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Association Between Aqueous Flare and Epiretinal Membrane in Retinitis Pigmentosa
Kohta Fujiwara1, Yasuhiro Ikeda2, Yusuke Murakami2
1Department of Ophthalmology Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan 2Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Akita University, Akita, Japan.
Purpose:
Epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a frequent macular complication in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The etiology of ERM formation in RP is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between aqueous flare, a surrogate index of intraocular inflammation, and ERM secondary to RP.
Methods:
We retrospectively studied a total of 206 eyes of 117 patients who were diagnosed with typical RP. Aqueous flare values were measured consecutively in 2012 and 2013 using a laser flare cell meter. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography images and fundus photographs taken on the same day of the aqueous flare measurements were analyzed for ERM detection.
Results:
The mean values of aqueous flare, age, and frequency of male sex were significantly higher in the RP patients with ERM compared with the RP patients without ERM (P < 0.0001, P = 0.007, and P = 0.004, respectively). After adjustment for age and sex, the eyes in the highest quartile of aqueous flare had significantly higher odds of having ERM than those in the lowest quartile (odds ratio [OR], 2.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-6.93), and the linear trend across flare levels was significant (P = 0.005). In addition, each 1-log-transformed increase in flare values was associated with an elevation of the likelihood of having ERM (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.33-5.06).
Conclusions:
Our analysis demonstrated that elevated aqueous flare is associated with ERM secondary to RP, suggesting that inflammation may be implicated in the pathogenesis of ERM formation in RP.
Insights
Elevated aqueous flare, an indicator of intraocular inflammation, is significantly associated with epiretinal membrane (ERM) formation in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). This suggests inflammation may play a role in ERM development in RP eyes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Diseases
- Inflammation Research
Background:
- Epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a common complication in retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
- The exact cause of ERM in RP patients remains unclear.
- Intraocular inflammation, indicated by aqueous flare, is being investigated as a potential factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the link between aqueous flare and ERM in patients with RP.
- To determine if intraocular inflammation contributes to ERM development in RP.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 206 eyes from 117 RP patients.
- Aqueous flare was measured using a laser flare cell meter.
- Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and fundus photography were used to detect ERM.
Main Results:
- RP patients with ERM had higher mean aqueous flare, age, and male sex frequency.
- Higher aqueous flare levels significantly increased the odds of ERM presence.
- A dose-dependent relationship was observed between flare values and ERM likelihood.
Conclusions:
- Elevated aqueous flare is associated with ERM in RP.
- Intraocular inflammation is suggested as a potential contributor to ERM pathogenesis in RP.
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