Abstract
Purpose: :
We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal injection of anti–TNF antibody for the treatment of post–cataract CME.
Methods: :
Four patients with post–cataract CME were enrolled. Patients were informed about the nature of the study and a signed informed consent was taken. They all received two consecutive injections of 2,5 mgr (0,1 ml) of anti–TNF antibody (etanercept, Enbrel) intravitreally at days 0 and 15 using aseptic technique. Patients were followed for up to 3 months post–injection using visual acuity, biomicroscopy, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography and macula topography by means of HRT II.
Results: :
All four patients gained 1 to 4 lines of vision at the period between day 7 and day 21. The improvement of vision was accompanied by a reduction of leakage in F/A and a improvement of edema index in HRT II. After day 30 a rebound was noticed in all four cases with return of visual acuity, fluorescein leakage and edema index to values near the base–line levels. No adverse reactions or any adverse effect was noticed in any of the patients.
Conclusions: :
The intravitreal injection of anti–TNF leads to a temporary clinical improvement of post–cataract CME. Repeated injections may be necessary for the effect to be sustained. Our result indicate that intravitreal injection of anti–TNF warrants further research as a therapeutic modality for post–cataract CME.
Keywords: retina • cataract