Article
Influence of intravenous Immunglobulins on age-related macular degeneration
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Published: | September 22, 2004 |
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Outline
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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.