Trabecular microbypass as replacement therapy in pharmacologically controlled open-angle glaucoma patients / Implante de by-pass trabecular como alternativa aos colírios em portadores de glaucoma de ângulo aberto controlados com tratamento clínico

ABSTRACT Purpose: To assess the outcomes of the trabecular bypass as replacement therapy for medications in pharmacologically controlled vs. pharmacologically uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma patients. Methods: This was a retrospective study of eyes treated with first- (iStent) or second-generation (iStent inject) trabecular bypass. Group 1 consisted of eyes with pharmacologically controlled intraocular pressure <18 mmHg and Group 2 consisted of eyes with pharmacologically controlled intraocular pressure ≥18 mmHg. The main outcomes measured were qualified (with or without medications) and unqualified or complete (without medications) success rates at different target intraocular pressures, mean reduction (%) in medication use, and proportion of medication-free eyes. Results: The mean age was 70.4 years in Group 1 (n=105) and 68.1 years in Group 2 (n=65). Qualified success rates for intraocular pressure <18 mmHg, intraocular pressure <15 mmHg, and intraocular pressure <12 mmHg were similar between the groups (Group 1: 96.2%, 88.6%, and 32.4%, respectively; Group 2: 93.8%, 78.5%, and 21.5%, respectively; all p>0.05). Complete success rates were significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2: for intraocular pressure <18 mmHg (76.2% vs. 47.7%), intraocular pressure <15 mmHg (73.3% vs. 40.0%), and intraocular pressure <12 mmHg (14.3% vs. 4.6%). The mean reduction in medication use was higher in Group 1 than in Group 2. At the end of follow-up, 79.0% of eyes in Group 1 and 47.7% of eyes in Group 2 became medication-free. Conclusions: Both groups showed high qualified success rates, but eyes with baseline pharmacologically controlled intraocular pressure <18 mmHg showed higher complete success rates and greater chances of achieving no need for medications.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados dos implantes de by-pass trabecular como terapia de substituição aos colírios em pacientes com glaucoma de ângulo aberto controlados com medicação vs. não controlados com medicação. Métodos: Este foi um estudo retrospectivo de olhos submetidos a cirurgia de implante de by-pass trabecular de primeira (iStent) ou segunda geração (iStent inject). O Grupo 1 consistiu em olhos com pressão intraocular medicada <18 mmHg e o Grupo 2 consistiu em olhos com pressão intraocular medicada ≥18 mmHg. Os principais desfechos foram as taxas de sucesso relativo (com ou sem medicamentos) e completo (sem medicamentos) em diferentes pressões intraoculares-alvo, redução média (%) no uso de medicamentos e proporção de olhos sem medicamentos. Resultados: A média de idade foi de 70,4 anos no Grupo 1 (n=105) e 68,1 anos no Grupo 2 (n=65). As taxas de sucesso relativo para pressão intraocular <18 mmHg, pressão intraocular <15 mmHg e pressão intraocular <12 mmHg foram semelhantes entre os grupos (Grupo 1: 96,2%, 88,6% e 32,4%, respectivamente; Grupo 2: 93,8%, 78,5% e 21,5%, respectivamente; todos p>0,05). As taxas de sucesso completo foram significativa mente maiores no Grupo 1 do que no Grupo 2: pressão intraocular <18 mmHg (76,2% vs. 47,7%); pressão intraocular <15 mmHg (73,3% vs. 40%); pressão intraocular <12 mmHg (14,3% vs. 4,6%). A redução média no uso de medicamentos foi maior no Grupo 1 do que no Grupo 2. Ao final do acompanhamento, 79,0% dos olhos do Grupo 1 e 47,7% dos olhos do Grupo 2 estavam livres medicamentos. Conclusões: Ambos os grupos mostraram altas taxas de sucesso relativo, mas olhos com pressão intraocular medicada pré-operatória <18 mmHg apresentaram taxas de sucesso completo mais elevadas, bem como maiores chances de se tornarem livres de medicamentos para glaucoma.

