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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2014Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes in which high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. Sometimes new blood vessels grow in the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes in which high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. Sometimes new blood vessels grow in the retina, and these can have harmful effects; this is known as proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Laser photocoagulation is an intervention that is commonly used to treat diabetic retinopathy, in which light energy is applied to the retina with the aim of stopping the growth and development of new blood vessels, and thereby preserving vision.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of laser photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy compared to no treatment or deferred treatment.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register) (2014, Issue 5), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE Daily, Ovid OLDMEDLINE (January 1946 to June 2014), EMBASE (January 1980 to June 2014), the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) (www.controlled-trials.com), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov) and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (www.who.int/ictrp/search/en). We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic searches for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 3 June 2014.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) where people (or eyes) with diabetic retinopathy were randomly allocated to laser photocoagulation or no treatment or deferred treatment. We excluded trials of lasers that are no longer in routine use. Our primary outcome was the proportion of people who lost 15 or more letters (3 lines) of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) as measured on a logMAR chart at 12 months. We also looked at longer-term follow-up of the primary outcome at two to five years. Secondary outcomes included mean best corrected distance visual acuity, severe visual loss, mean near visual acuity, progression of diabetic retinopathy, quality of life, pain, loss of driving licence, vitreous haemorrhage and retinal detachment.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methods as expected by the Cochrane Collaboration. Two review authors selected studies and extracted data.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified a large number of trials of laser photocoagulation of diabetic retinopathy (n = 83) but only five of these studies were eligible for inclusion in the review, i.e. they compared laser photocoagulation with currently available lasers to no (or deferred) treatment. Three studies were conducted in the USA, one study in the UK and one study in Japan. A total of 4786 people (9503 eyes) were included in these studies. The majority of participants in four of these trials were people with proliferative diabetic retinopathy; one trial recruited mainly people with non-proliferative retinopathy. Four of the studies evaluated panretinal photocoagulation with argon laser and one study investigated selective photocoagulation of non-perfusion areas. Three studies compared laser treatment to no treatment and two studies compared laser treatment to deferred laser treatment. All studies were at risk of performance bias because the treatment and control were different and no study attempted to produce a sham treatment. Three studies were considered to be at risk of attrition bias.At 12 months there was little difference between eyes that received laser photocoagulation and those allocated to no treatment (or deferred treatment), in terms of loss of 15 or more letters of visual acuity (risk ratio (RR) 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89 to 1.11; 8926 eyes; 2 RCTs, low quality evidence). Longer term follow-up did not show a consistent pattern, but one study found a 20% reduction in risk of loss of 15 or more letters of visual acuity at five years with laser treatment. Treatment with laser reduced the risk of severe visual loss by over 50% at 12 months (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.86; 9276 eyes; 4 RCTs, moderate quality evidence). There was a beneficial effect on progression of diabetic retinopathy with treated eyes experiencing a 50% reduction in risk of progression of diabetic retinopathy (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.64; 8331 eyes; 4 RCTs, low quality evidence) and a similar reduction in risk of vitreous haemorrhage (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.85; 224 eyes; 2 RCTs, low quality evidence).None of the studies reported near visual acuity or patient-relevant outcomes such as quality of life, pain, loss of driving licence or adverse effects such as retinal detachment.We did not plan any subgroup analyses, but there was a difference in baseline risk in participants with non-proliferative retinopathy compared to those with proliferative retinopathy. With the small number of included studies we could not do a formal subgroup analysis comparing effect in proliferative and non-proliferative retinopathy.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
This review provides evidence that laser photocoagulation is beneficial in treating proliferative diabetic retinopathy. We judged the evidence to be moderate or low, depending on the outcome. This is partly related to reporting of trials conducted many years ago, after which panretinal photocoagulation has become the mainstay of treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.Future Cochrane Reviews on variations in the laser treatment protocol are planned. Future research on laser photocoagulation should investigate the combination of laser photocoagulation with newer treatments such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGFs).
