Retinal Thickness Analysis in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Patients Treated With Epigallocatechin Gallate: Optical Coherence Tomography Results From the SUPREMES Study

Background: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is an anti-inflammatory agent and has proven neuroprotective properties in animal models of multiple sclerosis (MS). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) assessed retinal thickness analysis can reflect treatment responses MS. Objective: To analyze the influence EGCG on as secondary exploratory outcomes randomized controlled Sunphenon Progressive Forms MS trial (SUPREMES, NCT00799890). Methods: SUPREMES patients underwent OCT with Heidelberg Spectralis device at a subset visits. We determined peripapillary nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) from 12° ring scan around optic head ganglion cell/inner plexiform (GCIP) inner nuclear (INL) within 6 mm diameter grid centered fovea macular volume scan. Longitudinal data were available for 31 participants (12/19 primary/secondary progressive (PPMS/SPMS); mean age 51 ± 7 years; 12 female; time since disease onset 16 11 years). tested null hypothesis no * interaction using nonparametric longitudinal factorial experiments. Results: After 2 years, there significant differences changes between treated placebo arms any parameter (Mean change [confidence interval] ECGC vs. Placebo: pRNFL: ?0.83 [1.29] ?m ?0.64 [1.56] ?m, p = 0.156; GCIP: ?0.67 [0.67] ?0.14 [0.47] 0.476; INL: ?0.06 [0.58] 0.22 [0.41] 0.455). Conclusion: Retinal did not reveal effect EGCG. While this line results main trial, our study was probably underpowered to detect effect. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov , identifier: NCT00799890.