Intravitreal sustained-release dexamethasone device in the treatment of experimental uveitis

C. K. Cheng, A. S. Berger, P. A. Pearson, P. Ashton, G. J. Jaffe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

87 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose. Uveitis often runs a chronic course requiring long-term therapy. Topical treatment results in poor intravitreal penetration, and systemic therapy is associated with significant side effects. The authors investigated whether all intravitreal sustained-release dexamethasone device was effective in the treatment of severe panuveitis in a rabbit model. Methods. Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were immunized twice subcutaneously with 10 mg Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra antigen. Twelve days later, sustained- release dexamethasone devices were implanted into the vitreous of the right eye of 10 rabbits. Ten control rabbits received a sham device. One day later, rabbits were challenged with an intravitreal injection of 33 μg of antigen. Three animals in each group were sacrificed on post-challenge days 7 and 13 for aqueous white blood cell (WBC) count, protein determination, and histologic examination. To simulate chronic inflammation with exacerbations, the eight remaining eyes were rechallenged with intravitreal antigen on day 15 and were observed for 3 1/2 months. Inflammation was graded clinically by two masked observers. Retinal function was evaluated by electroretinography (ERG). Light microscopy was used to evaluate the eyes histopathologically. The amount of residual drug in the devices was measured on day 13 and at the end of the experiment. Results. By all clinical criteria measured-anterior chamber cells, flare, and vitreous opacity-treated eyes had significantly less inflammation than untreated eyes (P < 0.05). Clinical examination correlated well with objective data: Both protein concentration (P < 0.05) and aqueous WBCs (P < 0.02) were approximately 10-fold higher, and ERGs were significantly depressed (P < 0.05) in untreated eyes compared to treated eyes. Histopathologic examination showed marked inflammation and tissue disorganization in the untreated compared to the treated eyes. After antigen rechallenge, inflammation in experimental eyes was still less than in control eyes. Late complications such as corneal neovascularization, cataract, and hypotony were also less in the treated eyes than in the untreated eyes. At the end of the experiment (99 days after device implantation), approximately 30% of drug remained in the devices. Conclusions. The intravitreal sustained- release dexamethasone device is highly effective in suppressing inflammation and preventing complications after two episodes of experimental uveitis in a rabbit model for at least 3 1/2 months. This device may be useful in the management of patients with severe chronic posterior uveitis who cannot tolerate systemic or periocular therapy.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)442-453
Number of pages12
JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
Volume36
Issue number2
StatePublished - 1995

Funding

FundersFunder number
National Eye Institute (NEI)R01EY009106

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Ophthalmology
    • Sensory Systems
    • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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