Topics: Diabetic Retinopathy; Disease Progression; Humans; Laser Coagulation; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Time Factors; Vision Disorders; Visual Acuity; Vitreoretinopathy, Proliferative; Watchful Waiting
PubMed: 25420029
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011234.pub2 -
Acta Ophthalmologica Feb 2015Prophylactic treatment of retinal breaks has been examined in several studies and reviews, but so far, no studies have successfully applied a systematic approach. In the... (Review)
Review
Prophylactic treatment of retinal breaks has been examined in several studies and reviews, but so far, no studies have successfully applied a systematic approach. In the present systematic review, we examined the need of follow-up after posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) - diagnosed by slit-lamp biomicroscopy or Goldmann 3-mirror examination - with regard to retinal breaks as well as the indication of prophylactic treatment in asymptomatic and symptomatic breaks. A total of 2941 publications were identified with PubMed and Medline searches. Two manual search strategies were used for papers in English published before 2012. Four levels of screening identified 13 studies suitable for inclusion in this systematic review. No meta-analysis was conducted as no data suitable for statistical analysis were identified. In total, the initial examination after symptomatic PVD identified 85-95% of subsequent retinal breaks. Additional retinal breaks were only revealed at follow-up in patients where a full retinal examination was compromised at presentation by, for example, vitreous haemorrhage. Asymptomatic and symptomatic retinal breaks progressed to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in 0-13.8% and 35-47% of cases, respectively. The cumulated incidence of RRD despite prophylactic treatment was 2.1-8.8%. The findings in this review suggest that follow-up after symptomatic PVD is only necessary in cases of incomplete retinal examination at presentation. Prophylactic treatment of symptomatic retinal breaks must be considered, whereas no unequivocal conclusion could be reached with regard to prophylactic treatment of asymptomatic retinal breaks.
Topics: Cryosurgery; Humans; Laser Coagulation; Retinal Detachment; Retinal Perforations; Slit Lamp; Vitreous Detachment
PubMed: 24853827
DOI: 10.1111/aos.12447 -
The British Journal of Ophthalmology Mar 2014To describe the ocular side effects in patients receiving intravitreal injection therapy (IViT) for retinoblastoma. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To describe the ocular side effects in patients receiving intravitreal injection therapy (IViT) for retinoblastoma.
METHODS
PubMed (1946-present), Scopus (all years), Science Citation Index (1900-present) and Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science (1990-present) electronic databases were searched to identify all published reports of therapeutic intravitreal injections for retinoblastoma in humans.
RESULTS
Ten studies with original IViT ocular side effect data were included in this systematic review. In these combined reports, a total of 1287 intravitreal injections were given to 306 eyes of 295 patients, with a mean follow-up of 74.1 months. Two hundred sixty-one (88.5%) patients received comparatively standard melphalan IViT doses (8-30 mcg). Ocular side effects occurred in 38 patients (17 significant, 21 minor). The proportion of patients experiencing potentially significant ocular side effects following standard melphalan IViT regimens was 0.031 (8/261; 95% CI 0.013 to 0.06). The side effects of these eight included iris atrophy in three, two each with chorioretinal atrophy and vitreous haemorrhage and one with retinal detachment. Of the other nine patients with significant complications, five experienced sight-threatening complications following dramatic dose escalations (four with melphalan, one with thiotepa), three experienced complications that are commonly associated with concurrent therapies given to these patients and one had a retinal detachment. Of the 61 patients receiving IViT via safety-enhancing injection techniques, all six significant side effects were either attributed to the therapeutic dose or confounded by concurrent treatments.