Predictors of Initial Glaucoma Therapy: Laser Trabeculoplasty Versus Medication

Background: Glaucoma is the most common cause of blindness in the world. If not recognized and treated early enough, open-angle glaucoma can be a severe ocular illness that can lead to blindness. A gradual loss of ganglion cells leads to the optic nerve head cupping, which is the pathogenic process. Objective: The main aim of this study was to determine if selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is superior to topical medication as the first-line treatment for open-angle glaucoma.Material & Methods:This prospective comparative study was conducted in 225 patients (450 eyes) at Deen Mohd. Eye Hospital & Research Center from July 2019 to July 2021.The patients were randomly divided into two groups; Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT group)and medical therapy group.Results:The study was conducted between 25 to 85 years of patients where the majority were between 46 to 65 years age group;58% patientswere male, and 42% were female. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 18.2mm Hg for the SLT group and 17.6mm Hg for the medical therapy group. Overall, mean pressures and IOP lowering were not statistically different between the two treatment groups.Conclusions:In the last follow-up, 11% of the eyes had been stepped to additional SLT in the SLT arm, and 27% of the eyes in the medical arm required more medications to reach the target IOP range. The main risk factor is high intraocular pressure; however additional potential risk factors include optic nerve vascular insufficiency, neuronal degeneration, and hereditary factors. More research and prospective trials on intraocular pressure control and disease progression are needed to understand the long-term implications.

The daily, monthly, and annual cost of glaucoma therapy using ocular hypotensive eye drops in the Philippines based on a quantitative method

@#OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to calculate and compare the costs of different brands of ocular hypotensive eye drops available in the Philippines. METHODS: This was a single-center research conducted at a local laboratory. Triplicate samples of 21 different brands of locally-available ocular hypotensive drops were tested. The mass of ten drops, total usable mass, number of drops per bottle, and mass of 200-µL aliquots were measured for each sample. These were used to calculate for the total usable bottle volume, drop volume, and number of drops per milliliter of each sample. Lastly, the daily, monthly, and annual costs were computed and compared. RESULTS: Available brands of β-blockers were the most affordable options for topical glaucoma therapy, with costs ranging from Php1,838 to 8,472 per year. Innovator brands of α-agonists and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors were the most expensive, with annual costs ranging from Php7,641 to 24,295 and Php7,361 to 25,327, respectively. Fixed-combination preparations, with yearly costs ranging from Php4,307 to 22,200, were generally more costeffective than individual preparations. The cost of topical anti-glaucoma therapy can amount up to 3.3 to 66.9% of a minimum-wage earner’s annual income depending on the number and combination of drugs being used. CONCLUSIONS: The price range of ocular hypotensive eye drops available in the Philippines is wide. Cost of therapy is an important consideration for patients who acquire medications through out-of-pocket expenditure. Optimization of bottle designs and volumes is crucial to maximize the cost-effectiveness of eye drop solutions. Information on the cost of therapy should be available to both patients and physicians.

Avaliação econômica do glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto / Economic evaluation of primary open-angle glaucoma

