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Kuo BL, Tabano D, Garmo V, Kim E, Leng T, Hatfield M, LaPrise A, Singh RP. Long-term Treatment Patterns for Diabetic Macular Edema: Up to 6-Year Follow-up in the IRIS® Registry. Ophthalmol Retina 2024:S2468-6530(24)00266-5. [PMID: 38830485 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2024.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize anti-VEGF intravitreal therapy (IVT) patterns and long-term visual outcomes among patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) in routine clinical practice in the United States. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of the American Academy of Ophthalmology's IRIS® (Intelligent Research in Sight) Registry. PARTICIPANTS Treatment-naïve patients with DME (no previous IVT in the past 12 months) initiating anti-VEGF IVT from January 1, 2015, to March 31, 2021. METHODS Baseline characteristics, treatment patterns, and long-term visual acuity (VA) outcomes were reported for up to 6 years of follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Outcomes included the annualized number of injections, change in VA, and anti-VEGF agents. RESULTS A total of 190 345 eyes met the inclusion criteria. After 1 year of anti-VEGF IVT initiation, eyes received a mean of 3.9 (±2.8) injections and gained +3.2 (±16.4) letters of vision. Of the 1236 eyes with year 6 data, eyes received a mean of 2.9 (±2.1) injections in year 6 and gained +0.5 (±19.7) letters from baseline. The number of injections decreased, and injection intervals increased year over year up to 6 years regardless of baseline VA initiation. The average injection interval was 10 weeks in year 1 and increased to 13.2 weeks in year 2 before plateauing in years 3 to 6 (12.6, 12.3, 12.2, and 12.3 weeks, respectively). Improvements in VA from baseline were greatest in eyes that received 5 or more injections each year. At the end of follow-up, eyes with good baseline vision (>20/25) lost vision, whereas those with worse baseline vision (<20/25) gained vision. Although 51.7% of patients with DME discontinued IVT after a mean of 6 months, 32.8% reinitiated anti-VEGF IVT. Worse VA outcomes were associated with patients of Hispanic ethnicity (-1.08; 95% confidence interval: -1.34, -0.83] compared with non-Hispanic), Medicaid insurance (-1.15; 95% confidence interval: -1.48, -0.81 compared with commercial), and older age (-0.06; 95% confidence interval: -0.07, -0.05] each additional year). CONCLUSIONS Patients with DME in routine clinical settings receive fewer injections than those in clinical trials and fewer than recommended per the label of US Food and Drug Administration-approved anti-VEGF IVT. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanche L Kuo
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - David Tabano
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | | | - Eunice Kim
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Theodore Leng
- Byers Eye Institute at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | | | | | - Rishi P Singh
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mandava NK, Kuriyan AE, Ho AC, Hsu J, Regillo CD, Klufas MA. Enhanced durability and evolution of retreatment criteria of intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor agents for diabetic macular edema. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2024; 35:197-204. [PMID: 38345051 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000001037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The increasing prevalence of diabetic macular edema (DME) necessitates an updated review of treatment modalities. While the shift from laser to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy has transformed patient outcomes, benefits of these agents are not fully realized in real-world implementation relative to the setting of controlled clinical trials. This review outlines the evolution of intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment extension protocols for DME that reflect efforts to address treatment adherence challenges while optimizing visual outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies highlight the efficacy of extended-interval dosing with anti-VEGF agents in managing DME. Trials such as RISE/RIDE, VISTA/VIVID, and LUCIDATE have established the foundation of these regimens by demonstrating sustained visual gains with continuous treatment. However, newer trials including PROTOCOL T, KESTREL/KITE, YOSEMITE/RHINE, and PHOTON have furthered this concept, revealing that less frequent dosing of various anti-VEGF agents can maintain similar visual acuity and anatomical outcomes to traditional monthly injections. SUMMARY The reviewed findings suggest a paradigm shift in DME treatment toward less frequent anti-VEGF injections. This has significant implications for clinical practice, potentially leading to greater adherence to treatment regimens and sustained visual function in patients, while minimizing treatment burden and healthcare costs. Further investigation into the long-term effects of extended dosing intervals is required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ajay E Kuriyan
- Wills Eye Hospital, Mid Atlantic Retina, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Allen C Ho
- Wills Eye Hospital, Mid Atlantic Retina, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jason Hsu
- Wills Eye Hospital, Mid Atlantic Retina, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Carl D Regillo
- Wills Eye Hospital, Mid Atlantic Retina, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael A Klufas
- Wills Eye Hospital, Mid Atlantic Retina, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Thompson JT. What Factors Lead to Disparities in Healthcare and Healthcare Providers and What Should Be Done to Address Them? JOURNAL OF VITREORETINAL DISEASES 2024; 8:231-233. [PMID: 38770083 PMCID: PMC11102731 DOI: 10.1177/24741264241246585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
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Wykoff CC, Garweg JG, Regillo C, Souied E, Wolf S, Dhoot DS, Agostini HT, Chang A, Laude A, Wachtlin J, Kovacic L, Wang L, Wang Y, Bouillaud E, Brown DM. KESTREL and KITE Phase 3 Studies: 100-Week Results With Brolucizumab in Patients With Diabetic Macular Edema. Am J Ophthalmol 2024; 260:70-83. [PMID: 37460036 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2023.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report the 100-week outcomes from the KESTREL and KITE trials. DESIGN Two phase 3, double-masked, active-controlled, randomized trials. METHODS Patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) were randomized 1:1:1 to brolucizumab 3 mg/6 mg (BRO3/BRO6) or aflibercept 2 mg (AFL) in KESTREL (N = 566) or 1:1 to BRO6 or AFL in KITE (N = 360). BRO3/BRO6 arms received 5 loading doses every 6 weeks (q6w) followed by q12w dosing, with an option to adjust to q8w at predefined disease activity assessment visits. In KITE, at week 72, based on the disease stability assessment, treatment intervals could be extended by 4 weeks in the BRO6 arm. AFL arms received 5 monthly loading doses followed by fixed q8w dosing. RESULTS At week 100, change from baseline in BCVA (letters) was +8.8 for BRO6 and +10.6 for AFL in KESTREL; and +10.9 for BRO6 and +8.4 for AFL in KITE. In both studies, fewer BRO6 subjects had intraretinal fluid and/or subretinal fluid than AFL subjects. Results were achieved with 32.9% (KESTREL) and 47.5% (KITE) of BRO6 subjects maintained on q12w and q12w/q16w dosing, respectively. Intraocular inflammation rates for BRO6 vs AFL were 4.2% vs 1.1% (KESTREL) and 2.2% vs 1.7% (KITE), of which retinal vasculitis rates were 0.5% vs 0% in KESTREL, with no cases in KITE. Retinal vascular occlusion rates were 1.6% vs 0.5% (KESTREL) and 0.6% in both treatment arms in KITE. CONCLUSIONS Results show the long-term efficacy and durability of brolucizumab in improving visual and anatomical outcomes in DME; the overall safety profile of brolucizumab remained unchanged through year 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles C Wykoff
- From the Retina Consultants of Texas (C.C.W., D.M.B.), Houston, Texas, USA.
