Inferred retinal sensitivity in recessive Stargardt disease using machine learning

Sci Rep. 2021 Jan 14;11(1):1466. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-80766-4.

Abstract

Spatially-resolved retinal function can be measured by psychophysical testing like fundus-controlled perimetry (FCP or 'microperimetry'). It may serve as a performance outcome measure in emerging interventional clinical trials for macular diseases as requested by regulatory agencies. As FCP constitute laborious examinations, we have evaluated a machine-learning-based approach to predict spatially-resolved retinal function ('inferred sensitivity') based on microstructural imaging (obtained by spectral domain optical coherence tomography) and patient data in recessive Stargardt disease. Using nested cross-validation, prediction accuracies of (mean absolute error, MAE [95% CI]) 4.74 dB [4.48-4.99] were achieved. After additional inclusion of limited FCP data, the latter reached 3.89 dB [3.67-4.10] comparable to the test-retest MAE estimate of 3.51 dB [3.11-3.91]. Analysis of the permutation importance revealed, that the IS&OS and RPE thickness were the most important features for the prediction of retinal sensitivity. 'Inferred sensitivity', herein, enables to accurately estimate differential effects of retinal microstructure on spatially-resolved function in Stargardt disease, and might be used as quasi-functional surrogate marker for a refined and time-efficient investigation of possible functionally relevant treatment effects or disease progression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Machine Learning
  • Macular Degeneration / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retina / physiopathology*
  • Retinal Diseases / physiopathology
  • Stargardt Disease / metabolism
  • Stargardt Disease / physiopathology*
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence / methods
  • Visual Acuity
  • Visual Field Tests / methods*
  • Visual Fields