Neovascular glaucoma

m6A-methylase METTL3 promotes retinal angiogenesis through modulation of metabolic reprogramming in RPE cells

Retinal neovascularization (RNV) disease is one of the leading causes of blindness, yet the molecular underpinnings of this condition are not well understood. To delve into the critical aspects of cell-mediated angiogenesis, we analyzed our previously published single-cell data. Our analysis revealed that retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells serve a crucial promotional function in angiogenesis. RPE cells were regulated by N6-methyladenosine (m6A). Next, we detected several critical m6A methylase in hypoxic ARPE-19 cells and in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mice, our results revealed a significant decrease in the level of methyltransferase like 3 (METTL3). METTL3 specific inhibitor STM2457 intravitreal injection or METTL3 conditional knockout mice both showed a significantly reduced neovascularization area of retina. Additionally, the angiogenesis-related abilities of human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) were diminished after co-cultured with ARPE-19 treated with STM2457 or sh-METTL3 in vitro. Furthermore, through the integration of Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) sequencing and RNA sequencing, we discovered that the metabolic enzyme quinolinate phosphoribosyltransferase (QPRT) was directly modified by METTL3 and recognized by the YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein C1 (YTHDC1). Moreover, after over-expressing QPRT, the angiogenic abilities of HRECs were improved through the phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (p-PI3K)/ phosphorylated threonine kinase (p-AKT) pathway. Collectively, our study provided a novel therapeutic target for retinal angiogenesis.

Posterior Vitreous Detachment and Risk of Neovascular Glaucoma in Eyes with Prior Retinal Vascular Occlusions

INTRODUCTION

To investigate the impact of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) on the risk of developing neovascular glaucoma (NVG) in eyes with occlusions of the retinal artery (RAO) or retinal vein (RVO).

METHODS

Single-center retrospective case-control study of adults with a history of RVO/RAO. Cases (N = 101) who developed NVG were age and sex matched 1:2 to controls who did not develop NVG (N = 202). Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between history of PVD and risk of NVG while controlling for other related demographic or clinical factors.

RESULTS

In initial bivariate analyses, there was no difference in risk of NVG based on eye, lens status, hypertension, history of panretinal photocoagulation (PRP), or retinal surgery (all p > 0.10), a borderline difference based on diabetic retinopathy (DR) (p = 0.06) and prior anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment (p = 0.08), and a significant difference based on race/ethnicity, type of vascular event, and PVD status (all p < 0.05). In the final multivariable model, patients without PVD were significantly more likely to develop NVG (OR = 3.07, p = 0.0001) independent of the other covariates. Risk of NVG was greater in those with DR (OR = 1.98, p = 0.0440) and in those with central RVO vs. branch RVO/hemiretinal RVO (OR = 5.77, p < 0.0001). Non-White/Non-Hispanics (OR = 2.56, p = 0.0051) and Hispanics (OR = 3.65, p = 0.0288) were more likely than White patients to develop NVG.

CONCLUSIONS

Progression to NVG after retinal vascular occlusion is more likely in Non-White/Hispanic patients, those with concomitant DR, and those with CRVO/CRAO. The absence of PVD increases the risk for NVG. Further studies are necessary to understand this relationship.

The Role of Immune Cells and Signaling Pathways in Diabetic Eye Disease: A Comprehensive Review

Diabetic eye disease (DED) encompasses a range of ocular complications arising from diabetes mellitus, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, diabetic keratopathy, diabetic cataract, and glaucoma. These conditions are leading causes of visual impairments and blindness, especially among working-age adults. Despite advancements in our understanding of DED, its underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Chronic hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurodegeneration play central roles in the development and progression of DED, with immune-mediated processes increasingly recognized as key contributors. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the complex interactions between immune cells, inflammatory mediators, and signaling pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of DED. By delving in current research, this review aims to identify potential therapeutic targets, suggesting directions of research for future studies to address the immunopathological aspects of DED.

Risk Factors for Developing Neovascular Glaucoma in Central Retinal Vein Occlusion: Two-Year Real-World Study

PURPOSE

To explore potential risk factors for the development of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) over a two-year intensive follow-up period.

METHODS

This study reviewed 1545 patients with CRVO between 2005 and 2019 at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Inclusion was restricted to (1) patients with acute CRVO within 3 months; (2) patients with ocular neovascularization at initial presentation (3) patients had not received any treatment at the time of CRVO; (4) at least bimonthly follow-up schedule over the course of 2 years. The included patients were screened for potential risk factors for developing NVG and assessed with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression model.

RESULTS

Among the included 123 patients, the cumulative probability of developing NVG was 26.8% (33/123 cases) in overall follow-up period. The mean interval between the onset of CRVO and NVG was 507 days. Neither macular edema nor central macular thickness at baseline was correlated with the development of NVG (p =.104 and .25, respectively). Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), older age, and poor vision independently played significant risk factors for developing NVG after controlling other covariates. (p =.034, .001, and .013, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients presenting with CRVO who have comorbidities such as DM, older age, and worse VA warrant closer attention and intensive follow-up for the development of NVG. Additionally, the statistical analysis indicated that the presence of macular edema, increased central macular thickness, CV events, history of glaucoma, and early PRP within 3 months had no significant impact on the likelihood of developing NVG.

Demographic, Socioeconomic, and Clinical Factors Associated with Severe Vision Loss in Patients with Neovascular Glaucoma

Purpose

To investigate the association between demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors and severe vision loss in patients with neovascular glaucoma (NVG).

Patients and Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients referred to the University of Virginia (UVA), diagnosed with NVG, and treated for NVG between January 2010 and December 2020 was performed. Patients were grouped according to vision outcomes after 1 year of treatment: mild - moderate vision loss (best corrected visual acuity [BCVA] > light perception [LP]) and severe vision loss (BCVA ≤ LP). The associations between patient characteristics and BCVA were also examined.