| | - Justus G Garweg
- Berner Augenklinik and Swiss Eye Institute (J.G.G.), Bern, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology (J.G.G., S.W.), Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carl Regillo
- Retina Service (C.R.), Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eric Souied
- Department of Ophthalmology (E.S.), Hôpital Intercommunal de Creteil, Créteil, France
| | - Sebastian Wolf
- Department of Ophthalmology (J.G.G., S.W.), Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Bern Photographic Reading Center (S.W.), Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dilsher S Dhoot
- California Retina Consultants (D.S.D.), Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Hansjuergen T Agostini
- Department of Ophthalmology (H.T.A.), Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andrew Chang
- Sydney Retina Clinic (A.C.), Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney University, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Augustinus Laude
- National Healthcare Group Eye Institute (A.L.), Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (A.L.), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Joachim Wachtlin
- Sankt Gertrauden Hospital (J.W.), Berlin, Germany; MHB Medizinische Hochschule Brandenburg (J.W.), Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Lidija Kovacic
- Novartis Pharma A.G. (L.W., Y.W., E.B.), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lixin Wang
- Novartis Pharma A.G. (L.W., Y.W., E.B.), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ying Wang
- Novartis Pharma A.G. (L.W., Y.W., E.B.), Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - David M Brown
- From the Retina Consultants of Texas (C.C.W., D.M.B.), Houston, Texas, USA
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Bowe T, Mahmoudzadeh R, Soares RR, Nguyen MK, Hsu J, Kuriyan AE. CHARACTERISTICS OF PARTICIPANTS IN DIABETIC RETINOPATHY CLINICAL RESEARCH CLINICAL TRIALS WHO WERE LOST TO FOLLOW-UP. Retina 2024; 44:111-116. [PMID: 37603443 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000003911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our study describes the racial/ethnic composition and the broad health status/severity of disease of the cohorts of Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research clinical trials and compares the rates of noncompletion of the trial with the first data report (lost to follow-up). METHODS This study is a retrospective cohort study of participants in Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Retina Network clinical trials who met our inclusion criteria. The primary outcome was the lost to follow-up rates and their associated risk factors. RESULTS Eight clinical trials with 3,492 participants met our inclusion criteria. Participants who were lost to follow-up were more likely to be younger, Hispanic or Black, had Type 1 diabetes mellitus, had worse baseline best-corrected visual acuity, had higher hemoglobin A1c, had higher blood pressure, and had proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) (Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Score >66). CONCLUSION Participants who were lost to follow-up during Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research clinical trials tended to be younger, Hispanic or Black, and had worse diabetes and hypertension. This study highlights the importance of ensuring that a representative population is maintained through the end of the study period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore Bowe
- Wills Eye Hospital, Mid Atlantic Retina, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Takahashi VKL, Balbino M, Ruppert ADP, de Carvalho LS, Seixas RCS. Lost to follow-up of patients who received intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy to treat four different retina disorders in an individual center in Brazil. SAGE Open Med 2023; 11:20503121231199655. [PMID: 37808513 PMCID: PMC10559699 DOI: 10.1177/20503121231199655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To identify risk factors for loss to follow-up in periodic intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections for the treatment patients with diabetic macular edema, subretinal neovascularization, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal vein occlusion in a single eye center in São Paulo, Brazil. Methods This was a retrospective longitudinal study that gathered information from 992 patients who required intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs over 6 months. The authors included age, eye disease, laterality, monthly income, distance, and payment mode as risk factors. Results Two hundred and seventy patients (29.93%) were lost to follow-up. Multivariate analysis showed age, monthly income, eye involvement, and type of medical assistance independently associated with loss to follow-up. The odds of loss to follow-up were greater among older patients than those less than 50 years (reference), p < 0.001. The odds of loss to follow-up were greater among patients who received unilateral treatment than those who received bilateral injections (p = 0.013). Concerning gross monthly income, there were no differences in the odds of the four salary strata; the data also indicate an absence of difference in the three strata of patients' distance to the clinic. Considering the diagnosis, only age-related macular degeneration showed greater odds of loss to follow-up (p = 0.016). Finally, the data suggest greater odds of loss to follow-up in private patients than in those on a health care plan (p < 0.001). Conclusion Loss to follow-up is paramount because many patients may remain unassisted concerning their eye diseases. Identifying the risk factors is crucial to enforcing measures to increase adherence and the long-term success of the treatment.
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Jones R, Stratton IM, Scanlon PH, Theodoropoulou S. Disengagement and loss to follow-up in intravitreal injection clinics for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:3186-3190. [PMID: 36914803 PMCID: PMC10564721 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02474-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Timely assessment and treatment of patients with neovascular AMD (nAMD) are crucial to preservation of vision. Loss to follow up (LTFU) in these patients is a problem but this has not been systematically investigated. SUBJECTS/METHODS A retrospective review of electronic medical records of patients with nAMD first treated with anti-VEGF therapy from 1st Jan 2014 to 31st Dec 2018, was conducted in January 2021. Any patient not seen for more than 12 months was classed as no longer attending. RESULTS Of the 1328 patients who attended between 2014 and 2018, 348 had failed to attend and were eligible for inclusion in this study. Reasons noted for discontinuation of care: discharged by clinician (33.3%), died (20.7%), moved to another unit outside of area (17.5%), stopped attending due to ill-health (13.5%), discharged due to failure to attend (5.6%) and patient choice to no longer attend (4.6%). There were 16 (4.6%) who did not receive any further appointments despite clinician request for follow-up. After 5 years, 50.5% of patients were no longer attending for treatment. Age was a factor in failure to attend, with 7 out of 12 patients aged >100 years no longer being followed up, compared to 1 out of 11 of 50-59 year-olds. CONCLUSIONS When analysing visual outcomes in an AMD service it is important to characterise the patients who are lost to follow up. The outcomes for this group may be avoidably poor and understanding the factors influencing LTFU rate is crucial to addressing shortcomings in a hospital AMD service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Jones
- Gloucestershire Retinal Research Group, Cheltenham General Hospital, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cheltenham, GL53 7AN, UK.
| | - Irene M Stratton
- Gloucestershire Retinal Research Group, Cheltenham General Hospital, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cheltenham, GL53 7AN, UK
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Peter H Scanlon
- Gloucestershire Retinal Research Group, Cheltenham General Hospital, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cheltenham, GL53 7AN, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, UK
| | - Sofia Theodoropoulou
- Gloucestershire Retinal Research Group, Cheltenham General Hospital, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cheltenham, GL53 7AN, UK
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Andoh JE, Ezekwesili AC, Nwanyanwu K, Elam A. Disparities in Eye Care Access and Utilization: A Narrative Review. Annu Rev Vis Sci 2023; 9:15-37. [PMID: 37254050 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-vision-112122-020934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This narrative review summarizes the literature on factors related to eye care access and utilization in the United States. Using the Healthy People 2030 framework, this review investigates social determinants of health associated with general and follow-up engagement, screenings, diagnostic visits, treatment, technology, and teleophthalmology. We provide hypotheses for these documented eye care disparities, featuring qualitative, patient-centered research. Lastly, we provide recommendations in the hopes of appropriately eliminating these disparities and reimagining eye care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana E Andoh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Agnes C Ezekwesili
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kristen Nwanyanwu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Angela Elam
- Department of Ophthalmology, WK Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
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Basilious A, Duncan J, Smuck B, Malvankar-Mehta MS, Juncal VR, Hooper P, Sheidow TG. Treatment discontinuation patterns of anti VEGF in retinal vein occlusion. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023:S0008-4182(23)00251-X. [PMID: 37669742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this research is to report on real-world anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment patterns in retinal vein occlusions (RVO). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS Treatment-naive RVO patients initiating anti-VEGF injections between 2015 and 2021. METHODS Medical records available until June 2022 were reviewed. Demographics, diagnosis, number of injections, treatment length, reason for discontinuation, and baseline and final data (e.g., date, age, best-corrected visual acuity [BCVA], and central subfield thickness) were recorded. Statistical analyses performed with STATA 17.0 assessed differences between baseline and final values, branch (BRVO) and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), and treatment-discontinuation subgroups. RESULTS A total of 219 treatment-naive eyes were included (70.3 ± 13.2 years of age, 52.5% female), with 99 BRVOs and 120 CRVOs (2482 injections). The discontinuation rate was 76.7% (168 of 219), with 72.7% of patients (77 of 99) with BRVOs and 75.8% of patients (91 of 120) with CRVOs discontinuing injections. Reasons for discontinuation included stable off active therapy (98 eyes), severe comorbidity or death (17 eyes), switched to intraocular steroid (implant or injection) (12 eyes), lack of visual benefit (10 eyes), ocular comorbidity (5 eyes), patient decision (5 eyes), and patient transfer (5 eyes). Among the remaining 67 eyes, 16 (24%) were lost to follow-up. Reasons for discontinuation differed between BRVO and CRVO patients (p = 0.002). Eyes with CRVO presented with worse BCVA (p < 0.0001) and achieved worse final BCVA (p < 0.0001), but both groups experienced improvements (p < 0.0001). Younger age, better baseline BCVA, and a diagnosis of BRVO were independent predictors of better final visual acuity. CONCLUSION Over 7.5 years, treatment was discontinued for three-quarters of RVOs. Stable disease was the most common reason for discontinuation, with nearly half (45%) of all RVOs in the cohort stable off active therapy. Better visual outcomes were achieved in BRVO than in CRVO, although both groups benefited from treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Basilious
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ivey Eye Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, ON..
| | - Julie Duncan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ivey Eye Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, ON
| | - Bobbi Smuck
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ivey Eye Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, ON
| | | | - Verena R Juncal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ivey Eye Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, ON
| | - Phil Hooper
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ivey Eye Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, ON
| | - Tom G Sheidow
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ivey Eye Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, ON
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Yanagi Y, Takahashi K, Iida T, Gomi F, Morii J, Kunikane E, Sakamoto T. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Ranibizumab Biosimilar for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Japan. Ophthalmol Ther 2023; 12:2005-2021. [PMID: 37171557 PMCID: PMC10287869 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-023-00715-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is the world's leading cause of blindness in elderly people. While anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatments are used as the first option for patients with nAMD, they are generally expensive and need repeated injections. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of anti-VEGF therapies, focusing on the newly launched ranibizumab biosimilar (RBZ BS) in patients with nAMD from a Japanese societal perspective. METHODS A Markov model was developed to simulate the lifetime transitions of a cohort of treatment-naïve patients with nAMD through health states that were based on the involvement of nAMD (single eye vs. both eyes), the treatment status of the patients, and decimal best-corrected visual acuity. The model compared RBZ BS with branded RBZ, aflibercept (AFL), and AFL as loading dose switched to RBZ BS in maintenance in the treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen (RBZ TAE, AFL TAE, and AFL to RBZ BS TAE, respectively), and with branded RBZ in the pro re nata (PRN) regimen, as well as best supportive care (BSC). All processes were validated by five clinical experts. RESULTS When TAE regimens were compared, RBZ BS was dominant (higher quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and lower total cost) to AFL TAE and AFL to RBZ TAE. The result was robust regardless of whether the clinical data were taken from the direct head-to-head clinical trial or from indirect treatment comparison. RBZ BS TAE was cost-saving compared to RBZ TAE. RBZ BS TAE was estimated to be dominant to BSC owing to a lower societal cost. Like TAE regimens, RBZ BS was cost-saving compared to RBZ PRN and was dominant to BSC in PRN regimens. CONCLUSION This study suggests that RBZ BS is dominant to other anti-VEGF treatments in patients with nAMD in both TAE and PRN regimens and BSC from a Japanese societal perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuo Yanagi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Microtechnology, Yokohama City University, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Kanji Takahashi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Iida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumi Gomi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hyogo Medical University, Hyogo, Japan
| | | | | | - Taiji Sakamoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
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Alharbi AD, Alotayk NI, Alaboudi AA, Alammar AY, Aldekhail MI, Alharbi MA, Alsamel TA, Aljutayli MA, Aljarbou AM, Aljameeli OM. Prevalence and Visual Consequences of Non-adherent Patients Receiving Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Injections at King Fahad Specialist Hospital (KFSH), Qassim Region. Cureus 2023; 15:e44340. [PMID: 37779785 PMCID: PMC10538945 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injection treatment is a widely utilized therapy for various retinal diseases, including diabetic macular edema (DME). Therefore, the importance of compliance and follow-up should be discussed with the patient. There have been no studies conducted in the Qassim region to estimate the prevalence of patients missing their anti-VEGF appointments. To fulfill this need, we conducted this study to evaluate the compliance rate of patients treated with anti-VEGF injections for DME as well as to determine the visual consequences of the delay in anti-VEGF treatment in the Qassim region. METHODOLOGY This observational retrospective cohort study was conducted at King Fahad Specialist Hospital (KFSH) in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. We extracted all file numbers of patients who were using intravitreal anti-VEGF injections to treat DME. The data were managed and analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS In the current study, we were able to collect data from 198 patients who received anti-VEGF treatment in the hospital. Among the participants, 57.6% were male, with a mean age of 61.7 years old (standard deviation (SD) = 10.23). Among the patients, we found that the rate of non-adherence to the anti-VEGF injection was 54.5%, and those patients delayed their scheduled doses for more than 56 days. In 47.5% of the patients, delaying or stopping their appointments had no known reason; however, blepharitis was the main reason for delaying or stopping the dose in 27.7% of the patients, followed by endophthalmitis in 18.7% of the patients. There is no significant difference between before and after stopping the treatment, considering visual acuity (VA) or optical coherence tomography (OCT). However, regarding the disease progression, we found that 15 out of the 30 patients had worsened in the OCT after they missed their injections (mean increase in the VA was 6.069 (SD = 97.45), t = -0.278, P = 0.783, and decrease in the OCT was -14.9667 (SD = 133.87, P = 0.454). CONCLUSION There is a high rate of patients who missed their appointments for an anti-VEGF injection. This resulted in the worsening of OCT in half of the 30 patients who were enrolled in the visual consequences study, which had a negative impact on treatment and disease progression.
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Shahzad H, Mahmood S, McGee S, Hubbard J, Haque S, Paudyal V, Denniston AK, Hill LJ, Jalal Z. Non-adherence and non-persistence to intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Syst Rev 2023; 12:92. [PMID: 37269003 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02261-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections play a key role in treating a range of macular diseases. The effectiveness of these therapies is dependent on patients' adherence (the extent to which a patient takes their medicines as per agreed recommendations from the healthcare provider) and persistence (continuation of the treatment for the prescribed duration) to their prescribed treatment regimens. The aim of this systematic review was to demonstrate the need for further investigation into the prevalence of, and factors contributing to, patient-led non-adherence and non-persistence, thus facilitating improved clinical outcomes. METHODS Systematic searches were conducted in Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library. Studies in English conducted before February 2023 that reported the level of, and/or barriers to, non-adherence or non-persistence to intravitreal anti-VEGF ocular disease therapy were included. Duplicate papers, literature reviews, expert opinion articles, case studies, and case series were excluded following screening by two independent authors. RESULTS Data from a total of 409,215 patients across 52 studies were analysed. Treatment regimens included pro re nata, monthly and treat-and-extend protocols; study durations ranged from 4 months to 8 years. Of the 52 studies, 22 included a breakdown of reasons for patient non-adherence/non-persistence. Patient-led non-adherence varied between 17.5 and 35.0% depending on the definition used. Overall pooled prevalence of patient-led treatment non-persistence was 30.0% (P = 0.000). Reasons for non-adherence/non-persistence included dissatisfaction with treatment results (29.9%), financial burden (19%), older age/comorbidities (15.5%), difficulty booking appointments (8.5%), travel distance/social isolation (7.9%), lack of time (5.8%), satisfaction with the perceived improvement in their condition (4.4%), fear of injection (4.0%), loss of motivation (4.0%), apathy towards eyesight (2.5%), dissatisfaction with facilities 2.3%, and discomfort/pain (0.3%). Three studies found non-adherence rates between 51.6 and 68.8% during the COVID-19 pandemic, in part due to fear of exposure to COVID-19 and difficulties travelling during lockdown. DISCUSSION Results suggest high levels of patient-led non-adherence/non-persistence to anti-VEGF therapy, mostly due to dissatisfaction with treatment results, a combination of comorbidities, loss of motivation and the burden of travel. This study provides key information on prevalence and factors contributing to non-adherence/non-persistence in anti-VEGF treatment for macular diseases, aiding identification of at-risk individuals to improve real-world visual outcomes. Improvements in the literature can be achieved by establishing uniform definitions and standard timescales for what constitutes non-adherence/non-persistence. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42020216205.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haris Shahzad
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Sajid Mahmood
- Deputy Drugs Controller, Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department, Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sean McGee
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jessica Hubbard
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sayeed Haque
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Vibhu Paudyal
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alastair K Denniston
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Birmingham Health Partners Centre for Regulatory Science and Innovation, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Health Data Research UK, London, UK
| | - Lisa J Hill
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zahraa Jalal
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Seedahmed MI, Baugh AD, Albirair MT, Luo Y, Chen J, McCulloch CE, Whooley MA, Koth LL, Arjomandi M. Epidemiology of Sarcoidosis in U.S. Veterans from 2003 to 2019. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2023; 20:797-806. [PMID: 36724377 PMCID: PMC10257030 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.202206-515oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: United States veterans represent an important population to study sarcoidosis. Their unique history of environmental exposures, wide geographic distribution, and long-term enrollment in a single integrated healthcare system provides an unparalleled opportunity to understand the incidence, prevalence, and risk factors for sarcoidosis. Objectives: To determine the epidemiology, patient characteristics, geographic distribution, and associated risk factors of sarcoidosis among U.S. veterans. Methods: We used data from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) electronic health record system between 2003 and 2019 to evaluate the annual incidence, prevalence, and geographic distribution of sarcoidosis (defined using the International Classification of Diseases codes). We used multivariate logistic regression to examine patient characteristics associated with sarcoidosis incidence. Results: Among more than 13 million veterans who received care through or paid for by the VHA, 23,747 (0.20%) incident diagnoses of sarcoidosis were identified. Compared with selected VHA control subjects using propensity score matching, veterans with sarcoidosis were more likely to be female (13.5% vs. 9.0%), of Black race (52.2% vs. 17.0%), and ever-tobacco users (74.2% vs. 64.5%). There was an increase in the annual incidence of sarcoidosis between 2004 and 2019 (from 38 to 52 cases/100,000 person-years) and the annual prevalence between 2003 and 2019 (from 79 to 141 cases/100,000 persons). In a multivariate logistic regression model, Black race (odds ratio [OR], 4.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.33-4.65), female sex (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.56-1.73), living in the Northeast compared with the western region (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.48-1.67), history of tobacco use (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.31-1.41), and serving in the Army, Air Force, or multiple branches compared with the Navy (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03-1.13; OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04-1.17; OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.16-1.39, respectively) were significantly associated with incident sarcoidosis (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: The incidence and prevalence of sarcoidosis are higher among veterans than in the general population. Alongside traditionally recognized risk factors such as Black race and female sex, we found that a history of tobacco use within the Veterans Affairs population and serving in the Army, Air Force, or multiple service branches were associated with increased sarcoidosis risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed I. Seedahmed
