow-up period. Neither ocular nor systemic side effects were observed.

CONCLUSION:

The findings demonstrate that the selective inhibition of VEGF-165 isoform by IVP is an effective treatment for myopic choroidal neovascularization.

• Authors: Michele Rinaldi, Flavia Chiosi, Roberto DellʼOmo, Mario R Romano, Francesco Parmeggiani, Francesco Semeraro, Massimo Menzione, Ciro Costagliola
• Journal: Retina (Philadelphia, Pa.) (Retina) Vol. 33 Issue 2 Pg. 397-402 (Feb 2013) ISSN: 1539-2864 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22990315 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Angiogenesis Inhibitors
• Aptamers, Nucleotide
• VEGFA protein, human
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
• pegaptanib

Topics

• Angiogenesis Inhibitors (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Aptamers, Nucleotide (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Choroidal Neovascularization (drug therapy, etiology, physiopathology)
• Female
• Fovea Centralis (pathology)
• Humans
• Intravitreal Injections
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Myopia, Degenerative (complications, drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Pilot Projects
• Prospective Studies
• Tomography, Optical Coherence
• Treatment Outcome
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Visual Acuity (physiology)
• Visual Field Tests
• Visual Fields (physiology)