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Multifocal Electroretinograms
16:49

Multifocal Electroretinograms

Published on: December 4, 2011

Assessing hydroxychloroquine toxicity by the multifocal ERG

Michael N Moschos1, Marilita M Moschos, Michael Apostolopoulos

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Athens, Greece. mosxos@hellasnet.gr

Documenta Ophthalmologica. Advances in Ophthalmology
|April 24, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) may detect hydroxychloroquine (HC) retinopathy earlier than the electroretinogram (EOG). mfERG monitoring can aid in managing patients on HC treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Toxicology
  • Retinal Imaging

Background:

  • Hydroxychloroquine (HC) is widely used for autoimmune conditions.
  • HC retinopathy is a serious ocular toxicity that can lead to vision loss.
  • Early detection of HC retinopathy is crucial for preserving vision.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) in detecting hydroxychloroquine (HC) retinopathy.
  • To compare mfERG with electroretinography (EOG) in patients on HC treatment.
  • To assess the potential of mfERG for monitoring HC retinopathy progression and treatment response.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty patients undergoing Plaquenil (HC) treatment were assessed.
  • Ocular toxicity was evaluated using both electroretinography (EOG) and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG).
  • Patients were divided into groups based on EOG results (normal or subnormal).

Main Results:

  • In patients with normal EOG, some showed reduced mfERG responses, indicating early toxicity.
  • In patients with subnormal EOG, most exhibited decreased mfERG responses.
  • Following HC interruption, mfERG and/or EOG showed improvement in several cases, suggesting reversibility.

Conclusions:

  • mfERG appears to be a more sensitive method than EOG for detecting early HC retinopathy.
  • mfERG can serve as a valuable tool for the early detection and follow-up of patients at risk of HC retinopathy.
  • Regular mfERG monitoring may help in timely intervention and management of HC-induced ocular toxicity.

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