Evaluating efficacy of aflibercept in refractory exudative age-related macular degeneration with OCT segmentation volumetric analysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To use automated segmentation software to analyze spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans and evaluate the effectiveness of aflibercept (Eylea; Regeneron, Tarrytown, NY) in the treatment of patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) refractory to other treatments. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 16 patients refractory to bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA)/ranibizumab (Lucentis; Genentech, San Francisco, CA) treatment was conducted. Visual acuity, central foveal thickness (CFT), maximum fluid height, pigment epithelial detachment (PED) volume, subretinal fluid (SRF) volume, fluid-free time interval, and adverse effects were evaluated. Automated segmentation analysis was used to quantify improvement. RESULTS: With aflibercept treatment, there was a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity by 1 line (P = .020), in CFT by 74.02 μm (P = .001), and in maximum fluid height by 31.9 μm (P= .011). Total PED and SRF volume also decreased significantly by 1.50 μm3 x 108 μm3 (P = .013). Anatomic improvement was confirmed by automated segmentation analysis. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates utility of automated segmentation software in quantifying anatomic improvement with aflibercept treatment in exudative AMD refractory to other anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatments.