The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in adults of China has reached 12.8%. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) accounts for approximately 1/4-1/3 of the diabetic population. Several millions of people are estimated suffering the advanced stage of DR, including severe non-proliferative DR (NPDR), proliferative DR (PDR) and diabetic macular edema (DME), which seriously threat to the patients’ vision. On the basis of systematic prevention and control of diabetes and its complications, prevention of the moderate and high-risk NPDR from progressing to the advanced stage is the final efforts to avoid diabetic blindness. The implementation of the DR severity scale is helpful to assess the severity, risk factors for its progression, treatment efficacy and prognosis. In the eyes with vision-threatening DR, early application of biotherapy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor can improve DR with regression of retinal neovascularization, but whether it is possible to induce capillary re-canalization in the non-perfusion area needs more investigation. Laser photocoagulation remains the mainstay treatment for non-center-involved DME and PDR.
Objective To observe the short-term effect of changing the sequence of PRP and MLP on the pre-proliferative or proliferative diabetic retinopathy patients with clinical significant macular edema (CSEM). Methods Sixty-three consecutive pre-proliferative or proliferative diabetic retinopathy outpatients (103 eyes) with clinical significant macular edema were selected and divided into two groups: 54 eyes in patients of group A accepted MLP one month prior to PRP and 49 eyes in patients of group B accepted the photocoagulative therapies in a contrary sequence. All the patients were followed up for 3 to 13 months and visual acuity. Light sensitivity of 5deg;macular threshold, and FFA were performed pre- and post-photocoagution. Results The improvement of visual acuity was found to be better in group A than that of group B (Plt;0.01) 2 months after the therapy, since then, there was no significant defference (Pgt;0.05) in both groups. Three and 4 months after the treatment, there was no significant difference in change of light sensitivity of 5deg;macular threshold in both groups. The macular leakages of 59 eyes, 32 ingroup A and 27 in group B, were well controlled. Conclusion Among the pre-proliferative or proliferative diabetic retinopathy patients with CSEM, visual acuity of those who accept MLP prior to PRP more rapidly than those who accept contrary sequence of photocoagulation, but the changing of therapeutic sequence might have no dramatic influence on light sensilivity of 5deg;macular threshold. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,2000,16:150-152)
Integrins is a family of multi-functional cell-adhesion molecules, heterodimeric receptors that connect extracellular matrix to actin cytoskeleton in the cell cortex, thus regulating various physiological and pathological processes. Risuteganib (Luminate®) is a novel broad-spectrum integrin inhibitor. Based on multiple biological functions of anti-angiogenesis, vitreolysis, and neuroprotection, risuteganib is hopeful in treating several fundus diseases such as diabetic macular edema, vitreomacular traction, and non-exudative age-related macular degeneration. By far, risuteganib has successfully met the endpoints for three phase 2 studies and is preparing to enter the phase 3 of diabetic macular edema clinical trials. Overall the risuteganib is safe with no serious ocular or systemic adverse events. Given the unique mechanism of action and longer duration of efficacy, intravitreal injection of risuteganib has the potential to serve as a primary therapy, or adjunctive therapy to anti-VEGF agents.
Diabetic macular edema is the major cause of vision impairment in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Thickness and pathological alterations in each retina layer of diabetic macular edema (DME) patients can be performed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) device. And retinal light sensitivity at specific retinal point and fixation state can be detected by microperimetry qualitatively and quantitatively. Moreover, OCT can discover pathological anatomical changes in the retina of DME patients, thus facilitating the interpretation of the structure-function relationship in DME with combination of microperimetry results. At present, there are various therapies for DME patients, and the primary method in evaluating therapeutic efficacy is to compare the pathological changes in the retina before and after treatment by OCT. Besides, microperimetry can provide information in visual function restoration. The combined application of OCT and microperimetry has broad prospects in the diagnosis and treatment of DME patients.
