DR. MALVIKA SINGH

DR.SOMNATH DE, DR. SANDEEP SAXENA

Abstract

Purpose:RPE is major secretor of VEGF. VEGF secretion in bovine RPE cells has been reported to have positive linear association with RPE proliferation. Study was undertaken to evaluate improvement in RPE alterations(RPE-A) grades on SD-OCT after intravitreal anti-VEGF in DME, for first time.

Methods:Tertiary care center-based, prospective study. 44 consecutive patients, 40-65 years age with T2DM with DME, were administered 3 doses of monthly anti-VEGF. Pre- and post-intervention OCT was done. Central subfield thickness(CST), cube average thickness(CAT), single layer RPE topographic grades of RPE-A were assessed as; Grade0:No alteration, Grade1:Alteration in 2 quadrants, Grade2:Alteration in >2 quadrants.

Results:CST reduced from 354.2±16.0 to 233.2±7.9µm. CAT reduced from 340.6±6.5 to 274.1±5.1µm. Significant improvement in RPE-A grades seen.(Grade 0: 0v/s39; Grade 1: 17v/s3; Grade 2: 27v/s2) (p<0.001). Conclusion:Anti-VEGF therapy is associated with improvement in RPE-A grade in DME.