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a relação custo-utilidade do tratamento inicial com laser ou medicamentos do glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto (GPAA) no Brasil, considerando de um lado os custos totais e de outro lado o impacto na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Métodos: O estudo foi realizado com base em um modelo de Markov, onde uma coorte teórica de portadores de GPAA em estágio inicial foi gerada. Os parâmetros usados no modelo foram obtidos na literatura e incluíram: custos médicos diretos (consultas, exames, tratamento); custos não médicos diretos (gasto com hospedagem, transporte, alimentação, acompanhante); custos indiretos (relacionados à incapacidade para o trabalho); valores de utilidade (qualidade de vida medida em QALY - quality-adjusted life year); e probabilidade de transição entre os estágios de saúde. Três estratégias de tratamento foram testadas no modelo: (1) sem tratamento; (2) tratamento inicial com colírios; (3) tratamento inicial com trabeculoplastia a laser. A medida de desfecho foi a razão de custo-utilidade incremental (RCUI). A robustez do modelo foi testada através de análise de sensibilidade. Resultados: As estratégias (2) e (3) de tratamento inicial do GPAA geraram ganhos em qualidade de vida em relação à (1) no Brasil. Iniciar o tratamento com laser gerou ganho médio de 1 QALY, enquanto que com medicamentos propiciou um ganho de 2 QALYs em média. Dentre as três estratégias testadas, a estratégia (2) foi a custo-efetiva e foi dominante sobre as demais, pois foi ao mesmo tempo a mais barata e a mais efetiva. Conclusão: Tanto a trabeculoplastia a laser quanto os medicamentos como tratamentos primários do GPAA inicial geraram ganhos significativos de qualidade de vida. A estratégia de se iniciar o tratamento com medicações foi custo-efetiva, quando se considera os custos totais. A alternativa de tratamento inicial através de trabeculoplastia a laser não foi custo-efetiva.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the cost-utility relation of the initial treatment with laser or primary open-angle glaucoma medications (PLA) in Brazil, considering on the one hand the total costs and on the other side the impact on patients' quality of life. Methods: The study was performed based on a Markov model, where a theoretical cohort of early-stage GPAA carriers was generated. The parameters used in the model were obtained in the literature and included: direct medical costs (consultations, examinations, treatment); direct non-medical costs (accommodation, transportation, meals, companions); indirect costs (related to incapacity for work); utility values (quality of life measured in QALY - quality-adjusted life year); and probability of transition between stages of health. Three treatment strategies were tested in the model: (1) without treatment; (2) initial treatment with eye drops; (3) initial treatment with laser trabeculoplasty. The measure of outcome was the incremental cost-utility ratio (RCUI). The robustness of the model was tested through sensitivity analysis. Results: The strategies (2) and (3) of the initial treatment of POAG generated gains in quality of life in relation to (1) in Brazil. Initiating the laser treatment generated an average gain of 1 QALY, whereas with medication it gave a gain of 2 QALYs on average. Among the three strategies tested, strategy (2) was cost-effective and was dominant over the other strategies, since it was at the same time the cheapest and the most effective strategy. Conclusion: Both laser trabeculoplasty and medications as primary treatments of early-stage POAG have generated significant gains in quality of life. The strategy of starting treatment with medications was cost-effective, whereas laser trabeculoplasty strategy was not cost-effective, when non-medical costs (direct and indirect) are included.

Custos não médicos diretos e indiretos relacionados ao glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto no Brasil / Non-medical direct and indirect costs related to primary open-angle glaucoma in Brazil

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar os custos não médicos diretos e indiretos em uma população de pacientes portadores de glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto (GPAA) em tratamento no Brasil. Métodos: A pesquisa dos custos neste estudo transversal foi realizada através de entrevista a uma população de pacientes portadores de GPAA em acompanhamento em um centro de referência para o tratamento do glaucoma na cidade de Juiz de Fora - MG. Para avaliação dos custos não médicos diretos, as seguintes variáveis foram investigadas: gasto com transporte, hospedagem, alimentação e acompanhante para cada consulta. Já na análise dos custos indiretos, avaliou-se: recebimento ou não de benefício social por causa do glaucoma (aposentadoria ou auxílio-doença) e qual o valor anual e perda de dias trabalhados pelo paciente e/ou pelo acompanhante. Os valores médios anuais foram calculados para todo o grupo e para cada estágio evolutivo do glaucoma. Resultados: Setenta e sete pacientes foram incluídos nesta análise (GPAA inicial: 26,0%; GPAA moderado: 24,7% e GPAA avançado: 49,3%). A média do custo não médico direto foi (em reais): 587,47; 660,52 e 708,54 para os glaucomas iniciais, moderados e avançados, respectivamente. Já a média do custo indireto foi: 20.156,75 (GPAA inicial); 26.988,16 (moderado) e 27.263,82 (avançado). Conclusão: Os custos não médicos diretos e indiretos relacionados ao GPAA no Brasil foram identificados. Os custos indiretos são superiores aos custos não médicos diretos e ambos tendem a aumentar com o avanço da doença.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify direct and indirect non-medical costs in a population of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) receiving treatment in Brazil. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we obtained the costs through an interview with a population of patients with POAG at a glaucoma referral clinic in the city of Juiz de Fora - MG. In order to assess the direct non-medical costs, we investigated the following variables transportation expenses, lodging expenses, food and companion expenses for each visit. In the indirect costs analysis, we assessed the following variables: whether or not social benefits were received because of glaucoma (retirement or sickness benefit) and the annual value and loss of days worked by the patient and/or the companion. We calculated the mean annual values for the whole group and for each glaucoma stage. Results: Seventy-seven patients were included in this analysis (initial POAG: 26.0%, moderate POAG: 24.7% and advanced POAG 49.3%). The mean non-medical direct cost was (in reais): 587.47; 660.52 and 708.54 for the initial, moderate and advanced glaucomas, respectively. The mean indirect cost was: 20,156.75 (initial POAG); 26,988.16 (moderate POAG) and 27,263.82 (advanced POAG). Conclusion: We identified the direct and indirect non-medical costs related to POAG in Brazil. Indirect costs are higher than non-medical direct costs and both tend to increase with disease progression.

