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Intraretinal cystoid fluid height may predict functional improvement
Height of intraretinal cystoid fluid served as a better predictor of functional and anatomical outcomes than central retinal thickness in patients treated with ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema, according to a study.
Researchers conducted a post hoc analysis of the RESTORE and RESTORE extension studies to identify imaging biomarkers in OCT to predict outcomes in patients with diabetic macular edema. They assessed best corrected visual acuity as it correlated to central retinal thickness.
Across study groups, a weak but statistically significant negative correlation was reported for central retinal thickness and BCVA (P < .001). This trend continued through month 36.
Study participants with a baseline height of intraretinal cystoid fluid of 380 µm or less had a baseline BCVA of 64.84 ± 10.63 letters, which was better than 61.66 ± 9.92 letters reported for patients with intraretinal cystoid fluid height greater than 380 µm (P = .0071). This trend persisted to the end of month 12 (70.5 ± 12.33 letters for height of 380 µm or less vs. 67 ± 14.09 letters for height greater than 380 µm letters; P = .0252).
Other findings showed that with laser therapy, those with baseline subretinal fluid tended to lose BCVA letters by month 12 compared with patients with no subretinal fluid (–5.38 ± 16.54 vs. 2.49 ± 9.72 letters), but the difference was not significant. Patients in the ranibizumab group with subretinal fluid were more likely to experience gains in BCVA letters from baseline compared with those without subretinal fluid (10.28 ± 7.14 vs. 6.76 ± 7.67), but the difference was not significant.
“A more precise understanding of the role of retinal morphology and biomarkers may provide guidance to caregivers, offer patients a more realistic prognosis and guide the development of future study endpoints,” the study authors said. – by Rob Volansky
Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.