Correlation analysis of fundus autofluorescence, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and visual function in patients with diabetic macular oedema treated with intravitreal ziv-aflibercept

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlations between fundus autofluorescence and morphologic parameters as well as visual function in patients with diabetic macular oedema treated with intravitreal ziv-aflibercept. A total of 34 eyes of 20 patients with untreated diabetic macular oedema received an intravitreal injection of ziv-aflibercept at baseline, and 1 and 2 months later. The baseline, 1-month, and two-month best corrected visual acuity determination, contrast sensitivity, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, mean central macular thickness, mean macular cube volume, mean macular cube average thickness, and fundus autofluorescence (decreased, normal, or increased; and single or multiple spots) were measured. Correlation analysis with a determination of Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, regression analysis, agreement between investigators, and Friedman's test were used for statistical analyses. A direct correlation was observed between baseline fundus autofluorescence and macular cube average thickness at 1 month (r = 0.51, p = 0.020) and between fundus autofluorescence at 1 month and baseline macular cube average thickness (r = 0.50, p = 0.021). Regression analysis showed a coefficient of determination of 0.29 (p = 0.016) between baseline fundus autofluorescence and macular cube average thickness at 1 month. In patients with diabetic macular oedema, the pretreatment baseline degree of foveal fundus autofluorescence might be helpful in predicting macular cube average thickness in patients undergoing treatment with intravitreal ziv-aflibercept in the short term.