Retinal Ischaemia in Retinal Vein Occlusion Version 3.5
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Retinal Ischaemia in Retinal Vein Occlusion
IRAS ID
221358
Contact name
Noemi Lois
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen's University Belfast
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 10 months, 13 days
Research summary
A blockage (occlusion) of a retinal vein prevents blood being drained from the retina (RVO). Blood and fluid then leaks into the layers of the retina, causing bruising and swelling, as well as a lack of oxygen and nutrients to the affected area. Retinal ischaemia, where capillaries are lost, often develops and vision is reduced. Ischaemic RVO is a potentially blinding condition which is poorly understood and is currently untreatable. \n\nThe purpose of this study is to improve our understanding of the changes that occur in areas of retinal ischaemia. The structural changes that occur in these areas and their effect on vision and sensitivity of the retina to light stimuli will be investigated. State-of-the-art technologies, including the Optos California, a wide angle imaging camera which captures a 200 degree field of the retina, Optical Coherence Tomography scans which provide cross sectional, 3D images of the retina, OCT-Angiography scans which map the capillary densities of superficial and deep retinal layers, Oximetry which measures oxygen levels of blood vessels and Adaptive Optics which analyses photoreceptor densities, will all be utilised. Changes in ischaemic retinal areas will be compared to the structure and function of healthy retinal areas. \n\nBlood samples will be taken and the cells with reparative properties, known as “endothelial progenitor (stem) cells” will be evaluated to determine if participants with lower levels of these cells have more advanced disease. Other components of the blood and urine (inflammatory and genetic markers) which may cause retinal ischaemia to occur will also be analysed.\n\nForty patients with newly diagnosed, untreated RVO will be recruited. In order to review changes following natural progression of the disease or intervention, participants will be reviewed at 6 months and all the tests will be repeated and reviewed. Participants will continue their routine clinical care within the NHS.\n
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/YH/0090
Date of REC Opinion
6 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion