Abstract
Purpose: :
HR Spectral OCT/SLO has been recently used to define different morphologic patterns of drusen based on shape, internal reflectivity, homogeneity and presence of foci over drusen. Our purpose was to evaluate which druse patterns tend to get smaller or disappear in dry AMD patients treated with Copaxone.
Methods: :
Dry AMD patients treated with Copaxone and sham injections were enrolled. B-scan imaging of HR Spectral OCT/SLO was used for analysis of drusen ultrastructure. Morphologic pattern for each druse was defined. Pre- and post-treatment status of each druse has been compared.
Results: :
Fifty seven drusen from 10 eyes of 5 dry AMD patients treated with Copaxone were analyzed. Druse patterns demonstrating convex shape and low/medium internal reflectivity tend to get smaller or disappear with the treatment. The presence of core seems to be a poor prognostic factor for druse reduction or disappearance. One pattern of drusen may evolve to another during the treatment. Foci over drusen may dissolve with no treatment.
Conclusions: :
This study represents a preliminary attempt to identify druse patterns which are more likely to respond to Copaxone treatment. The findings of the present study may help in patient selection for Copaxone treatment.
Clinical Trial: :
www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT00466076, kmc060033
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • drusen