Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Uveitis

NCT00001738 | Completed

• 2 other identifiers: 98015298-EI-0152
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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.

Conditions

Macular Edema, Cystoid; Uveitis

Keywords

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

Eligibility Criteria

• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

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.

Contact the study team to discuss eligibility requirements. They can help determine if this study is right for you.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Eye Institute (NEI): lead

Study Sites (1)

National Eye Institute (NEI)

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

Location

Related Publications (2)

• Nussenblatt RB. Proctor Lecture. Experimental autoimmune uveitis: mechanisms of disease and clinical therapeutic indications. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1991 Dec;32(13):3131-41. No abstract available.

  PMID: 1748544 BACKGROUND

• Nussenblatt RB, Kaufman SC, Palestine AG, Davis MD, Ferris FL 3rd. Macular thickening and visual acuity. Measurement in patients with cystoid macular edema. Ophthalmology. 1987 Sep;94(9):1134-9. doi: 10.1016/s0161-6420(87)33314-7.

  PMID: 3684231 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Macular Edema; Uveitis; Uveitis, Intermediate; Pars Planitis

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Macular Degeneration; Retinal Degeneration; Retinal Diseases; Eye Diseases; Uveal Diseases; Choroiditis; Choroid Diseases; Uveitis, Posterior; Panuveitis

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Sponsor Type: NIH

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 3, 1999
• First Posted: December 10, 2002
• Study Start: August 1, 1998
• Study Completion: June 1, 2000
• Last Updated: March 4, 2008

Record last verified: 1999-08

Locations

US (1)