gms | German Medical Science

102. Jahrestagung der DOG

Deutsche Ophthalmologische Gesellschaft e. V.

23. bis 26.09.2004, Berlin

Influence of intravenous Immunglobulins on age-related macular degeneration

Meeting Abstract

  • corresponding author H.D. Ayertey - Center of Ophthalmology, University Cologne, Cologne
  • Z. Hasanbasic - Center of Ophthalmology, University Cologne, Cologne
  • P. Walter - Eyeclinic RWTH Aachen, Aachen
  • B. Kirchhof - Center of Ophthalmology, University Cologne, Cologne
  • R. Brunner - Center of Ophthalmology, University Cologne, Cologne

Evidenzbasierte Medizin - Anspruch und Wirklichkeit. 102. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft. Berlin, 23.-26.09.2004. Düsseldorf, Köln: German Medical Science; 2004. Doc04dogP 157

The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://www.egms.de/en/meetings/dog2004/04dog648.shtml

Published: September 22, 2004

© 2004 Ayertey et al.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/deed.en). You are free: to Share – to copy, distribute and transmit the work, provided the original author and source are credited.


Outline

Text

Objective

Proliferation of endothelial cells seem to have a decisive role in the pathogenesis and development of choroidal neovascularisations (CNV). Blockade of proliferation by Immunglobulins on human as well as pig choroidal endothelial cells has been observed. In vivo, treatment with intravenous Immunglobulins in patients with idiopathic CNV as well as first patients with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) has also shown promising results.

Methods

13 patients (mean age 72.6 years) with occult CNV due to ARMD received repetitive infusion of intravenous Immunglobulins treatment. Dependant on the clinical course 1.2-2g/kg body weight were applied every 3-6 weeks on an individual base. The change in visual acuity was determined with ETDRS-charts.

Results

All patients showed good tolerance of the Immunglobulin-infusions. No significant side-effects were observed. An involution and scaring of the CNV was observed clinically and angiographically. After five months visual acuity showed a mean improvement of 1.3 lines ETDRS.

Conclusions

Intravenous Immunglobulins seem to positively influence the natural course of CNV in patients with ARMD. The existing clinical and laboratory data have to be further evaluated to confirm the evidence an to get a better understanding of the mechanisms of action.