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine
| | - Aaron D. Baugh
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine
| | - Mohamed T. Albirair
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; and
| | - Yanting Luo
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies
| | - Jianhong Chen
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine
| | | | - Mary A. Whooley
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Measurement Science Quality Enhancement Research Initiative, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, San Francisco, California
| | - Laura L. Koth
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine
| | - Mehrdad Arjomandi
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine
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Kumar G, Velu S, Rajalakshmi R, Surya J, Mohan V, Raman A, Raman R. Compliance with follow-up in patients with diabetic macular edema: Eye care center vs. diabetes care center. Indian J Ophthalmol 2023; 71:2531-2536. [PMID: 37322675 PMCID: PMC10417951 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_220_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The study was conducted to compare the compliance to intravitreal injection treatment and follow-up in patients with center-involving diabetic macular edema (CI-DME) and treatment outcomes between a tertiary eye care facility and a tertiary diabetes care center. Methods A retrospective review was conducted on treatment naïve DME patients who had received intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections in 2019. Participants were people with type 2 diabetes who were under regular care at the eye care center or the diabetes care center in Chennai. The outcome measures were noted at months 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12. Results A review of 136 patients treated for CI-DME (72 from the eye care center and 64 from a diabetes care center) was carried out. The severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) was similar in both centers. There was no statistically significant (P > 0.05) difference in the choice of initial intravitreal drug in the two centers. At 12-month follow-up, only 29.16% came for a follow-up in the eye center vs. 76.56% in a diabetes care center (P = 0.000). The multivariate logistic regression showed increasing age was associated with non-compliance in both the groups (eye care center: odds ratio [OR] 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82-1.21; P = 0.044) and diabetes care center (OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.02-1.29; P = 0.020). Conclusion The follow-up rate between eye care and diabetic care center with DME showed a significant disparity. By providing comprehensive diabetes care for all complications under one roof, compliance with follow-up can be improved in people with DME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetha Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Vitreoretinal Services, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Saranya Velu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Vitreoretinal Services, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramachandran Rajalakshmi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre and Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Janani Surya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Vitreoretinal Services, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Viswanathan Mohan
- Department of Diabetology, Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre and Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Aayushi Raman
- Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan Senior Secondary School, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rajiv Raman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Vitreoretinal Services, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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15
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Cai CX, Tran D, Tang T, Liou W, Harrigian K, Scott E, Nagy P, Kharrazi H, Crews DC, Zeger SL. Health Disparities in Lapses in Diabetic Retinopathy Care. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2023; 3:100295. [PMID: 37063252 PMCID: PMC10090804 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2023.100295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective To develop a novel methodology to identify lapses in diabetic retinopathy care in electronic health records (EHRs) and evaluate health disparities by race and ethnicity. Design Retrospective cohort study. Subjects Adult patients with diabetes mellitus who were evaluated at the Wilmer Eye Institute from January 1, 2013 to April 2, 2022. Methods The methodology to identify lapses in care first identified diabetic retinopathy screening or treatment visits and then compared the providers' recommended follow-up timeframe with the patient's actual time to next encounter. The association of race and ethnicity with odds of lapses in care was evaluated using a mixed-effects logistic regression model controlling for age, sex, insurance, severity of diabetic retinopathy, presence of other retinal disorders, and glaucoma. Main Outcome Measures Lapses in diabetic retinopathy care. Results The methodology to identify diabetic retinopathy-related visits had a 95.0% (95% confidence interval, 93.0-96.6) sensitivity and 98.8% (98.1-99.3) specificity as compared with a gold standard grader. The methodology resulted in a 97.3% (96.2-98.4) sensitivity and 98.1% (97.3-98.9) specificity for detecting a follow-up recommendation, with an average error of -0.05 (-0.31 to 0.21) weeks in extracting the precise timeframe. A total of 39 561 patients with 91 104 office visits were included in the analysis. The average age was 61.4 years. More than 3 (77.6%) in 4 patients had a lapse in care. In multivariable analysis, non-Hispanic Black patients had 1.24 (1.19-1.30) odds and Hispanic patients had 1.26 (1.13-1.40) odds of ever having a lapse in care compared with non-Hispanic White patients (P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions We have developed a reliable methodology for identifying lapses in diabetic retinopathy care that is tailored to a provider's recommended follow-up. Using this approach, we find that 3 in 4 patients experience a lapse in diabetic retinopathy care and that these rates are higher among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic patients. Deploying this methodology in the EHR is one potential means by which to identify and mitigate lapses in critical ophthalmic care in patients with diabetes. Financial Disclosures Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy X. Cai
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Correspondence: Cindy X. Cai, MD, 1800 Orleans St, Maumenee Building, Room 711, Baltimore, MD 21287.
| | - Diep Tran
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Tina Tang
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wilson Liou
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Keith Harrigian
- Department of Computer Science, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Emily Scott
- Department of Biostatistics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Paul Nagy
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hadi Kharrazi
- Center for Population Health Information Technology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Deidra C. Crews
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Scott L. Zeger
- Department of Biostatistics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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16
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Hemmerich C, Jones G, Staggs J, Anderson RM, Bacani R, Vassar M. Inequities and Research Gaps in Ophthalmology: A Scoping Review. JAMA Ophthalmol 2022; 141:63-70. [PMID: 36480183 PMCID: PMC9857159 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2022.5237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Importance Deficient ophthalmologic care is costly to patients, making the identification of groups not receiving adequate care of vital importance. The current landscape of equity in ophthalmic care has yet to be thoroughly investigated and is important to ensure inclusivity and patient-centered care. Objective To perform a scoping review of the literature pertaining to health care inequities in the field of ophthalmology. Evidence Review A comprehensive database search using MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Ovid Embase was done in July 2022. English-language articles published from 2016 to 2021 were included and encompassed all article types except commentaries or correspondence. The search modeled the National Institutes of Health list of designated US health inequity populations, which includes income, education level, occupational status, rural and underresourced area, sex and gender, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) identity, and race and ethnicity. A total of 8170 abstracts and titles were screened by 2 independent investigators, and 189 studies were assessed in full text for eligibility. For inclusion, articles needed to be an ophthalmic study discussing health inequities. In a masked, duplicate fashion, 2 independent investigators screened 75 full-text studies for data extraction using a pilot-tested form. Data extraction included general publication characteristics and health inequity data based on the National Institutes of Health's defined inequity groups. Findings A total of 75 publications were included. Notable inequities were found among Black and Hispanic patients associated with negative ophthalmic outcomes and mixed associations regarding sex or gender. Overall, lower-income patients were more likely to have vision impairment, use eye care services less, and have lower adherence to eye examinations. No articles within our sample examined LGBTQ inequities among ophthalmology patients since the 2016 National Institutes of Health classification of sexual and gender minority populations. Substantial research gaps were observed within the ophthalmic literature pertaining to the LGBTQ community, race and ethnicity, and rural and underresourced areas. Conclusions and Relevance This scoping review found substantial findings associated with the LGBTQ community, race and ethnicity, and the role of telemedicine in rural and underresourced areas. Because of the importance of ophthalmic care in overall patient health, it is vital to understand the various inequities present and strive to improve the current gaps in the literature. Future studies should (1) examine barriers to clinical study and medical trainee recruitment as well as patient values and preference studies and (2) investigate the implementation of telemedicine in underresourced areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Hemmerich
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa
| | - Garrett Jones
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa
| | - Jordan Staggs
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa
| | - Reece M. Anderson
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa
| | - Rigel Bacani
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa
| | - Matt Vassar
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa
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17
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Social Determinants of Health and Impact on Screening, Prevalence, and Management of Diabetic Retinopathy in Adults: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11237120. [PMID: 36498694 PMCID: PMC9739502 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11237120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinal disease (DRD) is the leading cause of blindness among working-aged individuals with diabetes. In the United States, underserved and minority populations are disproportionately affected by diabetic retinopathy and other diabetes-related health outcomes. In this narrative review, we describe racial disparities in the prevalence and screening of diabetic retinopathy, as well as the wide-range of disparities associated with social determinants of health (SDOH), which include socioeconomic status, geography, health-care access, and education.
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18
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Solomon SD, Shoge RY, Ervin AM, Contreras M, Harewood J, Aguwa UT, Olivier MMG. Improving Access to Eye Care: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Ophthalmology 2022; 129:e114-e126. [PMID: 36058739 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2022.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The goals were to develop a working and inclusive definition of access to eye care, identify gaps in the current system that preclude access, and highlight recommendations that have been identified in prior studies. This manuscript serves as a narrative summary of the literature. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Health care disparities continue to plague the nation's well-being, and eye care is no exception. Inequities in eye care negatively affect disease processes (i.e., glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy), interventions (surgical treatment, prescription of glasses, referrals), and populations (gender, race and ethnicity, geography, age). METHODS A systematic review of the existing literature included all study designs, editorials, and opinion pieces and initially yielded nearly 2500 reports. To be included in full-text review, an article had to be US-based, be written in English, and address 1 or more of the key terms "barriers and facilitators to health care," "access," and "disparities in general and sub-specialty eye care." Both patient and health care professional perspectives were included. One hundred ninety-six reports met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS Four key themes regarding access to eye care from both patient and eye care professional perspectives emerged in the literature: (1) barriers and facilitators to access, (2) utilization, (3) compliance and adherence, and (4) recommendations to improve access. Common barriers and facilitators included many factors identified as social determinants of health (i.e., transportation, insurance, language, education). Utilization of eye care was largely attributable to having coverage for eye care, recommendations from primary care professionals, and improved health status. Geographic proximity, age, and lack of transportation surfaced as factors for compliance and adherence. There were a variety of recommendations to improve access to eye care, including improving presence in community health clinics, reimbursement for physicians, and funding of community-based programs such as DRIVE and REACH. CONCLUSIONS The eye care profession has abundant evidence of the disparities that continue to affect marginalized communities. Improving community-based programs and clinics, addressing social determinants of health, and acknowledging the effects of discrimination and bias on eye care serve as ways to improve equity in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon D Solomon
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - Ruth Y Shoge
- School of Optometry, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Ann Margret Ervin
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Melissa Contreras
- College of Optometry, Marshall B. Ketchum University, Fullerton, California
| | | | - Ugochi T Aguwa
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mildred M G Olivier
- Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago, Illinois
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Greenlee TE, Malhotra NA, Iyer AI, Conti TF, Chen AX, Singh RP. Association of Socioeconomic Health Care Disparities With Use of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Visual Acuity Outcomes in Patients With Diabetic Macular Edema. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2022; 53:380-391. [PMID: 35858229 DOI: 10.3928/23258160-20220615-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE This study characterizes the impact of race, ethnicity, insurance status, and geographic location on anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) use for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). PATIENTS AND METHODS This study is a retrospective cohort study. The American Academy of Ophthalmology Intelligent Research in Sight Registry was queried for patients diagnosed with DME who received at least one anti-VEGF injection between 2012 and 2020 (n = 203,707). Multivariate regression analyses investigated associations between race, ethnicity, insurance status, and geographic location and anti-VEGF use and visual outcomes. RESULTS White race, non-Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, and private insurance were associated with higher use of anti-VEGF injections during a 60-month period (incidence rate ratio, 1.2, 1.25, and 1.17, respectively; P < .01). Furthermore, being of non-Hispanic/Latino ethnicity and having private health insurance were associated with higher longitudinal visual acuity (odds ratio, 1.44 [P = .02] and odds ratio, 1.43 [P < .01], respectively). CONCLUSION Ethnicity and insurance status are associated with anti-VEGF use and visual acuity outcomes in DME. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2022; 53:380-391.].
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20
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Cardillo JA, Rodrigues MW, Oliveira RC, Messias AMV, Jorge R. Pascal short-pulse plus subthreshold endpoint management laser therapy for diabetic macular edema: the "sandwich technique". Int J Retina Vitreous 2022; 8:32. [PMID: 35655248 PMCID: PMC9161489 DOI: 10.1186/s40942-022-00381-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the main cause of visual loss in diabetic patients. Despite the use of anti-VEGF therapy as first-line treatment, there are many patients whose response to treatment is poor or transient at best. Sophisticated laser techniques have emerged aiming at low-intensity retinal damage, avoiding excessive heat that causes tissue necrosis and related collateral effects. Objective To evaluate the effect of combined sublethal laser modalities from short-pulse duration (SPD) with endpoint management (EpM) subthreshold laser [named the “sandwich technique” (SWiT)] on central subfield thickness (CST) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in patients with DME. Material and methods In this consecutive retrospective study, 37 patients (37 eyes) with center-involved (CI) DME were treated with SWiT laser therapy from April 2017 to June 2021. The technique consisted of a mean number of 200 (range number 50–400) SPD laser burns OCT-guided thickened area performed on the juxta- and perifoveal area 500 µm away from the foveal center, overlapping with a mean number of 1000 (range number 800–1200) EpM laser burns focused on 6 mm macular diameter area but saving 300 µm toward the foveal center. All patients underwent ophthalmological evaluations, including BCVA and CST measurement by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), before and after SWiT laser therapy. The mean follow-up time was 19.2 months (range 2–60 months). Results Thirty-five out of 37 cases showed an improvement in CST and BCVA following treatment. At baseline, mean CST (µm) ± standard error (SE) and mean BCVA (logMAR) ± SE was 456.95 ± 37.00 and 0.71 ± 0.29, respectively. After a mean follow-up of 19.2 months, mean CST (µm) ± SE and BCVA (logMAR) ± SE were 272.09 ± 9.10 (p < 0.0001) and 0.54 ± 0.26 (p = 0.003), respectively. A statistically significant reduction in CST and improvement in BCVA was noted after laser therapy application. The anti-VEGF injection frequency was reduced during the mean 19.2 months of the study period. Conclusions The novel “sandwich” laser therapy aid reduced CST and improved BCVA in this retrospective case series. Further prospective studies are warranted. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40942-022-00381-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Cardillo
- Department of Ophthalmology, CRESEP- Eye Hospital public service, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - M W Rodrigues
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 3900, Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.
| | - R C Oliveira
- Department of Ophthalmology, CRESEP- Eye Hospital public service, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - A M V Messias
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 3900, Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - R Jorge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 3900, Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.
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21
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Increased Distance from Clinic Leads to Higher Loss to Follow-up after Pars Plana Vitrectomy in Diabetic Patients. Retina 2022; 42:1921-1925. [DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000003540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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22
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Outcomes of Eyes With Diabetic Macular Edema That Are Lost to Follow-up After Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy. Am J Ophthalmol 2022; 233:1-7. [PMID: 34283979 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2021.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of loss to follow-up (LTFU) on outcomes in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS Single-center study of 90 eyes of 73 patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and DME treated with anti-VEGF injections who were LTFU for >6 months. Main outcomes were the change in mean visual acuity (VA) and central foveal thickness at the return and final visits compared with the visit before LTFU. RESULTS The mean age was 64.5 years, the mean LTFU duration was 322 days, and the mean follow-up duration after return was 502 days. Compared with the mean VA at the visit before LTFU (0.42, Snellen ∼20/52), mean VA worsened at the return visit (0.54, Snellen ∼20/69, P = .004). No significant change in the mean VA was noted at the 3-month after return visit (0.50, Snellen ∼20/63), the 6-month after return visit (0.46, Snellen ∼20/57), the 12-month after return visit (0.42, Snellen ∼20/52), or the final follow-up (0.47, Snellen ∼20/59). When analyzed by NPDR severity before LTFU, no difference in VA was found from the visit before LTFU to the final visit. Mean central foveal thickness increased when comparing the visit before LTFU (270 μm) with the return visit (305 μm, P = .012), but no difference was found by the final visit (247 μm, P = .07). CONCLUSIONS Anti-VEGF-treated patients with DME who were LTFU for a prolonged period experienced a modest decline in VA that recovered after restarting treatment.
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Malhotra NA, Muste J, Hom GL, Conti TF, Greenlee TE, Singh RP. Race and Socioeconomic Status in Anti-VEGF Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2021; 52:578-585. [PMID: 34766853 DOI: 10.3928/23258160-20211018-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Although people of low socioeconomic status (SES) and certain racial groups are at greater risk of developing diabetic macular edema (DME), the extent these high-risk groups experience treatment differences is unknown. This study characterizes anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection use for DME. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data were collected from an electronic health record at the Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation for patients who received anti-VEGF treatment for DME between 2012 and 2019 (N = 500). RESULTS White patients on average received more injections over a 1-year period than Black patients (4.93 ± 3.14 vs 3.20 ± 2.43; P < .0001) and had fewer no-show appointments (1.39 ± 2.08 vs 3.23 ± 3.39; P < .0001). There is an association between living in communities with lower average incomes and receiving fewer anti-VEGF injections (3.06 ± 2.70 vs 4.88 ± 3.19; P = .005). CONCLUSIONS DME treatment differs based on race and SES. Racial and SES associations with anti-VEGF injections present potential obstacles for delivering optimal ophthalmic care. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2021;52:578-585.].
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Kirthi V, Jackson TL. Black eyes matter-do we treat Black patients differently in ophthalmology? Eye (Lond) 2021; 35:2662-2664. [PMID: 33958735 PMCID: PMC8100735 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-021-01567-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Varo Kirthi
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.429705.d0000 0004 0489 4320King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Timothy L. Jackson
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.429705.d0000 0004 0489 4320King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Discontinuation and loss to follow-up rates in clinical trials of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 260:93-100. [PMID: 34415363 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-021-05246-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Clinical trials are often designed to include homogenous, highly specific patient populations with many resources to reduce patient dropout. Results may not translate to real-world settings. We evaluated discontinuation and loss to follow-up (LTFU) rates in clinical trials of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections for diabetic macular edema (DME), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). METHODS Retrospective meta-epidemiological study. The authors queried ClinicalTrials.gov for all completed trials of anti-VEGF injections for DME, AMD, or RVO. Of 658 trials identified, 582 were excluded for being non-interventional, <100 patients, terminating early, or missing study results. The remaining 76 trials of 27,823 patients were analyzed for discontinuation and LTFU rates. RESULTS Mean discontinuation rate was 12.44% (SD 8.12%, range 0-54.12%), with higher rates among control (18.87%) than treatment arms (10.78%, p = .006). Mean LTFU rate was 1.84% (SD 1.78%, range 0-7.76%), with no differences by disease, treatment type, or treatment frequency. CONCLUSION Discontinuation rates of major intravitreal anti-VEGF clinical trials were highly variable, suggesting even trials struggle with overall patient retention. Though trial LTFU rates were low, real-world outcomes may differ due to higher reported LTFU rates, which should be considered when extrapolating trial results to clinical practice.
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Stone LG, Grinton ME, Talks JS. Delayed follow-up of medical retina patients due to COVID-19: impact on disease activity and visual acuity. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 259:1773-1780. [PMID: 33977317 PMCID: PMC8112469 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-021-05174-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The coronavirus pandemic has prompted unprecedented delays to treatment with anti-VEGF intravitreal injections due to the need to reduce hospital attendances and prioritise the patients at highest risk of vision loss. This study aims to quantify the effect of these delays on visual acuity (VA) outcomes and optical coherence tomography (OCT) features for patients receiving treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), retinal vein occlusions (RVO) and diabetic macular oedema (DMO) and correlate to the Royal College of Ophthalmologists guidelines (RCOphth). METHODS A retrospective data analysis of an electronic medical record was performed on a random sample of eyes receiving anti-VEGF injections for nAMD, RVO or DMO. Data collected included age, sex, reason for injection, number of weeks delay if > 8 weeks from that planned, VA at baseline and follow-up and the OCT features, if delayed. For those eyes not delayed, a visual acuity at 20 weeks was recorded to provide a control group. RESULTS A sample of 981 eyes (858 patients) were analysed. There was a delay in review of 8 weeks or more in 39.6% of patients of which 30.4% had since returned for review (28.4% nAMD, 37.6% RVO and 30.0% DMO). There was no demographic difference identified between the delayed and non-delayed patients; however, the delayed group was significantly more likely to have better vision in their non-treated eye (p = 0.0003). A statistically significant difference was found in the change in VA between the delayed and the not-delayed group for eyes with nAMD (p = 0.001) but not for RVO or DMO. For the delayed group, mean CMT increased by 33 and 100 μm, respectively, for nAMD and RVO and decreased by 7.8 μm for DMO. The VA of 89.7% of DMO eyes returned to baseline, compared to 74.6% and 76.9% of nAMD and RVO eyes. CONCLUSION The RCOphth guidance to prioritise intravitreal injections for nAMD over DMO appears appropriate in this cohort but not for RVO. Eyes with nAMD experienced the greatest loss of vision with treatment delay, and nAMD and RVO eyes were less likely to return to baseline on restarting treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia G Stone
- Newcastle Eye Centre, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.
| | - Michael E Grinton
- Newcastle Eye Centre, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - James S Talks
- Newcastle Eye Centre, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.
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Watane A, Kalavar M, Vanner EA, Cavuoto K, Sridhar J. FOLLOW-UP ADHERENCE IN PATIENTS WITH NONPROLIFERATIVE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY PRESENTING TO AN OPHTHALMIC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT. Retina 2021; 41:1293-1301. [PMID: 33252579 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000003037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the rate of follow-up after emergent encounters for nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy and to identify patient or visit characteristics associated with follow-up adherence. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of patients presenting to an ophthalmic emergency department with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy between May 2014 and December 2018 was conducted. Demographic and encounter data were gathered. Adherence to follow-up was defined as a completed encounter within 5 weeks of the recommended follow-up. RESULTS A total of 1,248 patients were included. The overall follow-up rate was 53%. Significantly decreased odds of follow-up adherence were associated with longer physician recommended follow-up intervals (odds ratio: 0.81, P < 0.001), longer interval to scheduled appointment (OR: 0.98, P < 0.001), commercial insurance (OR: 0.76, P = 0.01), and lack of any insurance (OR: 0.57, P < 0.01). Significantly increased odds were associated with a longer emergency department visit duration (OR: 1.002, P = 0.001), farther home distance (1.02, P < 0.01), increased likelihood of living in a higher income area (OR: 1.07, P = 0.04), greater NPDR severity (OR: 1.23, P < 0.01), Medicare (OR: 1.38, P = 0.04), presence of macular edema (OR: 1.66, P < 0.001), and worse vision (OR: 1.73, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Patients presenting emergently with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy are at high risk for follow-up nonadherence. Several patient and encounter characteristics were associated with follow-up adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Watane
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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Kelkar A, Webers C, Shetty R, Kelkar J, Labhsetwar N, Pandit A, Malode M, Tidke S. Factors affecting compliance to intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in Indian patients with retinal vein occlusion, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic macular edema. Indian J Ophthalmol 2021; 68:2143-2147. [PMID: 32971626 PMCID: PMC7728040 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_1866_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the rate of compliance and the reasons for loss to follow-up in Indian patients with diabetic macular edema (DME), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO) being treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. Methods: This was a retrospective single-center study. Patients with DME, AMD, or RVO were eligible if they initiated anti-VEGF therapy between January 2013 and December 2017. Patients' data were obtained from hospital electronic records, including the number of injections received, visits, details of follow-up, missed appointments, and reasons for loss to follow-up (>365 days). Results: A total of 648 patients were eligible for the study, of which 334 (51.54%) patients were lost to follow-up. Overall, 343 (64.96%) were males and the overall mean (SD) age was 66.40 (7.44) years. A total of 376 (58.0%) patients had a history of diabetes and 364 (56.2%) patients had a history of hypertension. Further, 127 (38.0), 112 (33.5), and 95 (28.4) had DME, AMD, and RVO, respectively and were lost to follow-up. The most commonly reported reason for loss to follow-up was “non-affordability” (n = 120; 41.1%) followed by “no improvement in vision” (n = 83; 28.4%). “No improvement in vision” (42.2%) and “non-affordability” (37.5%) were higher among patients with DME. No association was found in gender- and treatment-wise distribution of reasons for loss to follow-up. Conclusion: The results showed that around half of the patients with DME, AMD, and RVO were lost to follow-up to intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, and the most common factors were “non-affordability” and “no improvement in vision.”
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caroll Webers
- Department of Ophthalmology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rohit Shetty
- Narayana Nethralaya, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Jai Kelkar
- National Institute of Ophthalmology, Pune, India
| | | | | | - Madhulika Malode
- Sqarona Medical Communications LLP, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sayali Tidke
- National Institute of Ophthalmology, Pune, India
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Bobykin EV, Korotkih SA, Krokhalev VY, Buslaev RV, Beresneva NS, Morozova OV. [Anti-VEGF therapy of wet age-related macular degeneration: analysis of patients lost to follow-up]. Vestn Oftalmol 2021; 137:66-74. [PMID: 33881265 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma202113702166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Patients lost to follow-up (LTFU) are a well-recognized challenge, both in clinical trials and in real clinical practice. PURPOSE To study the reasons for patients receiving anti-VEGF therapy for «wet» age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) in clinical environment to cease monitoring in the clinic. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective cohort study included patients with wAMD which received anti-VEGF therapy (ranibizumab, aflibercept) in the Ural State Medical University clinic from 2011 to 2019 (n=241). A subgroup of patients continuing treatment (n=90) was compared with a subgroup of lost to follow up patients (LTFU, n=151, 62.7%). Observation lasting less than 12 months was an exclusion criterion. Statistical analysis included a comparison of demographic and clinical data. The reasons for treatment discontinuation were determined using a phone survey. RESULTS Characteristic for the LTFU subgroup were shorter duration of the follow-up (p<0.0001), lower number of intravitreal injections (p<0.0001), lower baseline (p<0.0001) and final best corrected visual acuity (p<0.0053) as well as higher values of therapy intensity coefficient (the ratio of the number of intravitreal injections to the duration of the follow-up, p<0.0001). According to the results of the phone survey, the following categories of LTFU were identified: ceased regular monitoring/treatment - 83 (55.0% of the LTFU subgroup), continued treatment in another clinic - 14 (9.3%), deceased - 18 (11.9%), status unknown - 36 (23.8%). The most common causes of LTFU were dissatisfaction with treatment results, financial burden and general comorbidities, which were named by 50, 27 and 17 respondents, respectively. CONCLUSION In accordance with identified reasons for LTFU, we determined the directions for increasing the effectiveness of wAMD treatment: early diagnosis and start of treatment; using the most effective drugs and therapeutic regimens; increasing the availability of anti-VEGF therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E V Bobykin
- Ural State Medical University, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - S A Korotkih
- Ural State Medical University, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | | | - R V Buslaev
- Ural State Medical University, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - N S Beresneva
- Ural State Medical University, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - O V Morozova
- Ural State Medical University, Yekaterinburg, Russia
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Kirthi V, Reed KI, Gunawardena R, Alattar K, Bunce C, Jackson TL. Do Black and Asian individuals wait longer for treatment? A survival analysis investigating the effect of ethnicity on time-to-clinic and time-to-treatment for diabetic eye disease. Diabetologia 2021; 64:749-757. [PMID: 33496821 PMCID: PMC7940160 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-020-05364-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS This study explored the impact of ethnicity on time-to-clinic, time-to-treatment and rates of vision loss in people referred to hospital with diabetic eye disease. METHODS A survival analysis was performed on all referrals from an inner-city diabetic eye screening programme to a tertiary hospital eye service between 1 October 2013 and 31 December 2017. Exclusion criteria were failure to attend hospital, distance visual acuity in both eyes too low to quantify with the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letter chart and treatment received prior to referral. Demographic and screening grade data were collected at the point of referral. Small-area statistics and census data were used to calculate indices of multiple deprivation. The main outcome measures were time taken from the date of referral for an individual to achieve the following: (1) attend the first hospital clinic appointment; (2) receive the first macular laser, intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection or pan-retinal photocoagulation treatment, in either eye; and (3) lose at least ten ETDRS letters of distance visual acuity, in either eye. RESULTS Of 2062 referrals, 1676 individuals were included. Mean age (± SD) was 57.6 ± 14.7 years, with 52% male sex and 86% with type 2 diabetes. The ethnicity profile was 52% Black, 30% White, 10% Asian and 9% mixed/other, with similar disease severity at the time of referral. Time-to-clinic was significantly longer for Asian people than for Black people (p = 0.03) or White people (p = 0.001). Time-to-treatment was significantly longer for Black people than for White people (p = 0.02). Social deprivation did not significantly influence time-to-treatment. There were no significant differences in the rates of vision loss between ethnic groups. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Black people wait longer for hospital eye treatment compared with their White counterparts. The reasons for this delay in treatment warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varo Kirthi
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Kate I Reed
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ramith Gunawardena
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Komeil Alattar
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Catey Bunce
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Timothy L Jackson
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Agarwal D, Udeh B, Campbell J, Bena J, Rachitskaya A. Follow-Up Appointment Delay in Diabetic Macular Edema Patients. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2021; 52:200-206. [PMID: 34039185 DOI: 10.3928/23258160-20210330-04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE To evaluate a novel measure of compliance, follow-up appointment delay, and assess its relationship with clinical and sociodemographic factors in patients undergoing treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME). PATIENTS AND METHODS This is a comparative case series of patients treated for DME. The novel measure of compliance - the time in days from the intended day of return and actual day of return, or follow-up appointment delay - was studied and compared to a traditional measure: the percentage of visits missed. These were correlated with clinical and sociodemographic characteristics: best-corrected visual acuity, hemoglobin A1C percent (HbA1c), median household income, smoking status, type of insurance held, marital status, gender, and age. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted. RESULTS One hundred fifty-five patients (212 eyes) were included in the study. The median times between recommended and actual appointments was 5.0 days (range: 2.0-14.0 days). The mean percentage of visits missed was 31.7% (± 13.3%). The two measures of compliance were positively associated, but the correlation was moderate (r = 0.44). Non-white race, lack of bilateral injections, and higher baseline HBA1c were significant predictors of a median time greater than 7 days between the intended and actual follow-up dates. CONCLUSIONS The current study identified a novel method of measuring compliance of DME patients seen by retina specialists and has identified non-white race, lack for bilateral treatment, and poorer glycemic control as risk factors for noncompliance. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2021;52:200-206.].
