Abstract
Purpose: :
To study the efficacy and safety of pegaptanib sodium used prior to pars plana vitrectomy in eyes with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR).
Methods: :
Review of 20 cases of PDR who required pars plana vitrectomy due to vitreo-retinal traction to the macula. Intravitreal pegaptanib injection was administered ≤6 days prior to the surgical procedure. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was evaluated at baseline and after vitrectomy. The effects of pegaptanib on regression of retinal neovascularization and progression of macular traction were assessed comparing color fundus photographs and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) exams obtained pre and post-injection. Eyes with vitreous hemorrhage precluding pre-operative fundus assessment were not included in this analysis.
Results: :
Twenty consecutive eyes submitted to pars plana vitrectomy due to vitreo-retinal traction to the macula secondary to PDR were included in this analysis. After pegaptanib injection, significant neovascular regression associated with no relevant worsening of macular traction was observed. Adverse events occurrence was consistent with the drug safety profile. Additional data will be presented at the meeting.
Conclusions: :
Results of this small case series suggest a potential use of intravitreal pegaptanib sodium as an adjunctive therapy prior to pars plana vitrectomy in cases of vitreo-retinal traction to the macula secondary to Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy. Randomized clinical studies are necessary to appropriately evaluate the potential benefit of selective VEGF inhibition in this condition.
Keywords: diabetic retinopathy • vitreoretinal surgery