Custo-utilidade do tratamento do glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto no Brasil / Cost-utility of primary open-angle glaucoma in Brazil

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar a estratégia mais custo-efetiva para o tratamento do glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto em fase inicial, comparando-se as seguintes alternativas: observação, tratamento clínico ou tratamento com laser. Métodos: Por meio de um modelo de Markov, sob a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e um horizonte da expectativa de vida média da população brasileira. Comparou-se a razão de custo-utilidade incremental (ICUR) entre 3 alternativas de tratamento, assim como seus custos e o ganho em qualidade de vida, medido em QALY (Quality-adjusted life years). Resultados: A ICUR do tratamento inicial com laser e do tratamento inicial com colírios, em relação a não tratar foi de R$ 2.811,39/QALY e R$ 3.450,47/QALY, respectivamente. Ambas as estratégias foram custo-efetivas, com uma discreta vantagem para o tratamento a laser. Esta diferença diminui ainda mais quando se aumenta a idade de entrada no modelo. As duas alternativas propiciaram ganhos significativos de qualidade de vida (em torno de 2,5 QALYs para o tratamento com laser e de 5,0 QALYs para o tratamento com colírios). Conclusão: Tanto o tratamento primário com trabeculoplastia a laser quanto com medicações foram custo-efetivos e proporcionaram ganhos reais de qualidade de vida quando comparados com o não tratamento do GPAA.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the most cost-effective strategy for the treatment of early-stage primary open-angle glaucoma, by comparing the following alternatives: observation, medical therapy or laser treatment. Methods: Using a Markov model, from the perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) and a horizon of the average life expectancy of the Brazilian population, we compared the incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) among the three treatment alternatives, as well as their costs and the gain in quality of life as measured in QALYs (Quality-adjusted life years). Results: The ICUR of initial laser treatment and initial medical treatment over observation only, was R$ 2,811.39/QALY and R$ 3,450.47/QALY, respectively. Both strategies were cost-effective, with a slight advantage for the laser treatment. This difference decreases further when increasing age into the model. The two alternatives have provided significant gains in quality of life (around 2.5 QALYs for the laser treatment and 5.0 QALYs for treatment with eye drops). Conclusion: Both primary treatments, with laser trabeculoplasty as well as with medications, were cost-effective and provided real gains in quality of life when compared with no treatment of POAG.