CONCLUSIONS
Significant ocular complications following IViT for retinoblastoma are uncommon, and this risk may be reduced further by the use of careful injection technique and standard dosing regimens. Care must be taken in the dosing of intravitreal treatments to avoid potentially irreversible vision loss.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Atrophy; Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary; Humans; Intravitreal Injections; Iris; Melphalan; Retinal Detachment; Retinal Neoplasms; Retinoblastoma; Vitreous Hemorrhage
PubMed: 24187047
DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2013-303885 -
Journal Francais D'ophtalmologie Mar 2013Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss worldwide. A variety of species of animals have been used to investigate the pathogenesis of DR. However, the... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss worldwide. A variety of species of animals have been used to investigate the pathogenesis of DR. However, the mouse model of diabetic retinopathy, which is an attractive model due to the genetic modifications which can be carried out, remains underutilized. In order to explain this discrepancy, we performed a review of the literature concerning various mouse models of diabetic retinopathy so as to define their advantages and disadvantages.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We carried out a literature review using PubMed. We selected articles describing models of DR with pericyte loss, retinal capillary abnormalities and hyperglycemia. Articles not meeting these three criteria were excluded.
RESULTS
Out of 25 articles, we found seven models of DR. For each of these models, we report the method of induction of DR and the electrophysiological and histopathological features.
CONCLUSION
Models obtained through genetic manipulation appear the most interesting, since the diabetes and its complications present early without additional physiologic modifications. However, since these models differ frequently by sex, this is an important parameter that must be taken into account.
Topics: Animals; Blood Glucose; Blood-Retinal Barrier; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Diabetic Retinopathy; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Galactose; Insulin; Ischemia; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred NOD; Mice, Mutant Strains; Mice, Obese; Pericytes; Retinal Detachment; Retinal Neovascularization; Retinal Vessels; Vitreous Hemorrhage
PubMed: 23434332
DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2012.08.001 -
Medical Science Monitor : International... Aug 2012Ocular ischemic syndrome is a rare condition, which is caused by ocular hypoperfusion due to stenosis or occlusion of the common or internal carotid arteries.... (Review)
Review
Ocular ischemic syndrome is a rare condition, which is caused by ocular hypoperfusion due to stenosis or occlusion of the common or internal carotid arteries. Atherosclerosis is the major cause of changes in the carotid arteries. Ocular ischemic syndrome is manifested as visual loss, orbital pain and, frequently, changes of the visual field, and various anterior and posterior segment signs. Anterior segment signs include iris neovascularization and secondary neovascular glaucoma, iridocyclitis, asymmetric cataract, iris atrophy and sluggish reaction to light. Posterior eye segment changes are the most characteristic, such as narrowed retinal arteries, perifoveal telangiectasias, dilated retinal veins, mid-peripheral retinal hemorrhages, microaneurysms, neovascularization at the optic disk and in the retina, a cherry-red spot, cotton-wool spots, vitreous hemorrhage and normal-tension glaucoma. Differential diagnosis of ocular ischemic syndrome includes diabetic retinopathy and moderate central retinal vein occlusion. Carotid artery imaging and fundus fluorescein angiography help to establish the diagnosis of ocular ischemic syndrome. The treatment can be local, for example, ocular (conservative, laser and surgical) or systemic (conservative and surgical treatment of the carotid artery). Since the condition does not affect the eyes alone, patients with ocular ischemic syndrome should be referred for consultation to the neurologist, vascular surgeon and cardiologist.
Topics: Animals; Diagnosis, Differential; Eye; Eye Diseases; Humans; Ischemia; Syndrome
PubMed: 22847215
DOI: 10.12659/msm.883260 -
Molecular Vision 2012To investigate the genetic associations of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), the genetic difference between PCV and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
To investigate the genetic associations of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), the genetic difference between PCV and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and the genotype-phenotype correlation of PCV.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. Published articles about genetic associations of PCV identified from a literature search were reviewed. The following data from individual studies were extracted and analyzed: 1) comparison of genetic polymorphisms between PCV and controls; 2) comparison of genetic polymorphisms between PCV and AMD; and 3) comparison of phenotypes between different genotype groups.
