Ahmed Valve Implantation Result and TGF-beta and VEGF in the Aqueous Humor of Neovascular Glaucoma Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in the aqueous humor of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) patients and the results of Ahmed valve implantation surgery. METHODS: We compared surgical outcomes of NVG patients who underwent Ahmed valve implant surgery from January 2002 through October 2002 at severance hospital with levels of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and VEGF in the aqueous humors of these patients. RESULTS: Nineteen eyes (19 patients) were analyzed in the study. The success of surgery was defined as intraocular pressure maintained as 6-20 mm Hg regardless of additional glaucoma medications taken. Twelve eyes (63%) satisfied successful surgery. TGF-beta1 concentration was 1.51 ng/ml in the success group and 2.31 ng/ml in the failed group (p=0.295). TGF-beta2 concentration was 5.19 ng/ml in the success group and 5.73 ng/ml in the failed group (p=0.367). VEGF concentration was 10.21 ng/ml in the success group and 9.87 ng/ml in the failed group (p=0.516). All showed no statistical difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, no significant relationship between levels of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, or VEGF in the aqueous humor and the surgical outcomes of Ahmed valve implantation were found in patients with NVG.