[Background factors of recurrence after remission maintenance with photodynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration].

PURPOSE: To investigate the factors associated with recurrence following remission of at least 12 months after photodynamic therapy in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We analyzed 42 eyes with AMD in 41 patients who did not require additional treatment within 12 months of their photodynamic therapy (PDT). Additional treatment for recurrence beyond 12 months after the last PDT was required in 20 eyes in the recurrent group (n = 20). The remaining eyes (controls; n = 22) showed no recurrence during this period. We statistically analyzed the factors associated with recurrence by comparing the findings of the 2 groups. RESULTS: Compared to the controls, the recurrent group showed significantly improved baseline visual acuity (VA) (p = 0.005), but required significantly more PDT applications to achieve remission (p = 0.010). Age (p = 0.026), multiple PDT sessions (p = 0.001), and high baseline VA (p = 0.003) were factors significantly related to the recurrence following remission maintenance with PDT for AMD (R = 0.63; R2 = 0.39; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Age, preoperative VA and number of PDT sessions were associated with a significant risk of recurrence after remission maintenance with PDT.