RESULTS
A total of 33 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. With meta-analyses, variants in four genes were found to be significantly associated with PCV: LOC387715 rs10490924 (n=9, allelic odds ratio [OR]=2.27, p<0.00001), HTRA1 rs11200638 (n=4, OR=2.72, p<0.00001), CFH rs1061170 (n=4, OR=1.72, p<0.00001), CFH rs800292 (n=5, OR=2.10, p<0.00001), and C2 rs547154 (n=3, OR=0.56, p=0.01). LOC387715 rs10490924 was the only variant showing a significant difference between PCV and wet AMD (n=5, OR=0.66, p<0.00001). The risk genotypes of rs10490924 were associated with larger lesion size, greater chance of vitreous hemorrhage, and worse therapeutic response in PCV.
CONCLUSIONS
LOC387715 rs10490924 was associated with PCV and its clinical manifestations, and showed a discrepant distribution between PCV and AMD. Variants in HTRA1, CFH, and C2 were also associated with PCV.
Topics: Alleles; Asian People; Choroid; Choroidal Neovascularization; Female; Gene Frequency; Genetic Association Studies; Genotype; Humans; Macular Degeneration; Male; Phenotype; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Polyploidy; Proteins
PubMed: 22509112
DOI: No ID Found -
The Ocular Surface Jan 2012Case series on osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis (OOKP) published in English from 1950-June 2010 were identified in Medline/PubMed. Indications for surgery, visual acuity,... (Review)
Review
Case series on osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis (OOKP) published in English from 1950-June 2010 were identified in Medline/PubMed. Indications for surgery, visual acuity, anatomical survival, complication and repeat surgery rates were compared among the different studies. Our own case series is a retrospective review of all OOKP surgeries performed in our center from February 2004-July 2011. Eight case series including our own were systematically reviewed. Sample sizes ranged from 4-181 eyes. The most common indications for surgery were severe cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and thermal and chemical burns that were unamenable to other forms of surgery or had had previous surgical failure. Anatomical survival rate in all the studies was 87.8% (range 67-100%) at 5 years, and three studies showed survival rates of 81.0% (range 65-98%) at 20 years. Visual acuity was more than 6/18 in 52% (range 46-72%) of the eyes with OOKP surgery. The most common intraoperative complication was vitreous hemorrhage (0-52%) and the most common long-term blinding complication was glaucoma (7-47%). Endophthalmitis rates ranged from 2-8%. The most common repeat surgical procedure was mucosal trimming due to mucosal overgrowth at the optical cylinder and mucosal grafting for extrusion of the OOKP or mucosal ulceration. Of the available biological and synthetic keratoprosthesis, OOKP appears to be an excellent option for the treatment of end-stage corneal diseases.
Topics: Alveolar Process; Corneal Diseases; Humans; Postoperative Complications; Prosthesis Implantation; Tooth Root; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 22330056
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2012.01.003 -
BMJ Clinical Evidence May 2011Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness in the UK, with older people and those with worse diabetes control, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia being... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness in the UK, with older people and those with worse diabetes control, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia being most at risk. Diabetic retinopathy can cause microaneurysms, haemorrhages, exudates, changes to blood vessels, and retinal thickening.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of treatments in people with diabetic retinopathy? What are the effects of treatments for vitreous haemorrhage? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to June 2010 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically, please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 58 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: peripheral retinal laser photocoagulation, focal and grid laser photocoagulation for maculopathy, corticosteroids for macular oedema, vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, and vitrectomy for vitreous haemorrhage.
Topics: Diabetic Retinopathy; Humans; Injections; Macular Edema; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Visual Acuity
PubMed: 21609511
DOI: No ID Found -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... May 2011Postoperative vitreous cavity haemorrhage (POVCH) is a significant complication following vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). It delays visual... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Postoperative vitreous cavity haemorrhage (POVCH) is a significant complication following vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). It delays visual recovery and can make further treatment difficult if the view of the fundus is significantly obscured. A number of interventions to reduce the incidence of POVCH have been proposed, including the perioperative use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF). Anti-VEGFs reduce vascular proliferation and the vascularity of neovascular tissue, which is often the source of bleeding following vitrectomy.
