Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Uveitis

A Pilot Study to Demonstrate the Presence of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Uveitic Cystoid Macular Edema

Status

Completed

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Observational

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT00001738

Enrollment

Registered

2002-12-10

Start date

1998-08-31

Completion date

2000-06-30

Last updated

2008-03-04

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Macular Edema, Cystoid, Uveitis

Keywords

Intermediate Uveitis, Pars Planitis, Retinal Vasculature, Uveitis, Vascular Permeability, Vitreous

Brief summary

This study will look for the presence in blood of a substance called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with uveitis (eye inflammation). It will also look for this substance in eye fluid samples taken from patients with uveitis who are undergoing eye surgery. Some patients with uveitis experience some vision loss during an inflammatory attack because of swelling (edema) in a particular area of the retina called the macula, which is involved in visual acuity. It may be that VEGF is involved in the development of macular edema. Patients with uveitis who participate in this study will have about 10 cc (2 teaspoons) of blood drawn to be examined for VEGF. They will also undergo a procedure called fluorescein angiography to look at the blood vessels of the eye. A dye called sodium fluorescein is injected into the blood stream through a vein. After the dye reaches the blood vessels of the eye, photographs are taken of the retina. In addition, patients with uveitis who are undergoing eye surgery will have a tissue specimen (either aqueous fluid or vitreous gel) collected for examination for the presence of VEGF.

Detailed description

Increased intraocular and systemic levels of the angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is associated with new vessel growth in the eye, such as diabetic retinopathy. Recent work using immunopathologic techniques have shown that VEGF is upregulated in both experimentally induced uveitis and in uveitic eyes as well, with no evidence of neovascularization. This pilot study will evaluate the level of VEGF in the blood of uveitic patients with and without macular edema. This level will be determined also in the ocular fluid of those patients that are undergoing ocular surgery. These levels will be compared with age and sex matched controls.

Interventions

None listed

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Inclusion criteria

For Uveitis Patients: Evidence on ocular examination in the past or presently of intraocular inflammation, with cells and haze in the vitreous for the intermediate and posterior uveitis patients. In order to demonstrate the presence or absence of macular edema, a fluorescein angiogram will be attempted on all patients. However, if the patient is unable or not willing to undergo the test, then if two observers from the LI can substantiate independently that there is or is not evidence of cystoid edema, the patient may be included.

Countries

United States

Outcome results