Interferon alpha-2a for subfoveal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration.
BACKGROUND
The current study is a prospective randomized clinical trial to determine the effect of interferon alpha-2a on eyes with subfoveal subretinal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).


METHODS
Twenty eyes of 19 patients with subfoveal neovascularization secondary to AMD were prospectively evaluated. Ten eyes were randomized to subcutaneous interferon alpha-2a (3 million units/m2) every other day for 8 weeks, whereas 10 eyes were randomized to observation alone as controls. Fluorescein angiography, best-corrected visual acuity tests, and macular visual field assessments were performed, and all eyes were followed for a minimum of 6 months.


RESULTS
At the 2-month follow-up visit, the interferon group manifested somewhat slower neovascular growth than controls, but the results were not statistically significant. At the 6-month follow-up visit, there was no difference in visual acuity, average macular sensitivities, or extent of neovascularization. The rate of neovascular progression was significantly related to the extent of previous macular photocoagulation in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Though the rate of neovascular progression was slowed during the second month of interferon treatment, the effect did not persist once interferon was discontinued. No long-term benefit appeared to be present. Unfortunately, lengthening the time of administration, increasing the dosage, or increasing the frequency of administration would likely give rise to unacceptable side effects.
Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego.
L S
LS
Poliner
P E
PE
Tornambe
P E
PE
Michelson
J G
JG
Heitzmann
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005584:Fovea Centralis / Q000187:drug effects*; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D015861:Retinal Neovascularization / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014794:Visual Fields
D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins