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.

BMC Ophthalmology
|February 25, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

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.

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