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Degeneration of retinal nerve fiber layer in patients with multiple sclerosis. Prospective study with three years follow‐up
Author(s) -
HERRERO LATORRE R,
GARCIA MARTIN E,
SATUE M,
SANCHO MORO E,
FERNANDEZ TIRADO J
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2011.312.x
Subject(s) - nerve fiber layer , medicine , ophthalmology , retinal , visual field , visual acuity , nerve fiber , multiple sclerosis , optical coherence tomography , anatomy , psychiatry
Purpose To quantify changes over three years in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to evaluate if treatments are a protector factor of CFNR degeneration. Methods One hundred and eighty‐eight eyes of 94 MS patients were followed‐up during 3 years. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination that included assessment of visual acuity (Snellen chart), colour vision (Ishihara pseudoisochromatic plates), visual field examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual evoked potentials (VEP). All patients were re‐evaluated in a period of 12, 24 and 36 months in order to quantify the changes in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). Results Changes were obtained in the RNFL thickness with a 36‐month follow‐up. There were significant decreases (P<0,05 , t test) in the mean, superior, inferior , nasal and temporal RNFL thickness and macular volume provided by OCT, and in P100 latency of VEP. The greater differences were obtained in the superior and inferior RNFL thickness. Differences were not found between treatments, but untreated patients showed higher degeneration during follow‐up in the mean and superior RNFL thickness (p= 0,045 y p=0,024 respectively). Conclusion Progressive axonal loss can be detected in the optic nerve of MS patients. The analysis of RNFL in OCT can be useful to evaluate MS progression and efficacy of treatments in reduction of axonal degeneration.