Results

Of the 89 patients (99 eyes), those with progression to severe vision loss presented with higher intraocular pressure (IOP) (p < 0.001) and lower visual acuity (p = 0.003) on average. However, there was no difference in IOP between the vision loss groups after one year of treatment. Univariate analysis showed a moderate association between a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and severe vision loss (p = 0.033). Increasing age was associated with an increased likelihood of progression to severe vision loss (odds ratio [OR] 1.074, p = 0.008). Females were more likely to exhibit severe vision loss (OR 3.281, p = 0.036). Patients with Medicare (OR 0.098, p = 0.005) or private insurance (OR 0.110, p = 0.006) were less likely to progress to severe vision loss than those without insurance.

Conclusion

Progression of vision loss in patients with NVG may be influenced by the stage of disease at diagnosis, age, sex, T2DM, and insurance status.

Surgical Treatment of Neovascular Glaucoma Secondary to Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy in Japanese Patients without the Use of Glaucoma Drainage Devices

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate outcomes of visual acuity (VA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)-associated neovascular glaucoma (NVG) in Japanese patients treated with surgical therapies without the use of glaucoma drainage devices. Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records was conducted for 31 consecutive PDR-associated NVG patients who underwent surgical treatments in our institution between 2013 and 2022. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, VA, and IOP were recorded at the first and last visits, and surgical procedures, including pars plana vitrectomy with extensive panretinal and ciliary photocoagulation (PPV-PRCP), diode laser trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation (DCPC), and trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (TLE-MMC), with or without a prior intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection, were reviewed. Results: Of the thirty-one PDR patients with NVG, two patients received PPV-PRCP or DCPC alone (6.5%), respectively, three patients received TLE-MMC alone (9.7%), two patients received TLE-MMC after IVB (6.5%), six patients received PPV-PRCP and TLE-MMC (19.4%), seven patients received PPV-PRCP and TLE-MMC after IVB (22.6%), five patients received PPV-PRCP and DCPC and TLE-MMC (16.1%), and four patients received PPV-PRCP and DCPC and TLE-MMC after IVB (12.9%). The VA of two patients (6.5%) deteriorated to no light perception. In all patients, the mean logMAR VA was 1.28 ± 1.05 at the first visit and remained at 1.26 ± 1.08 at the last visit, with no significant change; the mean IOP was 33.0 ± 15.2 mmHg at the initial visit and decreased significantly to 14.0 ± 7.4 mmHg at the last visit. The number of eyes with IOP ≥ 21 decreased from twenty-eight (90.3%) to three (9.7%). Although IOP in patients with IOP > 30 mmHg at the initial visit reduced to a level comparable to that of patients with IOP ≤ 30 mmHg, the IOP > 30 mmHg group received IVB more frequently and had significantly higher logMAR VA at the last visit compared to the IOP ≤ 30 mmHg group. Hypotony (<6 mmHg) was observed in four eyes (12.9%). Conclusions: In PDR patients with NVG, various combinations of PPV-PRCP, DCPC, and TLE-MMC after adjunctive IVB without the use of glaucoma drainage devices lowered IOP sufficiently; for these patients, neovascular regression was observed, with no further deterioration of VA. However, surgical procedures should be performed for PDR patients with NVG before visual impairment occurs. On the other hand, approximately less than 15% of patients developed blindness or low IOP.

Anterior segment features in neovascular glaucoma: An ultrasound biomicroscopy study

PURPOSES

To investigate the features of the anterior segment structures in neovascular glaucoma (NVG) and analyze its differences from primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG).

METHODS

This study included patients who were first diagnosed with monocular NVG and PACG at the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University during August 2019 to June 2022. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) was used to measure the anterior segment parameters of those eyes, including anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber width (ACW), anterior chamber area (ACA), iris area (IA), maximum iris thickness (ITMAX), middle iris thickness (ITMID), iris curvature (IC), lens vault (LV), angle opening distance (AOD500), trabecular iris angle (TIA500), trabecular-iris space area (TISA500) and peripheral anterior synechia (PAS) length.

RESULTS

In this study, paired samples t-test showed that IA [1.170(0.324) mm2], ITMAX [0.368(0.079) mm], ITMID [0.280(0.062) mm] and IC [0.147(0.037) mm] of NVG were smaller than F-NVG [2.058(0.195) mm2, 0.611(0.045) mm, 0.415(0.049) mm and 0.272(0.077) mm], the AOD500, TIA500, and TISA500 of NVG were also smaller than F-NVG. Independent samples t-test showed that ACD [2.349(0.350) mm] and ACA [16.326(3.547) mm2] of NVG were larger than PACG [1.971(0.240) mm, 12.030(1.860) mm2], but the IA [1.170(0.324) mm2], ITMAX [0.368(0.079) mm], ITMID [0.280(0.062) mm], IC [0.147(0.037) mm] and LV [0.436(0.172 mm)] were smaller than PACG [1.740(0.294) mm2, 0.548(0.084) mm, 0.404(0.065) mm, 0.283(0.060) mm and 0.737(0.196) mm]. Among the 16 patients with 360° angle-closure NVG, the PAS length was 0.834 (0.326) mm, which exceeded the Schwalbe line.

CONCLUSION

In NVG, the iris is atrophied, thinned, and straight, while the ACD is normal or slightly shallow. In 360° angle-closure NVG, the PAS length exceeds the Schwalbe line, presenting a pseudo angle phenomenon and a hockey stick sign. Notably, the anterior segment structure morphology of NVG exhibit differences from those of PACG.

