In this research rheohemapheresis will be used for the treatment of patients with high-risk dry form of age-related macular degeneration. Correction of rheologic parameters and activation of retinal functional reserves after the therapy will positively influence functional condition of retina. The newest special electrophysiologic methods will be used to determine retinal changes in time. The investigators will also evaluate some important immunologic factors and complement changes as well as define indication criteria more precisely.
With optimized therapeutic protocol we would prevent progression of the dry form of AMD into its devastating wet form and stabilize the situation. We suppose that retinal morphologic and functional conditions would improve in a high percentage of patients. Also possible technical and economic savings would not be less important with our own therapeutic protocol, especially, when blindness could be prevented.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
36
Each treated patient will receive a series of 8 rheohemaphereses (cascade filtration) within 10 weeks. One plasma volume will be washed.
Faculty Hospital
Hradec Králové, Czechia
Electroretinography
Evaluation of functional changes in single retinal layers and areas by newest special electrophysiologic methods
Time frame: 2.5 years
immunologic parameters changes
To verify till undescribed changes of complement, some cytokines,factors monitoring endothelial function, and apoptosis markers, important for rapid repair of retinal revitalization.
Time frame: 2.5 years
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