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. 2012;5(3):377-83.
doi: 10.3980/j.issn.2222-3959.2012.03.25. Epub 2012 Jun 18.

Low-fluence photodynamic therapy combinations in the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration

Taylan Ozturk  1 , Hakan Oner, Ali Osman Saatci, Suleyman Kaynak
Affiliations

Low-fluence photodynamic therapy combinations in the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration

Taylan Ozturk et al. Int J Ophthalmol. 2012.

Abstract

Aim: To compare the efficacy of low-fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT) combinations in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods: Forty-five previously untreated eyes of 45 patients with exudative AMD whose best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was ≥0.3 (Snellen) were enrolled. 15 patients in Group I underwent low-fluence PDT (25J/cm(2)-300mW/cm(2)-83sec) and intravitreal pegaptanib combination, 15 patients in Group II underwent PDT (50J/cm(2)-600mW/cm(2)-83sec) and intravitreal pegaptanib combination while, 15 patients in Group III underwent intravitreal pegaptanib monotherapy. Complete ophthalmologic examinations were performed in pre and post treatment visits, and the results were statistically analised. A clinical activity score (CAS) was calculated by using changes in lesion size, amount of hemorrhage, staining pattern in FA and OCT measurement of intra/subretinal fluid. ≤ 3 logMAR lines of decrease in BCVA and decrease in CAS were considered as successful treatment.

Results: The mean age of 19 female (42.2%) and 26 male (57.8%) patients was 72.82±8.02 years. Mean follow-up was 13.93±5.87 months. Lesion type was occult in 28 eyes (62.2%). Treatment success rates according to BCVA assessments were 86.7%, 80%, 60% and mean BCVA decrease were 0.3, 1.0, 2.2 logMAR lines in Group I, II and III, respectively (P>0.05). According to the changes in central macular thickness and CAS, no difference was found among the study groups (P=0.850 and P=0.811, respectively). Patients treated with combination regimens had lower intravitreal injection frequencies (P=0.015).

Conclusion: Combination regimen with intravitreal pegaptanib and low-fluence PDT seems to be safe and effective in stabilizing the clinical activity and BCVA in exudative AMD.

Keywords: age-related macular degeneration; anti-VEGF; low-fluence photodynamic therapy; photodynamic therapy.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Mean logMAR changes in BCVA among subgroups.
Figure 2
Figure 2. logMAR changes among patients whose CNV diameter was >3600µm.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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