Surgical outcomes including visual improvement after glaucoma surgery in patients with neovascular glaucoma

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic factors affecting surgical outcomes, including visual acuity (VA) improvement, after glaucoma surgery in patients with neovascular glaucoma (NVG).

Methods

The medical records of 116 patients (116 eyes) with NVG who had undergone trabeculectomy or Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation were reviewed retrospectively. The primary outcome measure was surgical success at 6 postoperative months, defined as sufficient intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction (IOP ≤21 mmHg, ≥20% reduction, regardless of topical medication use) without additional glaucoma surgery, hypotony, or progression to no light perception. Success was categorized as complete or qualified based on whether an improvement in VA was observed in addition to the abovementioned definition.

Results

The complete and qualified success rates at 6 months were 44.6% and 92.2%, respectively. Age (p = 0.001), preoperative best-corrected VA (p = 0.031), duration of decreased VA (p = 0.001), closed-angle status (p = 0.013), and etiology (p = 0.007) differed significantly between the groups with and without complete success. Multivariate analysis revealed that age (odds ratio [OR] 1.05; p = 0.026), duration of decreased VA (OR 1.05; p = 0.016), and 360° closed-angle status (OR 3.27; p = 0.031) were risk factors for surgical failure according to the complete success criteria, but not the qualified success criteria.

Conclusions

Patients with NVG showed improved visual prognosis and successful IOP reduction after glaucoma surgery at a relatively younger age if the duration of visual loss was not prolonged and the angle status was not completely closed.

Widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography metrics associated with neovascular glaucoma in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy

PURPOSE

To explore the association between widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (WF SS-OCTA) metrics, including nonperfusion area (NPA) and neovascularization (NV), and presence of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

METHODS

A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to February 2020. A total of 85 eyes of 60 PDR patients without NVG and 9 eyes of 8 PDR patients with NVG were included. Retinal ischemic parameters (NPA; ischemia index [NPA/total retinal area]) and NV features (NV number; NV area; NV vessel density) were evaluated. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ), macular thickness/volume, and choroidal thickness/volume were obtained using the Zeiss ARI Network. WF SS-OCTA retinal and choroidal metrics, systemic, and ocular parameters were screened using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) logistic regression for variable selection. Firth's bias-reduced logistic regression (outcome: presence of NVG) was subsequently used to identify parameters associated with NVG.

RESULTS

After LASSO variable selection, 8 variables were significantly associated with the presence of NVG: DM duration (years), insulin (yes/no), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (logMAR), IOP, ischemia index, skeletonized vessel density, macular thickness (inner inferior, outer temporal regions). Firth's bias-reduced logistic regression showed ischemia index (odds ratio [OR]=13.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]:5.3-30.7, P<0.001) and BCVA (OR=5.8, 95%CI:1.2-28.8, P<0.05) were associated with the presence of NVG. NV metrics, FAZ, and choroidal parameters were not related to NVG.

CONCLUSIONS

Retinal ischemia but not NV was associated with the presence of NVG in patients with PDR using WF SS-OCTA. Larger, longitudinal studies are needed to validate imaging biomarkers associated with diabetic NVG.

Trabeculectomy with concurrent intravitreal bevacizumab in neovascular glaucoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of concurrent intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection with trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C (MMC) in neovascular glaucoma (NVG).

METHODS

Patients with NVG who underwent trabeculectomy with concurrent IVB (group 1) and those who underwent IVB sequentially, followed by trabeculectomy with MMC (group 2) in 1-2 weeks between January 2021 and August 2022, were included in this retrospective hospital-based study. The need for medications for intraocular pressure (IOP) control at 6 months in the two groups was the primary outcome measured and compared between the groups. The association of the need for medications postoperatively with clinical variables was assessed using stepwise multivariate regression statistics.

RESULTS

We finally included 40 patients ( n = 12 in group 1, n = 28 in group 2) with no significant differences in presenting age between groups. The IOP at 1 day and 1 week were not significantly different between groups though the IOP at 1, 3, and 6 months. IOP was lower in group 1 eyes with the 6-month IOP, being significantly lower in group 1, P = 0.05. Three eyes in group 1 and 11 eyes in group 2 required anti-glaucoma medications in the postoperative period. Multivariate regression identified preoperative IVB >3 (β =0.7, P < 0.001) and recurrent vitreous hemorrhage (β = 0.7, P = 0.004) as prognostic factors ( R2 = 40.6%) determining the need for anti-glaucoma medication (AGM) postoperatively in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Concurrent IVB with trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C is a feasible alternative in patients with NVG with refractory high-presenting IOP. This may serve to address raised IOP as well as retinal ischemia, thereby improving surgical success rates in the most challenging NVG cases.

Acute Glaucoma Following Internal Carotid Artery Stenting: A Rare But Serious Complication of Ocular Ischemic Syndrome

Acute glaucoma following carotid artery recanalization is a rare but severe complication of underlying ocular ischemic syndrome. We present a case of a 71-year-old woman with ocular ischemic syndrome and severe stenosis of the right internal and external carotid artery undergoing carotid artery stenting. Immediate postprocedural angiography showed pronounced reperfusion of the ophthalmic artery. Subsequently, the patient developed vision-threatening acute glaucoma despite treatment with acetazolamide. Monitoring of intraocular pressure is important in patients who are at risk of developing ocular ischemic syndrome because of internal carotid artery stenosis. Interventionalists should also assess the degree of vascular collateralization from the external carotid artery.

Cyclophotocoagulation versus Ahmed Glaucoma Implant in Neovascular Glaucoma with Poor Vision at Presentation

Purpose

To evaluate the outcomes of surgical intervention in eyes with neovascular glaucoma (NVG) and poor vision, comparing the Ahmed glaucoma implant with cyclophotocoagulation (CPC).

Patients and Methods

This study is a double-armed cohort retrospective review of medical records of patients with NVG who had a visual acuity of 20/200 or less and underwent one of the two procedures as a primary intervention: Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) or cyclophotocoagulation (CPC). The study was conducted at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 2014 to June 2019, with a total study period of 1 year. The main outcome measures included the surgical success rate, changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of antiglaucoma medications, corrected distance visual acuity, and the reoperation rate for glaucoma.

Results

The preoperative IOP was 40.4 ± 10.6 mmHg (Median 40) in the CPC group and 39.4 ± 10.2 mmHg (Median 40) in the AGV group (P = 0.6). At 1 year, the IOP ranged from 12.5 to 28 mmHg (Median 18) in the CPC group and 14 to 21.5 mmHg (Median 17) in the AGV group (P = 0.016). Survival analysis showed a 51% success rate in the CPC group and an 89% success rate at 1 year in the AGV group (p>0.0001).

Conclusion

CPC and AGV procedures yielded good outcomes with similar IOP levels 12 months after the surgery. However, AGV demonstrated a higher overall success rate and a lower medication requirement than CPC.

The progress of assessment methods and treatments of neovascular glaucoma secondary to central retinal vein occlusion

Neovascular glaucoma is a condition that results from central retinal vein occlusion and often leads to blindness. Accurate evaluation and appropriate treatment are crucial for patients. However, there is currently no uniform and clear standard to differentiate between ischemic and non-ischemic central retinal vein occlusion. Also, the assessment of neovascular glaucoma progression is uncertain. Meanwhile, although pan-retinal photocoagulation is a standard treatment to prevent the onset of neovascular glaucoma, its actual efficacy and the timing of intervention remain highly controversial. It is still challenging to balance the risks of side effects in the visual field against the uncertain effectiveness of the treatment. This paper delves into the pathogenesis of neovascular glaucoma to understand the development of therapeutic approaches. By taking into account various assessment criteria of central retinal vein occlusion and neovascular glaucoma over the years, combining functional tests and morphological tests provides the most accurate and rigorous solution. The age of patients, the extent, location, and duration of retinal ischemia are the primary factors that affect the severity and extent of ischemic central retinal vein occlusion and induce serious complications. From the perspective of prevention and treatment, the ischemic index is closely related to the development of neovascularization. The paper provides essential insights into the mechanism, efficacy, complications, and optimal timing of pan-retinal photocoagulation. Comparing the treatment effects of pan-retinal photocoagulation and intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, we suggest a combination of both treatments to explore effective treatment with fewer side effects in the long term. This article details the debate on the above issues and explores ideas for the clinical diagnosis and preventive treatment of neovascular glaucoma that results from ischemic central retinal vein occlusion.

Clinical Efficacy of Preoperative and Intraoperative Intravitreal Ranibizumab as Adjuvant Therapy of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation Combined with Vitrectomy in the Management of Neovascular Glaucoma with Diabetic Vitreous Hemorrhage

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is a devastating ocular disease with poor prognosis. Intravitreal ranibizumab injection (IVR) has been used as adjuvant therapy of surgical interventions preoperatively or intraoperatively. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of combined IVR as adjuvant therapy in treating NVG with vitreous hemorrhage (VH) in PDR. A total of 39 NVG patients with VH (39 eyes) received IVR 3 to 5 days before surgery, and then they were assigned to either pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) + Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation (Group 1, n = 22) or PPV + AGV implantation + intraoperative IVR (Group 2, n = 17). Patients were followed up for at least 9 months. Intraocular pressure (IOP), anti-glaucoma medications, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), surgical success rates and postoperative complications were compared. Results showed that IOP decreased promptly after surgery and was notably maintained at a mid-term follow-up in both groups, and no significant differences were observed (all p > 0.05). Additional intraoperative IVR significantly reduced postoperative recurrent VH and iris neovascularization (p = 0.047, p = 0.025, respectively). There was no remarkable difference in postoperative anti-glaucoma medications, BCVA and complications between two groups (all p > 0.05). In conclusion, preoperative and intraoperative IVR as adjuvant therapy of AGV implantation combined with PPV could be a safe and effective treatment for NVG with VH in PDR. An additional intraoperative anti-VEGF injection could significantly reduce postoperative VH and iris neovascularization.

Anterior chamber fluorescein leakage in a child with intraocular pressure elevation and vitreous hemorrhage

Purpose

To report a case of a child with neovascular and ghost cell glaucoma in the setting of previously treated vitreous hemorrhage with unique fluorescein leakage from abnormal iris vessels ultimately preventing successful fluorescein angiography.

Observations

A 3-year-9-month-old female with a medical history of very high-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia presented with eye pain and was noted to have a complete vitreous hemorrhage and intraocular pressure elevation in the right eye which was refractory to maximum medical therapy and vitrectomy. Following vitreous hemorrhage resolution, an examination under anesthesia with fluorescein angiography was found to have diffuse leakage of fluorescein into the anterior chamber, presumably due to the active iris neovascularization. This anterior chamber fluorescein signal prevented visualization of the retinal vasculature. The patient was diagnosed with mixed mechanism glaucoma (neovascular and ghost cell) due to a resolved vitreous hemorrhage in the setting of a presumed prior ischemic event.

Conclusions and Importance

We report a case of an unsuccessful fluorescein angiogram in the setting of anterior chamber fluorescein leakage due to active iris neovascularization, and review considerations for the differential diagnosis and useful diagnostic tests in this clinical scenario.

