Optical Coherence Tomography Biomarkers: Vitreous Status Influence in Outcomes for Diabetic Macular Edema Therapy with 0.19-mg Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Pessoa, B (Author) Other; Ferreira, A (Author) FMUP; Leite, J (Author) Other; Figueira, J (Author) Other; Meireles, A (Author) Other; Beirao, JM (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Ophthalmic Research

Vol. 64

Pages: 639-647

ISSN: 0030-3747

Publisher: Karger

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 2 Citations

Scopus - 2 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00V-9RC

DOI: 10.1159/000515306

Abstract (EN): Background: The 0.19-mg fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant (ILUVIEN(R); Alimera Sciences Ltd., Hampshire, UK) was approved for the treatment of vision impairment associated with chronic and refractory diabetic macular edema (DME). Objectives: To quantitatively assess functional and structural features in nonvitrectomized and vitrectomized DME patients after being treated with an FAc implant. Methods: Retrospective review of patients with DME receiving a single intravitreal injection of the FAc implant. The study was designed to analyze the presence of quantitative structural OCT biomarkers at baseline and 12 months after FAc therapy according to vitreous status. Results: A total of 41 eyes from 30 patients were included in this study. At 12 months after injection, vitrectomized patients had a lower central foveal thickness (p = 0.017) and fewer hyperreflective dots (p = 0.028) compared with nonvitrectomized. Thirty (73%) patients presented a significant functional improvement with 17 (42%) increasing at least 15 ETDRS letters. Overall, 22 (54%) eyes had a complete resolution of DME at the 12-month visit. Patients who needed additional therapy had a higher prevalence of subretinal fluid (42 vs. 3%, p = 0.005) at baseline. Conclusions: This study supports the effectiveness of the FAc implant and reports significant changes at 12 months after FAc injection.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9