title: New guidelines in the treatment of persistent central serous chorioretinopathy: PDT with half-dose verteporfin.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In persistent central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) resolution of detachment can be achieved by photodynamic therapy. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of half-dose verteporfin compared to full-dose verteporfin.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 2009 the standard PDT regimen for CSC in our clinic was changed from full-dose to half-dose verteporfin. After a retrospective analysis 11 cases of half-dose PDT with documented course in 11 patients are presented. A comparison was performed with a control group of 11 consecutive patients with documented course who had received full-dose PDT before 2009.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Prior to PDT there were no statistically significant differences between the groups concerning age, central foveal thickness, thickness of detachment, BCVA (EDTRS) and size of spot. 6 weeks after PDT a significant reduction of foveal thickness and detachment was detected in both groups, as well as a significant increase in BCVA. No statistically significant differences in outcome could be found between the two groups (Mann-Whitney U-test, p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PDT with half-dose verteporfin seems to be an effective and safe treatment for persistent CSC. Our data showed comparable results after half-dose and after full-dose PDT.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland. Christian_boeni@gmx.ch
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Böni
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kloos
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Valmaggia
mesh_terms: D056833:Central Serous Chorioretinopathy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000592:standards*; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000592:standards; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000592:standards*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013557:Switzerland; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000077362:Verteporfin
chemical_list: D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011166:Porphyrins; D000077362:Verteporfin