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A Protocol to Evaluate and Quantify Retinal Pigmented Epithelium Pathologies in Mouse Models of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Published on: March 10, 2023
Clinic study on macular epiretinal membrane in patients under the age of 40 years
Nan Wang1, Aohua Peng1, Shengguo Li2
1Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, China.
Background:
To describe the risk factors and clinical characteristics of macular epiretinal membrane (MEM) disease in patients up to the age of 40 years and to evaluate the therapeutic effect of IVTA on MEM.
Methods:
Clinical records were reviewed and the etiology of each case and the age distribution data were collected in this retrospective, cohort study. The clinical characteristics of MEM and the factors affecting VA were analyzed. Additionally, we contrasted the effects of MEM peeling with and without intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide on visual acuity (VA) and central foveal thickness (CFT).
Results:
In young patients, the incidence of partial posterior vitreous detachment (P-PVD) was considerably higher in IMEM than SMEM (P = 0.007). Furthermore, patients with stage 3 MEM had lower BCVA values than patients with stage 4 MEM (P < 0.001). Patients who live in urban had lower BCVA values than patients in rural (P < 0.001). Patients with IS/OS integrity had lower BCVA values than patients without IS/OS integrity (P < 0.001). The BCVA values in patients with IMEM were significantly lower than those of patients with SMEM (P < 0.001). BCVA was associated most commonly with etiology (P = 0.001), followed by region (P = 0.002). All patients had a decrease in logMAR Vas and CFT, but the combination of intraoperative IVTA resulted in a more significant decrease in logMAR Vas (P = 0.007) and CFT (P = 0.046).
Conclusion:
In young patients, the incidence of P-PVD was significantly higher in IMEM cases than in SMEM cases. The region, MEM stage, IS/OS integrity, and etiology influenced VA. Etiology was associated most commonly with BCVA. In individuals under 40, the combination of intraoperative IVTA resulted in a more significant decrease in logMAR Vas and CFT.
Insights
In young patients with macular epiretinal membrane (MEM), partial posterior vitreous detachment (P-PVD) was more common. Intraoperative intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) significantly improved visual acuity and reduced central foveal thickness.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Diseases
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Macular epiretinal membrane (MEM) disease affects patients, particularly those under 40.
- Understanding risk factors and clinical characteristics in this demographic is crucial.
- Evaluating therapeutic interventions like intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors and clinical features of MEM in patients aged 40 years or younger.
- To assess the efficacy of IVTA in treating MEM.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study analyzing clinical records.
- Collected data on etiology, age distribution, and clinical characteristics of MEM.
- Compared outcomes of MEM peeling with and without IVTA, assessing visual acuity (VA) and central foveal thickness (CFT).
Main Results:
- Partial posterior vitreous detachment (P-PVD) was more frequent in idiopathic MEM (IMEM) than secondary MEM (SMEM).
- Lower best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was associated with earlier MEM stages, urban residence, and IS/OS integrity disruption.
- Intraoperative IVTA significantly improved logMAR VA and CFT compared to no IVTA.
Conclusions:
- P-PVD is more common in IMEM among young patients.
- Factors like region, MEM stage, IS/OS integrity, and etiology impact VA, with etiology being the most significant.
- Intraoperative IVTA offers significant benefits in reducing VA and CFT in patients under 40.

