Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of pegaptanib sodium injection (MacugenTM, Eyetech Pharmaceuticals), as primary therapy for previously untreated neovascular age–related macular degeneration (AMD) lesions.
Methods: :
We retrospectively reviewed patient data of 72 patients treated with Macugen as primary therapy for newly diagnosed AMD lesions. Inclusion criteria included newly diagnosed AMD lesion of any angiographic subtype and size treated with Macugen. Patients had at least 6 month follow up. Exclusion criteria included any lesion previously treated with PDT, intravitreal kenalog, or MPS laser. Outcome measures included pre and post–treatment changes in best–corrected visual acuity, lesion size, lesion angiographic characteristics and OCT measurements. Safety assessment was performed by complete ophthalmologic examination pre and post–injection.
Results: :
Of the patients undergoing primary treatment with Macugen for AMD the lesion characteristics were 81% (58/72) occult, 15 % (11/72) minimally classic and 4% (3/72) predominantly classic. Lesion size was 49 % (35/72) ≤ 4DD and 51 % (37/72) >4DD. Loss of ≥ 3 lines of vision occurred in 10 % (7/72) of patients. Stabilization of vision (change of vision ±2 lines) occurred in 68% (49/72) of patients. Gain of ≥ 3 lines of vision occurred in 22% (16/72) of patients. No new ocular safety issues or systemic safety concerns occurred.
Conclusions: :
Macugen is effective as primary treatment for new AMD lesion of any angiographic subtypes. The safety profile is favorable as no adverse events occurred.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • choroid: neovascularization