Low-fluence photodynamic therapy combinations in the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration.

AIM

To compare the efficacy of low-fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT) combinations in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

METHODS

Forty-five previously untreated eyes of 45 patients with exudative AMD whose best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was ≥0.3 (Snellen) were enrolled. 15 patients in Group I underwent low-fluence PDT (25J/cm(2)-300mW/cm(2)-83sec) and intravitreal pegaptanib combination, 15 patients in Group II underwent PDT (50J/cm(2)-600mW/cm(2)-83sec) and intravitreal pegaptanib combination while, 15 patients in Group III underwent intravitreal pegaptanib monotherapy. Complete ophthalmologic examinations were performed in pre and post treatment visits, and the results were statistically analised. A clinical activity score (CAS) was calculated by using changes in lesion size, amount of hemorrhage, staining pattern in FA and OCT measurement of intra/subretinal fluid. ≤ 3 logMAR lines of decrease in BCVA and decrease in CAS were considered as successful treatment.

RESULTS

The mean age of 19 female (42.2%) and 26 male (57.8%) patients was 72.82±8.02 years. Mean follow-up was 13.93±5.87 months. Lesion type was occult in 28 eyes (62.2%). Treatment success rates according to BCVA assessments were 86.7%, 80%, 60% and mean BCVA decrease were 0.3, 1.0, 2.2 logMAR lines in Group I, II and III, respectively (P>0.05). According to the changes in central macular thickness and CAS, no difference was found among the study groups (P=0.850 and P=0.811, respectively). Patients treated with combination regimens had lower intravitreal injection frequencies (P=0.015).

CONCLUSION

Combination regimen with intravitreal pegaptanib and low-fluence PDT seems to be safe and effective in stabilizing the clinical activity and BCVA in exudative AMD.