ObjectiveTo observe the imaging features of cystoid macular edema (CME) in multicolor imaging (MC), and to evaluate the value of MC in the diagnosis of CME.MethodsDescriptive case series study. From August 2017 to June 2018, 42 eyes of 37 patients with CME diagnosed in the people's Hospital of Wuhan University were included in the study. Among them, there were 24 males and 13 females, with an average age of 48.51±10.29 years. There were 14 eyes with diabetic retinopathy, 14 eyes with central retinal vein occlusion, 8 eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion, 4 eyes with uveitis, and 2 eyes with Eales disease. The macular color fundus photography (CFP) was performed with Visucam 200 non-mydriatic fundus camera of Zeiss company in Germany. MC, frequnce domainoptical OCT (SD-OCT) and FFA were examined by Spectralis HRA2 + OCT of Heidelberg company in Germany. According to the MC standard method, five images, including 488 nm blue reflection (BR), 515 nm green reflection (GR), 820 nm infrared reflection (IR) imaging and standard MC and blue-green enhancement (BG), were obtained at the same time. Compared with SD-OCT, CFP and MC images were scored. Friedman M test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe standard MC and BG images showed blue-green uplift area or petal-shaped appearance, surrounded by green reflection areas with clear boundaries. BR image can be seen in the low reflexes area. On the GR image, there were patches or cystic low reflection areas, surrounded by a slightly high reflection. On the IR image, patches or cystoid high reflexes can be seen, surrounded by low reflection dark areas with clear boundaries. The average scores of CFP, standard MC, GB, IR, GR and BR were 1.20±0.94, 3.05±0.99, 2.90±1.04, 2.55±1.27, 2.00±0.94, 0.51±0.85 respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (χ2= 151.61, P=0.000). The score of CFP were significantly lower than that of standard MC (Z=－5.421), BG (Z=－5.354), IR (Z=－4.714), GR (Z=－4.438) and higher than that of BR (Z=－3.435). The differences were statistically significant (P=0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.001).ConclusionsThe quality of MC imaging is better than that of CFP. Combined with SD-OCT, it can be used as an assistant method to diagnose CME.
ObjectiveTo observe the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) in the inner limiting membrane (ILM) of diabetic retinopathy (DR) with macular edema, and analyze the correlation between VEGF and AQP4 expression. Methods A cross-sectional study. From September 2019 to September 2020, 38 eyes of 38 patients with DR and idiopathic macular hole (iMH) who underwent vitrectomy (PPV) combined with ILM stripping at the Hangzhou campus of The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University at Hangzhou were included in the study. Among them, there were 25 males and 13 females who aged 37-76 years old, average age was 59±10 years old; All eye included 15 right eyes and 23 left eyes. iMH and DR included 9 eyes in 9 cases and 29 eyes in 29 cases, respectively, and they were divided into iMH group and DR group. The DR group was divided into DME group and no DME group according to whether it was accompanied by diabetic macular edema (DME), with 14 eyes and 15 eyes respectively. After the stripped ILM tissue was fixed, immunofluorescence analysis was performed to obtain a picture of the fluorescence mode of AQP4 and VEGF, and the fluorescence intensity value of VEGF and AQP4 was measured by Image J software. The differences of VEGF and AQP4 immunofluorescence values in the specimens between groups were compared by one-way analysis of variance. The correlation between the fluorescence intensity of AQP4 and the fluorescence intensity of VEGF was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. Results The average fluorescence intensity valuesof VEGF and AQP4 in ILM specimens of DME group, no DME group and iMH group were 38.96±7.53, 28.25±3.12, 30.07±4.84 and 49.07±8.73, 37.96±6.45, 38.08±5.04, respectively. The average fluorescence intensity of VEGF and AQP4 in the ILM specimens of the DME group was significantly higher than that of the no DME group and iMH group, and the difference was statistically significant (F=13.977, 9.454; P＜0.05). The average fluorescence intensity values of VEGF and AQP4 on IML specimens in the DR group were 33.80±7.91, 43.76±9.44, respectively. The results of Pearson correlation analysis showed that the fluorescence intensity of VEGF and AQP4 in the ILM specimens of the DR group was significantly positively correlated (r=0.597, P=0.003). ConclusionsThe expressions of VEGF and AQP4 in ILM of eyes with DR and DME are significantly increased compared with those without DME. The expression of VEGF and AQP4 in ILM of eyes with DR is positively correlated.
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of conbercept combined with 577 nm subthreshold micropulse laser photocoagulation on diabetic macular edema (DME).MethodsA prospective randomized controlled clinical study. From June 2016 to June 2017, 68 eyes of 68 patients with DME diagnosed in Central Theater Command General Hospital were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to two different treatment groups: 36 eyes (36 patients) in the conbercept combined with 577 nm subthreshold micropulse lase group (combined treatment group) and 32 eyes (32 patients) in conbercept group (drug treatment group). All patients received three initial intravitreous injection of conbercept and re-treatment was performed according to the criteria which has been disigned before. BCVA was measured by ETDRS charts. The central macular thickness (CMT), total macular volume (TMV) were measured by Topcon 3D-OCT 2000. The BCVA, CMT and TMV in the combined treatment group and the drug treatment group were 57.9±12.4 letters, 427.8±129.4 μm, 10.14±1.50 mm3 and 59.0±16.0 letters, 441.0 ±135.7 μm, 10.43±2.10 mm3, respectively. There was no significant difference (t=0.321, 0.410, 0.641; P=0.749, 0.683, 0.524). The follow-up period was more than 12 months. The changes of BCVA, CMT and TMV were compared between the two groups. Comparison of BCVA, CMT, TMV before and after treatment in and between groups using repeated measures analysis of variance.ResultsThe average annual injection times was 5.8±1.9 in the combined treatment group and 8.5±2.4 in the drug treatment group. The difference was statistically significant (t=5.12, P=0.000). The BCVA in the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th month were 64.9±11.1, 65.6±10.5, 67.0±10.8, 66.6±10.7 letters and 65.7±15.8, 66.9±15.7, 66.4±13.0, 67.3±16.4 letters, respectively, and there were significant differences compared with BCVA before treatment (F=34.234, 10.137; P=0.000, 0.000). The CMT were 335.2±105.9, 352.6±106.6, 336.2±120.8, 305.9±97.0 μm and 323.9±92.8, 325.5±90.2, 327.6±108.2, 312.2±106.8 μm, respectively. The TMV were 9.20±1.08, 9.26±1.20, 9.20±1.63, 9.05±1.18 mm3 and 9.19±1.21, 9.35±1.69, 9.09±1.20, 8.92±1.10 mm3, respectively. Compared with the CMT (F=12.152, 12.917; P=0.000, 0.000) and TMV (F=11.198, 11.008; P=0.000, 0.000) before treatment, the differences were statistically significant.ConclusionConbercept combined with 577 nm subthreshold micropulse laser and conbercept can effectively reduce CMT, TMV and improve BCVA in patients with DME, but combination therapy can reduce the injection times of conbercept.
