This study was done to assess changes in MA counts on UWFA in subjects undergoing treatment with IAI for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in the Intravitreal Aflibercept for RECOVERY study using an automated MA detection platform.
RECOVERY is a prospective study that enrolled 40 subjects with PDR randomised 1:1 to receive 2 mg IAI every 4 weeks or every 12 weeks. UWFA images were obtained at baseline, 6 months and 1 year. Images were analysed using an automated segmentation platform to detect and quantify MAs. Zones 1, 2 and 3 correspond to the macula, mid-periphery and far-periphery, respectively.
The q4wk cohort demonstrated a significant decline in MAs in all zones and panretinal at baseline versus month 6, baseline versus year 1, and month 6 versus year 1. In the q12wk cohort, baseline versus month 6 showed a significant decline panretinal and in zone 3. Additionally, baseline to year 1 in the q12wk group demonstrated significant decline panretinal and in zone 3. All zones demonstrated significantly decline from month 6 to year 1 in the q12wk group.
The study concluded that the IAI demonstrates significantly reduced panretinal MA counts in PDR at 1 year in both treatment groups. The use of automated platforms to detect and quantify MAs may provide a novel imaging marker for evaluating disease activity and therapeutic impact.
Reference: https://bjo.bmj.com/content/early/2020/08/22/bjophthalmol-2020-316952
