Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To assess the relationship between the level of TGF– ß2, VEGF, and total protein in the aqueous humor and the results of Ahmed valve implantation in patients with neovascular glaucoma (NVG). Methods: Nineteen eyes of 19 patients with Ahmed valve implantation due to neovascular glaucoma were studied. At the time of surgery, 0.1–0.2ml of aqueous humor was aspirated and stored at –70ºC until analysis. The level of TGF– ß2 and VEGF were measured by ELISA method, and total protein by Brandford method. Success was defined as IOP<21mmHg with or without anti–glaucoma medication. Results: The mean follow–up was 8.2 months ± 4.0(SD). The mean level of TGF– ß2, VEGF, and total protein in the aqueous humor were 5.4 ng/ml, 10.1ng/ml, and 94.4mg/dl, respectively. There was no difference in the level of TGF– ß2, VEGF, and total protein between success group and failure group (p>0.05). Using a Cox–regression analysis, the level TGF– ß2, VEGF, and total protein were not significant factors of surgical success. Conclusions: There was no significant relationship between the level of TGF– ß2, VEGF, and total protein in the aqueous humor and the results of Ahmed valve implantation in patients with NVG.
Keywords: growth factors/growth factor receptors • wound healing • anterior chamber