Half-fluence versus half-dose photodynamic therapy in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy

Am J Ophthalmol. 2014 May;157(5):1033-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2014.01.022. Epub 2014 Jan 30.

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of half-fluence vs half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

Design: Multicenter retrospective comparison study.

Methods: Retrospective review of 56 patients affected by chronic CSC, including 28 patients (31 eyes) who received half-fluence PDT and 28 patients (29 eyes) who received half-dose PDT. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), and resolution of subretinal fluid on optical coherence tomography at 1 and 12 months were assessed.

Results: The mean logMAR BCVA improved significantly (P < .001), both in the half-fluence group (from 0.187 [± 0.187] to 0.083 [± 0.164]) and in the half-dose group (from 0.126 [± 0.091] to 0.068 [± 0.091]), at 12 months, without significant difference between the 2 groups. At 1 month a complete resolution of subretinal fluid was observed in 19 half-fluence-treated eyes (61.3%) and in 25 half-dose-treated eyes (86.2%) (P = .04). At 12 months, a complete resolution of subretinal fluid was achieved in 26 half-fluence-treated eyes (83.9%) and 29 half-dose-treated eyes (100%) (P = .0529). Nine eyes (29%) in the half-fluence group and 5 eyes (17.2%) in the half-dose group had at least 1 recurrence of subretinal fluid during the follow-up. Overall there were 15 and 5 recurrences in the half-fluence PDT and half-dose PDT groups, respectively (P = .07). In no eye of either groups was atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium observed in the area of treatment.

Conclusion: Half-dose PDT induced a more rapid reabsorption of the fluid, a more lasting effect, and equal safety with respect to half-fluence PDT.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Central Serous Chorioretinopathy / diagnosis
  • Central Serous Chorioretinopathy / drug therapy*
  • Central Serous Chorioretinopathy / physiopathology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Coloring Agents
  • Female
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Humans
  • Indocyanine Green
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Photochemotherapy / methods*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / adverse effects
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use
  • Porphyrins / adverse effects
  • Porphyrins / therapeutic use
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Subretinal Fluid / metabolism
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Verteporfin
  • Visual Acuity / physiology

Substances

  • Coloring Agents
  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Porphyrins
  • Verteporfin
  • Indocyanine Green