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Interferon alpha-2a in the treatment of exudative senile macular degeneration
A Jaakkola1, P M Anttila, I Immonen
1Department of Ophthalmology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Abstract:
We performed a pilot study of 10 patients with the objective to determine the efficacy of interferon alpha-2a in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration with freshly diagnosed choroidal neovascular membrane. Interferon was given at a dose of 3 MIU/m2 three times a week for 8 weeks. Mean age of the patients was 74 years. In 3 patients we combined laser photocoagulation of extrafoveal part of the choroidal neovascular membrane to interferon therapy. The patients were followed up for 1 year after termination of interferon treatment. In 1 patient a visual improvement of two Snellen lines was noted, while in 7 patients visual acuity remained the same during the treatment (includes 3 patients treated with combined Krypton-laser photocoagulation). In 2 patients there was a decrease in acuity of one line. Six months later visual acuity had deteriorated in 7 patients and 1 year later all the patients had visual acuity < or = 20/200. We did not find any regression of choroidal neovascular membrane in fluorescein angiography in any of the patients during the treatment except the laser-treated area. At the 6-month follow-up there was still leakage or choroidal neovascular membrane growth in 6 patients. Combined interferon-laser therapy did not prove to be more effective in preventing the membrane growth. Side-effects included weakness, apathy, and fatigue in this elderly population. Our results indicate that treatment with 3 MIU/m2 interferon for 8 weeks is not an effective treatment for subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes.
Insights
Interferon alpha-2a showed limited efficacy in treating age-related macular degeneration with choroidal neovascular membranes. The treatment did not prevent membrane growth or significantly improve vision in most patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss.
- Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a hallmark of advanced AMD.
- Effective treatments for CNV are crucial for preserving vision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of interferon alpha-2a in treating freshly diagnosed choroidal neovascular membranes in patients with AMD.
- To assess the impact of combined interferon and laser photocoagulation therapy.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 10 elderly patients (mean age 74) with AMD and CNV.
- Interferon alpha-2a administered at 3 MIU/m2 three times weekly for 8 weeks.
- Three patients received combined interferon and laser photocoagulation.
Main Results:
- No significant visual acuity improvement in most patients; 7 maintained acuity, 1 improved by two lines, 2 decreased by one line.
- Visual acuity deteriorated in 7 patients by 6 months and all patients by 1 year (≤20/200).
- No regression of CNV observed on fluorescein angiography, except in laser-treated areas; 6 patients showed leakage or growth at 6 months.
Conclusions:
- Interferon alpha-2a at the studied dose and duration is not effective for subfoveal CNV in AMD.
- Combined interferon-laser therapy did not offer superior efficacy in preventing CNV progression.
- Reported side-effects included weakness, apathy, and fatigue in this elderly cohort.