The Incidence of Urgent Tube Shunt Surgery for Diabetic Neovascular Glaucoma at a Tertiary Academic Medical Center

Background

Diabetic neovascular glaucoma is a secondary glaucoma that may require immediate correction of elevated intraocular pressure to control pain and protect the optic nerve. While there is a seasonal trend to glucose levels, it is unknown if a seasonal trend exists for diabetic neovascular glaucoma.

Objective

This study evaluates the incidence of urgent glaucoma tube shunt implantation in diabetic neovascular glaucoma in a tertiary academic referral center in Southern California.

Methods

Electronic medical records were queried for urgent glaucoma tube shunt surgery from 2014 to 2021. The number of cases were separated by month of occurrence, and average hemoglobin A1c values were calculated per month. Data were analyzed via ANOVA tests and one-tailed t-tests.

Results

A total of 127 cases were identified. The months of March and April contained the most cases averaging 3 and 2.75 cases, respectively. April had statistically significant higher case numbers than that of other months (P = .041). ANOVA tests excluding April showed no statistically significant difference between the remaining months (P = .901). Average hemoglobin A1c values were highest in the months of April and March at 9.8 and 9.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

Emergency glaucoma tube shunt surgery for diabetic neovascular glaucoma occurs most frequently in April. This observation may provide insight into disease prevention through diabetes management and help improve surgical operations such that staffing and resources are allocated accordingly.

Short-Term Outcomes of Trabeculectomy With or Without Anti-VEGF in Patients With Neovascular Glaucoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of trabeculectomy alone or combined with intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents for the treatment of neovascular glaucoma.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effects of trabeculectomy alone or combined with intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents for the treatment of neovascular glaucoma. We searched four databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science) up to January 2023 and extracted data on three surgical outcomes: postoperative intraocular pressure, success rate and complications. We used a random-effects model to calculate pooled relative risk (RR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed publication bias using Begg and Egger tests.

Results

We included seven studies with 353 eyes. Compared to trabeculectomy alone, trabeculectomy with anti-VEGF had a lower risk of postoperative complications (RR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.41-0.89) and higher success rate (RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.02-1.40). The intraocular pressure reduction was significantly greater in the trabeculectomy with anti-VEGF augmentation group than the trabeculectomy group from 1 week (SMD, -1.36; 95% CI, -2.76 to 0.04) to 6 months (SMD, -0.79; 95% CI, -1.50 to -0.07) after surgery.

Conclusions

According to current evidence, adding intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents to trabeculectomy may improve the short time outcomes of patients with neovascular glaucoma.

Discovery of Aptamers and the Acceleration of the Development of Targeting Research in Ophthalmology

Aptamers are widely applied to diagnosis and therapy because of their targeting. However, the current progress of research into aptamers for the treatment of eye disorders has not been well-documented. The current literature on aptamers was reviewed in this study. Aptamer-related drugs and biochemical sensors have been evaluated for several eye disorders within the past decade; S58 targeting TGF-β receptor II and pegaptanib targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are used to prevent fibrosis after glaucoma filtration surgery. Anti-brain-derived neurotrophic factor aptamer has been used to diagnose glaucoma. The first approved aptamer drug (pegaptanib) has been used to inhibit angiogenesis in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR), and its efficacy and safety have been demonstrated in clinical trials. Aptamers, including E10030, RBM-007, AS1411, and avacincaptad pegol, targeting other angiogenesis-related biomarkers have also been discovered and subjected to clinical trials. Aptamers, such as C promoter binding factor 1, CD44, and advanced end products in AMD and DR, targeting other signal pathway proteins have also been discovered for therapy, and biochemical sensors for early diagnosis have been developed based on aptamers targeting VEGF, connective tissue growth factor, and lipocalin 1. Aptamers used for early detection and treatment of ocular tumors were derived from other disease biomarkers, such as CD71, nucleolin, and high mobility group A. In this review, the development and application of aptamers in eye disorders in recent years are systematically discussed, which may inspire a new link between aptamers and eye disorders. The aptamer development trajectory also facilitates the discovery of the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies for various eye disorders.

EVALUATION OF OPTIC DISK AND MACULAR VASCULARITY CHANGES IN CRVO USING OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY

PURPOSE

To quantify changes in optic disk and macular vasculature in patients with central retinal vein occlusion using optical coherence tomography angiography and detect its correlation with visual acuity.

METHODS

The study included 20 eyes of 20 patients with treatment-naive central retinal vein occlusion and 20 age-matched controls. Optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiographywere performed on the macula and optic disk. Central 1-mm subfield foveal thickness was measured. Vessel densities (VD) of superficial and deep macular capillary plexuses with whole disk VD, inside disk VD, and radial peripapillary capillary plexus were analyzed. Macular ischemia was evaluated by fundus fluorescein angiography. Visual acuity was correlated with measured parameters.

RESULTS

All measured macular and disk VDs differed significantly between cases and controls except inside disk VD. Visual acuity showed a highly significant negative correlation with whole disk VD ( P = 0.005) and radial peripapillary capillary ( P = 0.002), borderline correlation with central subfield foveal thickness ( P = 0.06), and insignificant correlation with macular VDs. Radial peripapillary capillary VD showed a significant correlation with deep parafoveal ( P = 0.04), and superficial and deep perifoveal VDs ( P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Optic disk VD could provide more accurate indication of retinal blood supply than macular VD in cases of central retinal vein occlusion with severe macular edema.

Evaluation of the Hypertensive Phase after Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation in Neovascular Glaucoma

Purpose

To compare Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) outcomes in neovascular glaucoma (NVG) eyes with and without a postoperative (PO) hypertensive (HTN) phase.

Design

Retrospective study at a single tertiary care center of patients who underwent AGV implantation for NVG treatment with ≥6-month follow-up.

Methods

Main outcome measures included intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications (GM), and failure at month 6 or at the most recent visit. Failure was defined as decline to no light perception (NLP) vision, IOP >21 mm Hg, or need for glaucoma reoperations (all with GM).

Results

A total of 76 eyes of 74 patients (37 without HTN phase and 39 with HTN phase) with a mean follow-up duration of 28.9 ± 25.7 months (p = 0.602) were included. Both groups had similar demographics, visual acuity (VA), number of GM, etiology of NVG, and retina treatment perioperatively. Baseline IOP was significantly higher in the HTN phase group (p = 0.001). Compared to eyes without an HTN phase, HTN phase eyes more commonly met failure criteria at month 6 (33.3 vs 9.1%; p = 0.01), but both groups had a comparable cumulative failure for the entire follow-up period (p = 0.180). At the most recent visit, the number of GM was higher in the HTN phase group (p = 0.019), but IOP was similar in both groups. PO complications were comparable and uncommon in both groups.

Conclusion

Hypertensive (HTN) phase following AGV implantation for NVG is associated with higher preoperative IOP and greater failure by PO month (POM) 6. However, eyes with and without the HTN phase had similar needs for GM and failure rates over the long term.

How to cite this article

Ramesh S, Shalaby WS, Myers JS, et al. Evaluation of the Hypertensive Phase after Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation in Neovascular Glaucoma. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2023;17(2):91-97.

Visual prognosis and surgical timing of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation for neovascular glaucoma secondary to diabetic vitrectomy

BACKGROUND

Evaluate the visual outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation (AGVI) in patients with neovascular glaucoma (NVG) who underwent diabetic vitrectomy and suggest appropriate AGVI timing.

METHODS

Medical records of patients who underwent AGVI due to NVG after diabetic vitrectomy were reviewed. Successful intraocular pressure (IOP) control was defined as an IOP between 6 and 21 mmHg. Visual outcome was compared before NVG diagnosis and after AGVI, and the "favorable" visual outcome was defined as a postoperative deterioration in BCVA of less than 0.3 logMAR units compared to those before the development of NVG. Various factors including surgical timing were evaluated to identify the risk factors associated with unfavorable visual outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 35 eyes were enrolled and divided into group 1(medically uncontrolled NVG group, IOP more than 30mmHg, 16 eyes) and group 2(NVG group responded well to the initial non-surgical treatment but eventually required AGVI, 19 eyes). Despite the favorable rate of normalization of post-AGVI IOP (85.7%), 43.8% in Group 1 and 26.3% in Group 2 showed unfavorable visual outcomes. In group 1, delayed surgical timing more than 1 week from the NVG diagnosis showed a significant association with unfavorable visual outcomes (P = 0.041). In group 2, poor patient compliance (follow up loss, refuse surgery) was the main factor of unfavorable visual outcomes.

CONCLUSION

When NVG occurs in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy after vitrectomy, physicians should be cautious not to delay the surgical intervention, especially in patients with IOP of 30 or more despite non-surgical treatment. Early AGVI within six days might be necessary to preserve useful vision in these patients.

The mechanism and therapeutic strategies for neovascular glaucoma secondary to diabetic retinopathy

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a devastating secondary glaucoma characterized by the appearance of neovascular over the iris and the proliferation of fibrovascular tissue in the anterior chamber angle. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is one of the leading causes of NVG. Currently increasing diabetes population drive the prevalence rate of NVG into a fast-rising lane. The pathogenesis underlying NVG makes it refractory to routine management for other types of glaucoma in clinical practice. The combination of panretinal photocoagulation (PRP), anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections, anti-glaucoma drugs, surgical intervention as well as blood glucose control is needed. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment in time are crucial in halting the neovascularization process and preserving vision. This review provides an overview of NVG secondary to diabetic retinopathy (DR), including the epidemiology, pathogenesis and management, so as to provide a better understanding as well as potential therapeutic strategies for future treatment.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials in the management of neovascular glaucoma: absence of consensus and variability in practice

PURPOSE

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is characterised by neovascularisation of the angle and therefore elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). This results in progressive optic neuropathy and loss of visual acuity. Treatment aims to reduce IOP in order to prevent optic nerve damage. A systematic review was completed synthesising results from randomised control trials (RCTs) comparing interventions for the management of NVG and their efficacy and safety.

METHODS

Data was sourced from Web of Science, Embase and Medline after 1st January 2000. The primary outcome measures were mean IOP at follow-up and success rate. The secondary outcomes included mean IOP lowering medications and total complications. A meta-analysis was completed on comparative studies using Revman (version 5.4).

RESULTS

For the two studies comparing Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) + pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) vs AGV + PRP + intra-vitreal bevacizumab (IVB), there was no difference in mean IOP or odds of success from the meta-analysis. From the 4 studies examining the utilisation of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF), one study showed lower mean IOP at 1 (p = 0.002) and 3 months (p = 0.033) for IVB vs sham injection. In the 2 studies studying transcleral diode laser (TDL), there were no significant findings. From the 4 studies looking at trabeculectomy (trab), lower mean IOP at 6 (p = 0.001), 9 (p = 0.01), 12 (p = 0.02) and 18 months (p = 0.004) was shown for intra-vitreal ranibizumab (IVR) + PRP + visco-trabeculectomy vs IVR + PRP + trab, and a significantly lower mean IOP was present in the Baerveldt group vs trab at 6 months (p = 0.03). In the 2 studies investigating the AGV, there was a lower mean IOP at 1 month (p = 0.01) in the AGV + triamcinolone (TCA) group. The risk of bias was low for 4 studies, high for 4 studies and 6 studies had some concerns.