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Kumar G, Velu S, Prakash VJ, Kumar S, Sivaprasad S, Sharma A, Raman R. Attendance Rate in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema Receiving Short Messages. Ophthalmol Retina 2021; 5:1054-1056. [PMID: 33691182 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Geetha Kumar
- Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Vitreoretinal Services, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Saranya Velu
- Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Vitreoretinal Services, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - V Jaya Prakash
- Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Vitreoretinal Services, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Shuba Kumar
- Social Scientist, Samarth, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sobha Sivaprasad
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Abhishek Sharma
- Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Vitreoretinal Services, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Rajiv Raman
- Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Vitreoretinal Services, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Malhotra NA, Greenlee TE, Iyer AI, Conti TF, Chen AX, Singh RP. Racial, Ethnic, and Insurance-Based Disparities Upon Initiation of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy for Diabetic Macular Edema in the US. Ophthalmology 2021; 128:1438-1447. [PMID: 33716048 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study characterizes the association of risk factors including race, ethnicity, and insurance status with presenting visual acuity (VA) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity in patients initiating treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy for diabetic macular edema (DME). DESIGN Retrospective, cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS The Academy Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS) Registry database was queried for patients who initiated anti-VEGF injection treatment for DME between 2012 and 2020 (n = 203 707). METHODS Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to understand how race, ethnicity, insurance status, and geographic location were associated with baseline features. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Visual acuity and DR severity. RESULTS Patients on Medicare and private insurance presented with higher baseline VA compared with patients on Medicaid (median of 2.31 and 4.17 greater Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Scale [ETDRS] letters, respectively P < 0.01). White and non-Hispanic patients presented with better VA compared with their counterparts (median of 0.68 and 2.53 greater ETDRS letters, respectively; P < 0.01). Black and Hispanic patients presented with a worse baseline DR severity compared with White and non-Hispanic patients (odds ratio, 1.23 and 1.71, respectively; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS There are ethnic and insurance-based disparities in VA and disease severity upon initiation of anti-VEGF therapy for DME treatment. Public health initiatives could improve timely initiation of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha A Malhotra
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Tyler E Greenlee
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; University Hospitals Regional Hospitals Richmond Medical Center, Richmond Heights, Ohio
| | - Amogh I Iyer
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Thais F Conti
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Andrew X Chen
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Rishi P Singh
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
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Glasser DB, Parikh R, Lum F, Williams GA. Intravitreal Anti–Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Cost Savings Achievable with Increased Bevacizumab Reimbursement and Use. Ophthalmology 2020; 127:1688-1692. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2020.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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The Short-term Effect of a Single Lapse in Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment for Diabetic Macular Edema Within Routine Clinical Practice. Am J Ophthalmol 2020; 219:215-221. [PMID: 32640254 PMCID: PMC7335491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2020.06.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a leading cause of vision loss in diabetics. Anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment option for DME, although the injections are costly and require frequent visits, which increases the risk for unintended treatment lapses. The aim of this study is to characterize the effects of an unintended treatment lapse in patients with DME undergoing anti-VEGF therapy. Design Retrospective, comparative case series. Methods This retrospective chart review compared patients seen in a multicenter institutional practice with DME exhibiting an unintended minimum 3-month lapse in anti-VEGF treatment, with a control group of DME patients receiving regular anti-VEGF treatment without lapses. The primary outcome was difference in central subfield thickness (CST) between the control group and the treatment lapse group at 6 months following treatment lapse. Results A total of 164 patients were evaluated, 82 patients in the treatment lapse group and 82 patients in the control group. The average age was 65 years, and the average lapse in treatment was 6.2 ± 3.5 months (range 3-24 months). Comparison of data between the lapse and control groups revealed no significant differences in CST (359.9 ± 108.3 μm and 335.4±94.6 μm, respectively, P = .066) or in visual acuity (66.5 ± 14.3 and 68.9 ± 14.5, respectively, P = .136). Limitations included a relatively small sample size, retrospective nature, and only a single lapse being evaluated. Conclusions An unintended, single, relatively short-term lapse in anti-VEGF treatment in patients with DME did not appear to result in significant anatomic or visual compromise upon resumption of regular follow-up and treatment.
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Reporting of Safety Events during Anti-VEGF Treatment: Pharmacovigilance in a Noninterventional Trial. J Ophthalmol 2020; 2020:8652370. [PMID: 33083052 PMCID: PMC7558801 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8652370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim The prospective, noninterventional OCEAN study assessed the safety of intravitreal ranibizumab injections for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion under real-world conditions in Germany. Methods Adults receiving ≥1 ranibizumab (0.5 mg) injections were recruited by 369 ophthalmologists and followed for 24 months. Information on adverse events (AEs) was reported by the treating physician or detected by the data management team. Collected information included observed AE, AE start and end date, intensity, causal relationship, outcome, severity, suspected drug, and actions taken. Results 2,687 AEs were reported for 1,176 of the 5,781 patients who had received a total of 32,621 injections: 27.4% nonserious AEs, 30.3% serious AEs, 27.3% nonserious adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and 15.0% serious ADRs. Most patients reported no AEs (79.7%) or only 1 AE (10.3%). AEs were most commonly reported in the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) System Organ Class (SOC) Eye disorders (9.4% of patients) and General disorders and administration site conditions (5.8%). The most frequent AEs by MedDRA preferred term (PT) were visual acuity reduced (3.5% of patients), intraocular pressure increased (2.5%), and drug ineffective (2.1%). AEs occurred most frequently after 3 or 4 injections (1,129 of 2,687 AEs). The proportion of AEs in the SOC Eye disorders decreased slightly with increasing number of injections, from 39.8% of events after 1 or 2 injections to 29.1% after 5 or more injections. Rates of the most frequently reported PTs did not show any consistent increase with increasing number of injections. A decrease in overall AE rates was observed over the study course. Conclusions The results did not raise any new safety concerns for ranibizumab. The findings allow conclusions to be drawn on how pharmacovigilance data can be collected even more effectively in real-world studies to facilitate discussion on benefit-risk ratio.