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the main cause of visual impairment in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR). Currently, the main treatment methods of DME include intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drugs, glucocorticoids and laser photocoagulation, but there are still some patients who do not respond or respond poorly to non-surgical treatments. Clinical and basic studies have confirmed that the abnormality of the vitreous-retinal interface plays an important role in the pathogenesis of DME. Par plana vitrectomy (PPV) can relieve macular traction, clear the vitreous cavity VEGF and other inflammatory cytokines, increase the vitreous cavity oxygen concentration, improve retinal oxygen supply, reduce retinal thickness of traction and non-traction DME, and improve patients' vision. However, how to choose and apply PPV to treat DME in specific practice, and to further improve the efficacy of PPV, including the innovation of surgical technology, combined treatment and the choice of surgical timing, still needs more clinical studies to explore.
Objective To investigate the correlation of microperimetric parameters, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) in diabetic macular edema (DME) eyes. Methods It is a prospective, no controlled, open study. Twenty-four consecutive patients (40 eyes) with DME were included. There were 10 males (18 eyes),14 females (22 eyes); aged from 41 to 79 years, with the mean age of (56.84±8.96) years. All the patients were type 2 diabetes, the average duration of diabetes was 8 years. BCVA was evaluated using the international Snellen E vision test chart, and then recorded as logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR). CRT was measured by Cirrus HD-OCT4000. MAIA microperimetric parameters were evaluated, including average threshold (AT) of retinal sensitivity, macular integrity index (MI), fixating points within a circle of 1° (P1) and 2° of radius (P2), bivariate contour ellipse area (BCEA) considering 63% and 95% of fixating points (A63,A95), and horizontal and vertical axes of that ellipse (H63,H95,V63,V95). Pearson correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the association between these variables. The independent factor influenced the type of fixation was analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis. Results Strong correlations of logMAR BCVA with CRT (r=0.58,P=0.000), V63 (r=0.44,P=0.004), V95 (r=0.41,P=0.008), MI (r=0.36,P=0.024), AT (r=−0.61,P=0.000), P1 (r=−0.41,P=0.009), P2 (r=−0.38,P=0.015) were found. AT was correlations with P1 (r=0.53,P=0.000), P2 (r=0.51,P=0.001), A63 (r=−0.39,P=0.012), A95 (r=−0.40,P=0.012), V63 (r=−0.53,P=0.000), V95 (r=−0.46,P=0.003), MI (r=−0.50,P=0.001). There was no correlation between AT and CRT (r=−0.21,P=0.190). Forty eyes were included in this study, 8 eyes (20%) had stable fixation,14 eyes (35%) had relatively unstable fixation,18 eyes (45%) had unstable fixation. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that fixation classification was independently affected by P1. Conclusions In DME eyes, logMAR BCVA was positively correlated with CRT, negatively correlated with AT, P1 and P2. There is no correlation between AT and CRT. The fixation classification was independently affected by P1.
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is one of the main reasons causing blindness in patients with diabetic retinopathy. In recent years, with the recognition of the pathogenic role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in DME, many clinical trials of intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drugs have been carried out at home and abroad, proving that it has significant effects in improving visual acuity and reducing macular edema, and has become the first-line treatment of DME. However, there are still many challenges in routine clinical application of anti-VEGF drugs, such as frequent injections, insensitivity to treatment, and it is unclear whether repeated injections will cause damage to retina. The pathophysiological process of DME is very complicated, in addition to VEGF, there are many inflammatory factors and growth factors involved. Clinical trials of long-acting anti-VEGF agents, drugs of other targets and gene therapy are also being carried out. It is believed that with the in-depth research and progress of clinical trials, the gradual application of anti-VEGF drugs, other drugs and therapy in clinical practice are just around the corner, which is expected to provide more convenient and effective treatments for DME patients in the future.