Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Uveitis

Completed

• Conditions: Macular Edema, Cystoid; Uveitis

• Registration Number: NCT00001738
• Lead Sponsor: National Eye Institute (NEI)

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.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 1998-08
• Status Verified: 1999-08
• Study First Submitted: 1999-11-03
• Study Completion: 2000-06
• Study First Submitted QC: 2002-12-09
• Study First Posted: 2002-12-10
• Last Update Submitted: 2008-03-03
• Last Update Posted: 2008-03-04

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 60

Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

National Eye Institute (NEI); 🇺🇸 Bethesda, Maryland, United States