The impact of vitreomacular traction on vitreous vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor levels in neovascular age-related macular degeneration patients

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effect of vitreomacular traction (VMT) on vitreous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF) levels in patients with active neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

Design: A prospective, interventional, case-control study.

Methods: The study included a total of 70 patients from whom vitreous samples were obtained. The patients were categorized into four group: 10 patients with active nAMD accompanying VMT, 17 patients with VMT, 24 patients with active nAMD and 19 healthy patients without any diagnosis other than cataract. VEGF and PlGF levels were measured.

Results: The mean vitreous VEGF level was 34.7 ± 4.98 pg/ml in the nAMD and VMT group, 32.36 ± 4.55 pg/ml in the VMT group, 34.02 ± 3.79 pg/ml in the nAMD group, and 32.33 ± 2.4 pg/ml in the healthy control group. The mean vitreous PlGF level was 58.92 ± 20.83 pg/ml in the nAMD and VMT group, 46.29 ± 3.45 pg/ml in the VMT group, 54.64 ± 16.88 pg/ml in the nAMD group, and 53.66 ± 19.35 pg/ml in the healthy control group. No significant differences were observed in terms of vitreous VEGF and PlGF concentrations among the groups (p > 0.05 and p > 0.05, respectively). Aqueous humour VEGF and PlGF levels were significantly higher than vitreous levels in nAMD patients (p = 0.005 and p = 0.005, respectively).

Conclusion: The present study found no increases in vitreous VEGF and PlGF levels in both VMT + nAMD and VMT cases. Furthermore, patients with nAMD had significantly higher levels of PlGF and VEGF in aqueous humour compared to vitreous levels.