CONCLUSION

This is the first meta-analysis of RCTs in the management of neovascular glaucoma. The lack of high-quality evidence contributes to the lack of consensus in managing NVG. Our results highlight modern treatment strategies and the need for better powered RCTs with long-term follow-up in order to establish optimal treatment modalities and true patient outcomes.

A Review of Neovascular Glaucoma: Etiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a rare, aggressive, blinding secondary glaucoma, which is characterized by neovascularization of the anterior segment of the eye and leading to elevation of the intraocular pressure (IOP). The main etiological factor is retinal ischemia leading to an impaired homeostatic balance between the angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors. High concentrations of vasogenic substances such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induce neovascularization of the iris (NVI) and neovascularization of the angle (NVA) that limits the outflow of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber and increases the IOP. NVG clinical, if untreated, progresses from secondary open-angle glaucoma to angle-closure glaucoma, leading to irreversible blindness. It is an urgent ophthalmic condition; early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to preserve vision and prevent eye loss. The management of NVG requires the cooperation of retinal and glaucoma specialists. The treatment of NVG includes both control of the underlying disease and management of IOP. The main goal is the prevention of angle-closure glaucoma by combining panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) and antiangiogenic therapy. The aim of this review is to summarize the current available knowledge about the etiology, pathogenesis, and symptoms of NVG and determine the most effective treatment methods.

Neovascular Glaucoma: An Update

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a severe type of secondary glaucoma with devastating complications and generally poor visual prognosis. NVG is defined by the development of pathological neovessels over the iris and the iridocorneal angle that can block the outflow of aqueous humor, causing elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP). The pathogenesis of NVG is, in most cases, associated with ischemia of the posterior segment, which is most frequently associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy or central retinal vein occlusion. The advanced stages of NVG are by iris and angle neovascularization, angle, and extremely high IOP, accompanied by ocular pain and poor vision. The therapeutic approach of NVG is based on the reduction of retinal ischemia by panretinal photocoagulation. Intravitreal anti-VEGF administration can contribute to the regression of neovascularization, and topical and systemic medications may be necessary for IOP control. However, if medical treatment with these agents is not enough, surgical procedures may be required to lower IOP and prevent glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Early and prompt diagnosis, with identification of the underlying etiology, can improve IOP control and final visual outcome. The aim of this study is to review current knowledge of the pathogenesis and management of NVG.

Survival in Patients with Neovascular Glaucoma Following Tube Shunt Implant or Cyclodestructive Procedure

Purpose

The study purpose was to assess patient survival after tube shunt implant or cyclodestructive procedure for neovascular glaucoma and to determine whether specific preoperative factors are predictive of survival.

Materials and methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on patients with neovascular glaucoma who underwent tube shunt implant and/or cyclodestructive procedure between January 2002 and December 2019 at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Patient survival was compared to the age and gender-matched Minnesota population. Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate preoperative parameters and survival.

Results

Tube shunt alone was implanted in 30 eyes, cyclodestruction alone was performed in nine eyes, and two eyes underwent both (n = 41 eyes, 39 patients). The postoperative 5-year survival rate was 62% in neovascular glaucoma patients compared to 80% in controls. Survival did not differ significantly based on neovascular glaucoma etiology. Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity of the neovascular glaucoma-affected eye (p = 0.05) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (p = 0.02) were associated with survival, but preoperative maximum intraocular pressure, hemoglobin A1c, and creatinine were not. The mean intraocular pressure at 6 months postprocedure was 14 mm Hg for tube shunt and 27 mm Hg for cyclodestruction (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Neovascular glaucoma patients have reduced survival, but the majority survived at least 5-year postprocedure. Ophthalmologists should consider patient survival and factors predictive of survival when planning procedures for neovascular glaucoma.

Clinical significance

Our findings provide an updated perspective on survival in the setting of neovascular glaucoma and can help ophthalmologists provide patient-centered and holistic care.

How to cite this article

Zhou Y, Coleman S, Boysen J, et al. Survival in Patients with Neovascular Glaucoma Following Tube Shunt Implant or Cyclodestructive Procedure. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2022;16(2):74-78.

Rapid Onset Neovascular Glaucoma due to COVID-19-related Retinopathy

Aim

Background

Case description

Conclusion

Clinical significance

How to cite this article

Characteristics, Treatments, and Survival of Uveal Melanoma: A Comparison between Chinese and American Cohorts

Simple Summary

This retrospective comparative cohort study aimed to determine whether there were racial or national differences in UM, by comparing the demographic and clinical characteristics, such as tumor size, onset age, trend and proportion of treatment modalities, and overall survival. In the two cohorts, we found that Chinese patients have a younger onset age and a better survival rate. The survival advantage was likely secondary to younger onset age. In addition, a greater proportion of Chinese patients received brachytherapy as opposed to enucleation compared with American patients. This study was the first time comparing patients from different countries and races, which may help ophthalmologists better understand the clinical characteristics of the disease and suggests the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common intraocular malignant carcinoma. This study aimed to compare the clinical features, treatment modalities, and prognosis of UM patients in China with those in America over a 15-year period. In the study, 4088 American patients with primary UM from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and 1508 Chinese patients from Tongren-ophthalmology Research Association of Clinical Evaluation (TRACE) were included. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine prognostic factors and propensity score matching (PSM) and sensitivity analyses were applied to adjust for confounders and identify independent prognostic factors. Chinese patients were diagnosed at a younger age (mean ± SD, 47.3 ± 12.5 years vs. 59.7 ± 14.8 years) and tumors at diagnosis were larger (diameter: 12.0 ± 3.54 mm vs. 11.3 ± 8.27 mm; thickness: 7.13 ± 3.28 mm vs. 4.91 ± 3.01 mm). Chinese patients were more likely to undergo brachytherapy than American patients. Chinese patients had better overall survival than American patients while no significant differences exhibited after adjusting for age through PSM. In conclusion, compared with American patients, Chinese patients had younger onset age, larger tumors at diagnosis and better prognosis, mainly because of their younger age.

