gms | German Medical Science

102. Jahrestagung der DOG

Deutsche Ophthalmologische Gesellschaft e. V.

23. bis 26.09.2004, Berlin

Rheopheresis for AMD : International RheoNet-Registry Update 2004

Meeting Abstract

  • corresponding author C. Fassbender - Apheresis Research Institute Cologne
  • R. Klingel - Apheresis Research Institute Cologne
  • B. Göhlen - Apheresis Research Institute Cologne
  • D. Wong - RheoClinic Toronto, Canada
  • I. Siegel - RheoClinic Toronto, Canada
  • B. Erdtracht - Rheopheresis Center Cologne

Evidenzbasierte Medizin - Anspruch und Wirklichkeit. 102. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft. Berlin, 23.-26.09.2004. Düsseldorf, Köln: German Medical Science; 2004. Doc04dogFR.01.13

The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://www.egms.de/en/meetings/dog2004/04dog174.shtml

Published: September 22, 2004

© 2004 Fassbender et al.
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Outline

Text

Objective

RheoNet-registry was established collecting Rheopheresis safety and efficacy data. Registry outcome analysis reference controlled by results of clinical trials represents a direct transfer of evidence-based medicine into clinical practice. For AMD two controlled randomized clinical trials demonstrated that 8 to 10 Rheopheresis treatments given over 10-21 weeks promote sustained improvement of the natural course of the dry form of the disease. The US multicenter, double masked placebo controlled MIRA-1-trial is ongoing to evaluate safety and efficacy of Rheopheresis for the treatment of dry AMD with soft drusen.

Methods

RheoNet-registry is regularly analysed for safety aspects of Rheopheresis in centers and clinics performing treatments. Efficacy for AMD can be evaluated by analysis of the clinical data provided by ophthalmologists, which are responsible for indication and follow-up examination.

Results

In March 2004 3314 Rheopheresis treatments of 529 pts., including 365 pts. with AMD were recorded. Mean age of treated pts. was 66 years (73.5 years for AMD). In 5.49 of treatments (all diagnoses) adverse events were reported, but only in 1.84% needed intervention, temporary break or discontinuation of the treatment. 18 % of pts. were 80 years or older, but did not exhibit increased incidence of adverse events. AMD in general has an increased risk of retinal hemorrhage. 2 cases of retinal bleeding were reported within an interval of 14 days after Rheopheresis, which both caused no irreversible visual impairment. Ophthalmological data of 165 eyes of 118 AMD patients could be analyzed for this registry update including 149 eyes (108 pts.) with dry AMD, VA >0.1 and 16 eyes (10 pts.) with pigment epithelial detachment. Patients received in mean 8.7 Rheopheresis treatments. For eyes with dry AMD, mean change in ETDRS-VA after Rheopheresis compared to baseline was +0.9 lines. For the group with PED, ETDRS-line change was +0.3.

Conclusions

Based on interdisciplinary cooperation Rheopheresis can be regarded as a safe ambulatory treatment even for elderly patients. Current RheoNet update for the group of patients with dry AMD essentially resembling inclusion criteria of controlled clinical trials showed results which were in good accordance with study data.