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Ramakrishnan MS, Yu Y, VanderBeek BL. Visit adherence and visual acuity outcomes in patients with diabetic macular edema: a secondary analysis of DRCRnet Protocol T. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2020; 259:1419-1425. [PMID: 32997285 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-020-04944-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To quantify the association between visit adherence and visual acuity (VA) in diabetic macular edema (DME). METHODS This secondary analysis of the 2-year DRCRnet Protocol T study of 656 patients required one visit every 4 weeks in the first year, then at variable 4-16-week intervals in the second year. Visit adherence measured as number of missed visits, average (avg days) and longest (max days) visit interval, average (avg missed days) and longest (max missed days) unintended visit interval, and visit constancy (percentage of 3-month periods with at least 1 visit). Avg and max missed days were categorized as on time (0 days), late (> 0-60 days), and very late (> 60 days). Primary outcome was change in ETDRS VA between baseline study visit and last attended visit, using multivariate linear regression models controlling for age, gender, race, ethnicity, treatment arm, baseline VA, hemoglobin A1c, insulin use, and number of lasers and injections. RESULTS Mean number of missed visits was 1.7. 616 (94%) patients had 100% visit constancy. A total of 331 (51%) patients were on time, 171 (26%) late, and 154 (23%) very late in avg missed days. Max missed days ranged 0-696 days. Adjusted, each missed visit was associated with 0.3-letter decrease (95%CI - 0.6, - 0.1, p = 0.02); being very late in avg and max missed days saw - 4.2 letters (95%CI - 6.4, - 2.0, p < 0.001) and - 4.0 letters (95%CI - 6.1, - 1.9, p < 0.001), respectively, than on time. Those that averaged > 4 days missed per attended visit saw 4.6 letters worse (95%CI - 7.3, - 2.0, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Visit adherence is associated with visual acuity outcomes in DME patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera S Ramakrishnan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, 51 North 39th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yinxi Yu
- Center for Preventative Ophthalmology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian L VanderBeek
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, 51 North 39th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. .,Center for Pharmacoepidemiology Research and Training, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,Leonard Davis Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Rose MA, Vukicevic M, Koklanis K. Adherence of patients with diabetic macular oedema to intravitreal injections: A systematic review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2020; 48:1286-1298. [PMID: 32829485 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.13845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to review adherence rates to intravitreal injections in the treatment of diabetic macula oedema and to identify factors associated with adherence. A systematic search of Embase, Medline, PsycINFO and CINAHL was conducted up to May 2020. Two authors independently screened, selected and appraised the studies. Seven articles on anti-VEGF treatment were found to meet the inclusion criteria. No studies were found on intravitreal corticosteroids or dexamethasone implants. Attendance rates varied between studies from 35% to 85%. The rate of missed or delayed attendance ranged from 14% to 51%, whereas 25% of patients were lost to follow-up at 12 months. Non-adherence was found to be multifactorial and included patient related reasons, demographic characteristics and clinical factors. Enablers to adherence included patient understanding of the disease and treatment. Further research in this area is warranted in order to better understand adherence in these patients and to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique A Rose
- Discipline of Orthoptics, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Meri Vukicevic
- Discipline of Orthoptics, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Konstandina Koklanis
- Discipline of Orthoptics, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Yannuzzi NA, Smiddy WE, Flynn HW. Follow-up Non-Compliance: A Significant Risk Factor for Reduced Visual Outcomes in Patients With Diabetic Retinopathy. Am J Ophthalmol 2020; 216:A12-A13. [PMID: 32536413 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Zhou B, Mitchell TC, Rusakevich AM, Brown DM, Wykoff CC. Noncompliance in Prospective Retina Clinical Trials: Analysis of Factors Predicting Loss to Follow-up. Am J Ophthalmol 2020; 210:86-96. [PMID: 31647931 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2019.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Noncompliance during prospective studies can bias results and limit conclusions. The current study retrospectively investigated the relationship between study subject characteristics and rates of noncompliance in interventional trials involving common causes of blindness. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of 10 randomized clinical trials. METHODS Subjects were enrolled in investigator-initiated trials studying proliferative diabetic retinopathy, neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and retinal venous occlusive disease. Records were reviewed for hypothesized risk factors of noncompliance and rates of noncompliance, which were defined as at least 1 missed visit or exiting the study early. Demographic information, systemic medical history, and ocular medical history, including visual acuity and central retinal thicknesses, were examined retrospectively using Student t test, Pearson χ2 test, and logistic regression. RESULTS Of 390 subjects included, 212 (54.4%) were compliant with all scheduled study visits and 178 (45.6%) met criteria for noncompliance, with 53 (13.6%) subjects exiting early. Regression models identified 17 variables that were significant in determining subject noncompliance. Among those, distance, comorbidities, diabetic status, concomitant medications, previous clinic visits, length of study, disease under study, and severe adverse events were highly significant risk factors of noncompliance. CONCLUSION The current research identified a substantial proportion of subjects who met the criteria for noncompliance within the trials analyzed. The factors identified in the current work are consistent with published clinical observations and the results of previous clinical trials. These results highlight the importance of considering study design and medical history when designing prospective clinical trials in an attempt to minimize data loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Zhou
- Retina Consultants of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | | | - David M Brown
- Retina Consultants of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA; Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Charles C Wykoff
- Retina Consultants of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA; Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA.
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Busch C, Fraser-Bell S, Iglicki M, Lupidi M, Couturier A, Chaikitmongkol V, Giancipoli E, Rodríguez-Valdés PJ, Gabrielle PH, Laíns I, Santos AR, Cebeci Z, Amphornphruet A, Degenhardt V, Unterlauft JD, Cagini C, Mané-Tauty V, D'Amico Ricci G, Hindi I, Agrawal K, Chhablani J, Loewenstein A, Zur D, Rehak M. Real-world outcomes of non-responding diabetic macular edema treated with continued anti-VEGF therapy versus early switch to dexamethasone implant: 2-year results. Acta Diabetol 2019; 56:1341-1350. [PMID: 31541334 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-019-01416-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To provide 2-year follow-up data on eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) that were non-responsive after three initial anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections, comparing functional and anatomical outcomes under continued anti-VEGF therapy versus dexamethasone (DEX) implant. METHODS Multicenter, retrospective chart review comparing eyes with treatment-naïve DME and a suboptimal response to a loading phase of anti-VEGF therapy (3 injections given monthly) which were then treated with (a) further anti-VEGF (n = 72) or (b) initially switched to DEX implant (n = 38). Main outcome measures were change in visual acuity (VA) and central subfield thickness (CST) from the end of the loading phase to 24 months. RESULTS In 79% of the 12-month study population (87/110 eyes), 24-month data were available. One quarter of eyes in each group switched treatments during the second year. Eyes that were switched early to DEX implant maintained the functional and anatomical improvements at 24 months which were seen in the first year (from month 3: + 8.9 letters, - 214 µm). Eyes that were switched from anti-VEGF therapy to steroids in the second year improved VA and reduced CST at 24 months (from month 12: + 6.8 letters, p = 0.023; - 226 µm, p = 0.004). In eyes continued on anti-VEGF therapy, VA and CST were stable at 24 months (from month 3: + 2.8 letters, p = 0.254; - 24 µm, p = 0.243). Eyes that were non-responsive to anti-VEGF therapy for 12 months had similar chances to experience a VA gain from further therapy as eyes that were non-responsive for 3 months only (23.8 vs. 31.0%, p = 0.344). CONCLUSIONS The beneficial effect of an early switch to DEX implant in DME non-responders seen at month 12 was maintained during the second year. A later switch from anti-VEGF to steroids still provided significant improvement. Eyes continued on anti-VEGF over a period of 24 months maintained vision. A quarter of eyes, which had not improved vision at 12 months, exhibited a delayed response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharina Busch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Leipzig, Liebigstr. 10-14, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | | | - Matias Iglicki
- Private Retina Service, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marco Lupidi
- Department of Biomedical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Ophthalmology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Aude Couturier
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hôpital Lariboisière, AP-HP, Université Paris, 7 - Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Voraporn Chaikitmongkol
- Retina Division, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Ermete Giancipoli
- Department of Surgical, Microsurgical and Medical Sciences, Eye Clinic, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Patricio J Rodríguez-Valdés
- Instituto de Oftalmología y Ciencias Visuales, Escuela de Medicina, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Pierre-Henry Gabrielle
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, France
- UMR1324, INRA, Center for Taste and Feeding Behaviour, Dijon, France
| | - Inês Laíns
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image, Coimbra, Portugal
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Ana Rita Santos
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image, Coimbra, Portugal
- School of Allied Health Technologies, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Zafer Cebeci
- Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Atchara Amphornphruet
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Rajavithi Hospital, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Valentin Degenhardt
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Leipzig, Liebigstr. 10-14, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan-Darius Unterlauft
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Leipzig, Liebigstr. 10-14, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Carlo Cagini
- Department of Biomedical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Ophthalmology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Valérie Mané-Tauty
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hôpital Lariboisière, AP-HP, Université Paris, 7 - Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Giuseppe D'Amico Ricci
- Department of Surgical, Microsurgical and Medical Sciences, Eye Clinic, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Isaac Hindi
- Division of Ophthalmology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Jay Chhablani
- UPMC Eye Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
- L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, India
| | - Anat Loewenstein
- Division of Ophthalmology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Incumbent, Sydney A. Fox Chair in Ophthalmology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dinah Zur
- Division of Ophthalmology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Matus Rehak
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Leipzig, Liebigstr. 10-14, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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