OBJECTIVES
The review aims to assess the effect of perioperative anti-VEGF in reducing the incidence of POVCH.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 2), MEDLINE (January 1950 to March 2011), PubMed (10 March 2011), EMBASE (January 1980 to March 2011), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database (LILACS) (January 1982 to March 2011), the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) (www.controlled-trials.com) and ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrial.gov). There were no date or language restrictions in the electronic searches for trials. The electronic databases were last searched on 10 March 2011.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that looked at the use of anti-VEGFs and the incidence of POVCH in people undergoing vitrectomy for PDR.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Both review authors independently assessed and extracted the data using a standardised form based on the CONSORT statement.
MAIN RESULTS
We included four studies (202 eyes of 198 participants) in this review. The four RCTs met the inclusion criteria, but we were unable to conduct a meta-analysis due to methodological issues in three of the trials. We have provided a summary of the effects of the interventions. We have also provided a summary of the current literature addressing each primary and secondary outcome.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Results from one of the included studies support the use of preoperative intravitreal bevacizumab to reduce the incidence of early POVCH. There are currently no other high quality RCTs that support the use of anti-VEGF agents perioperatively to reduce the incidence of early or late POVCH. The remaining studies identified by the search suggest that the preoperative use of bevacizumab may reduce the incidence of early POVCH, but it should be recognised that there are a number of significant methodological issues in these studies that lead us to be cautious when interpreting their findings and make any definitive conclusions unwarranted.
Topics: Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Bevacizumab; Diabetic Retinopathy; Humans; Intravitreal Injections; Postoperative Hemorrhage; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; Vitrectomy; Vitreous Hemorrhage
PubMed: 21563165
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008214.pub2 -
The British Journal of Ophthalmology Sep 2011To examine possible benefits of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) pretreatment in vitrectomy for severe diabetic retinopathy. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIMS
To examine possible benefits of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) pretreatment in vitrectomy for severe diabetic retinopathy.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was performed using the Cochrane Collaboration methodology to identify randomised controlled trials and comparative studies of vitrectomy with or without IVB pretreatment for severe or complicated diabetic retinopathy. Meta-analyses were performed for intraoperative (including intraoperative bleeding, endodiathermy, iatrogenic retinal tears and mean surgical time) and postoperative outcome parameters (including best-corrected visual acuity, recurrent vitreous haemorrhage, reabsorption time of blood and other complications).
RESULTS
Six randomised controlled trials and one comparative study were identified and used for comparing vitrectomy alone (142 eyes, control group) with vitrectomy with IVB pretreatment (139 eyes). The intraoperative findings showed that the incidence of intraoperative bleeding and frequency of endodiathermy were statistically significantly less in the IVB pretreatment group (p<0.01) than in the vitrectomy alone group. The IVB pretreatment group took significantly less surgical time than the control group (p=0.003). Postoperative results indicated that reabsorption time of blood was significantly shorter (p=0.04), incidence of recurrent VH was almost significantly less (p=0.05), and final best-corrected visual acuity was significantly better (p=0.003) in the IVB group than in the control group. Other complications, including final retinal detachment, and reoperation, were statistically insignificant.
CONCLUSION
IVB pretreatment in vitrectomy can achieve excellent clinical outcomes for severe diabetic retinopathy. It potentially facilitates surgeons' manoeuvres and reduces intra- and postoperative complications.
Topics: Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Bevacizumab; Blood Loss, Surgical; Diabetic Retinopathy; Humans; Incidence; Intraoperative Period; Intravitreal Injections; Postoperative Complications; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Vitrectomy
PubMed: 21278146
DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2010.189514