[Frequency of recurrence after Verteporfin photodynamic therapy in AMD].
BACKGROUND
Photodynamic treatment (PDT) with verteporfin is used to treat choroidal subfoveal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, the impact of recurrence after PDT on functional results has not been assessed, although it was previously shown to be higher than 50% after thermal laser treatment for juxtafoveal lesions, and visual prognosis was dramatically worsened by recurrence of choroidal neovascularization.


METHODS
Sixty-nine consecutive patients treated with PDT for CNV in AMD were followed every 3 months for up to 3 years.


RESULTS
The observed recurrence rate was 17.4%. Recurrence was not associated with a decrease in visual acuity The average number of treatments was 3.0, increasing to 4.9 in case of recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
The recurrence rate is significantly lower after PDT than after thermal laser. It does not have a negative impact on functional outcome.
Donati
G
G
Clinique d'Ophtalmologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires Genevois, Genève, Suisse.
D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012008:Recurrence; D000077362:Verteporfin
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011166:Porphyrins; D000077362:Verteporfin