Anti-scarring effects of triamcinolone acetonide/polylactic acid caprolactone drug-loaded electrospinning film with trabeculectomy in rabbits / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Scarring of filter bleb is a main cause of failure after trabeculectomy.Administration of anti-proliferation dugs during filtering surgery can maintain the opening of filtering pathway,but some serious complications occure after the drug use.Researches showed that polylactic acid caprolactone (PLCA) drug-loaded electrospinning film can release drug slowly,but its application in glaucoma is seldom.Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-scarring effects of non-penetrating trabeculectomy combined with sclera interlayer implantation of triamcinolone acetonide (TA)/PLCA drug-loaded electrospinning film in rabbit.Methods TA/PLCA drug-loaded electospinning film was prepared by electrospinning and its surface ultrastructure was observed under the scanning electron microscope.The drug release properties were detected by high performance liquid chromatograph.Ocular hypertensive models were established in New Zealand white rabbits by injecting carbomer into the anterior chamber of the right eyes,and the 40 models were randomized into 5 groups,8 eyes for each group.TA/PLCA drugloaded electrospun membrane,PLCA electrospun membrane or amniotic membrane was implanted beneath the scleral flap during trabeculectomy respectively in the TA/PLCA group,PLCA group or amniotic group,and 40 mg/ml TA was subconjunctivally injected in the TA group.Only trabeculectomy was performed in the simple trabeculectomy group.Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured,and the shape of filtering bleb was examined under the slit lamp 1 week,2,4,8 and 12 weeks after surgery.The section of filtering bleb was prepared 12 weeks after surgery for the histopathological examination.The use and management of experimental animals was in line with animal ethics.Results The similar three-dimensional reticular structure was seen between TA/PLCA and electrospun membrane with the fiber diameter 0.5-1.5 μm.TA was released stably for 14 days.All the filtering blebs were disappeared in the simple trabeculectomy group during 8-week duration after operation.At 12 weeks after operation,the functional bleb was found in all the 8 eyes of the TA/PLCA group,5 eyes of PLCA group,4 eyes of the amniotic group and 4 eyes of the TA group.The IOP was significantly different among the groups,with the lowest IOP in the TA/PLCA group and the highest IOP in the simple trabeculectomy group (all at P =0.000).Histopathological examination showed that the filtering pathway remained opening in all 8 eyes with the epithelization of bleb surface in the TA/PLCA group,and interspaces of the filtering pathway was explayed in the PLCA group,amniotic group and TA group,while fibrosis of filtering pathway was seen in the simple trabeculectomy group at 12 weeks after surgery.Conclusions TA/PLCA drugloading electrospun membranes presents with nanoscale microstructure and good drug-release properties in vitro.Implantaion of TA/PLCA beneath the scleral flap during trabeculectomy can inhibit the fibrosis of filtering pathway.

Neuroprotective therapy for glaucoma / 中华实验眼科杂志

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide.It is mainly caused by glaucomatous optic neuropathy characterized by retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) loss,which leads to visual field loss and blindness.There are many risk factors other than intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation are thought to be responsible for RGCs damage induced by glaucoma,such as neurotrophic factors deprivation,excitotoxicity,oxidative stress and enhanced microglia activity,and these factors are essential for glaucomatous optic neuropathy,especially in normal tension glaucoma (NTG).Up to date,the major attempt of glaucoma therapy is to protect optic nerve function by lowering IOP through surgery and drugs.However,the therapies can not arrest RGCs damage although effectively lowing IOP in a number of patients.Novel study is turning to find and develop some new approaches to solve neuroprotection problem targeting to the pathogenic factors of glaucomatous optic neuropathy out of IOP.This review paper mainly focused on the neuroprotective therapies that are developed in the past few years.

Tratamento clínico do glaucoma: pressão-alvo X terapia clínica máxima X terapia clínica mínima / Clinical treatment of glaucoma: target pressure X maximum clinical therapy X minimum clinical therapy / maximum clinical therapy X minimum clinical therapy

Os fundamentos do tratamento clínico do glaucoma, em especial o conceito de pressão-alvo, são apresentados, bem como os principais grupos de drogas atualmente utilizadas e os conceitos de terapia clínica máxima e mínima.

The fundamentals of the clinical treatment of glaucoma, especially the concept of target pressure, are presented, as well as the main groups of drugs currently used and the concepts of minimum and maximum medical therapy.

Protocol of glaucoma guideline summary / 眼科

Prevention and management of glaucoma is a priority task in the second phase of WHO " Vision 2020" project. In order to popularize the knowledge of glaucoma guideline, the author compiles the protocol of glaucoma guideline summary after referring to those deriving from American Academy of Ophthalmology, European Glaucoma Society, and South East Asia Glaucoma Interest Group. The guideline summary is easy to master and verify, and highlight the crucial points. The ISNT rule of neuroretinal rim is used to differentiate diagnosis between the physiological cup and glaucomatous rim lost. Foster's classification for primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) is used to select the treatment for PACG. It is emphasized that taking target pressure in the initial diagnosis, monitoring the optic discs and visual field loss in follow-up, and glaucoma screening by non-mydriatic digital fundus camera in the high risk population with screening diabetic retinopathy.