Risk factors for ocular neovascularization after central retinal artery occlusion

BACKGROUND

To report the incidence and risk factors associated with ocular neovascularization (NV) in patients with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO).

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with acute CRAO in a single tertiary center. Medical charts were reviewed for ocular NV occurrences. We analyzed systemic and ocular conditions on first visit and demographic data.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven eyes were eligible for this study. Among these, 13 eyes had ocular NV after CRAO, with an incidence of 15%. The prevalences of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, history of stroke, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and age at first visit were higher among patients with ocular NV than among patients without ocular NV after CRAO. Moreover, most patients with CKD in the ocular NV group had undergone dialysis. A multivariate regression analysis revealed that CKD (hazard ratio [HR]: 9.27, 95% CI, 1.87-46.05, p = 0.006) and glaucoma history (HR: 7.52, 95% CI, 1.14-49.46, p = 0.036) were significant risk factors for developing ocular NV among patients with CRAO.

CONCLUSION

CKD and glaucoma history were significant risk factors for developing ocular NV after CRAO, particularly among patients that underwent dialysis.

Three-Year Outcomes of Pars Plana Ahmed and Baerveldt Glaucoma Implantations for Neovascular Glaucoma in Japanese Eyes

PRCIS

Tube shunt implantation through the pars plana was effective for neovascular glaucoma (NVG) for at least 3 years, with few serious postoperative complications observed.

PURPOSE

The aim was to report 3-year outcomes of pars plana Ahmed and Baerveldt glaucoma implantation for NVG in Japanese eyes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study examined 41 eyes of 39 patients who underwent tube shunt implantation through the pars plana with the Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI group, 26 eyes) or Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV group, 15 eyes) for NVG and who were followed up for over 3 years at Osaka Medical College between January 2009 and April 2016. Outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP, mm Hg) at presurgery and at 6 months and 1, 2, and 3 years postoperative. Postoperative failure was defined as an IOP of >21 mm Hg or <5 mm Hg, further glaucoma surgery, or no light perception.

RESULTS

Mean IOPs at presurgery and at 3 years postoperative were 34.8±9.1 and 15.6±4.6 in the AGV group, and 36.9±9.2 and 12.8±5.5 in the BGI group. Mean antiglaucoma medication scores at 3 years postoperative were 1.3±1.4 in the AGV group and 0.4±0.8 in the BGI group (P=0.05). The number of eyes with a probability of failure at 6 months and at 2 and 3 years postoperative was 2, 3, and 4, respectively, in the BGI group, and 0, 1, and 2, respectively, in the AGV group.

CONCLUSION

Findings for NVG cases showed tube shunt implantation through the pars plana was effective. Equivalent good IOP reductions were noted in both groups, with the BGI group requiring fewer postoperative antiglaucoma medications compared with the AGV group. Furthermore, both groups exhibited few serious postoperative complications.

Comparisons of the short-term effectiveness and safety of surgical treatment for neovascular glaucoma: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness and safety of the six interventions for neovascular glaucoma.

DESIGN

A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

METHODS

Randomised controlled trials and cohort studies which compared the six interventions in neovascular glaucoma were identified using the following databases searched up to 1 September 2020: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science. The quality assessment was conducted by using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The primary outcome measure was the weighted mean differences for intraocular pressure reduction. Secondary one was ORs for success rate. Outcome measures were reported with a 95% CI and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Network meta-analysis was performed using Stata V.15.0.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies involving a total of 1303 patients were included. The types of surgical treatments included Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implant surgery, AGV combined with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (AGV +IVAV), cyclophotocoagulation (CPC), cyclocryotherapy (CCT), trabeculectomy with mitomycin (Trab(MMC)) and Trab(MMC) combined with IVAV (Trab(MMC)+IVAV). Network meta-analysis showed that in comparison with AGV, AGV +IVAV (MD=4.74, 95% CI 1.04 to 8.45) and Trab(MMC)+IVAV (MD=6.19, 95% CI 0.99 to 11.40) showed a favourable effect in intraocular pressure reduction (IOPR) 6 months after surgery. Compared with CCT, AGV (OR=-0.17, 95% CI -0.53 to -0.05), AGV +IVAV (OR=-0.10, 95% CI -3.48 to -1.19), CPC (OR=-0.12, 95% CI -0.53 to -0.05), Trab(MMC) (OR=3.54, 95% CI 1.15 to 10.91) and Trab(MMC)+IVAV (OR=5.78, 95% CI 2.29 to 14.61) showed a superior impact in success rate. The order of efficacy as best intervention ranked as follows: Trab(MMC)+IVAV (IOPR 6 months after surgery, surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA)=88.1), CPC (IOPR 12 months after surgery, SUCRA=81.9), AGV +IVAV (IOPR 12 months after surgery, SUCRA=79.9) and AGV +IVAV (success rate, SUCRA=92.7). Adverse events were also summarised in detail.

CONCLUSION

In the treatment of neovascular glaucoma, AGV+IVAV and CPC were more effective in IOPR and success rate than the other four interventions. Additionally, AGV+IVAV is superior to CPC concerning the success rate in the long-term treatment. However, considering the limitations of this review, more high-quality trials, especially those surgical interventions not mentioned in this review, should be carried out in the future to further confirm the current findings.

A Long-term Clinical Study to Evaluate AGV with Concurrent Intravitreal Ranibizumab vs Primary AGV Implantation in Cases of Refractory Neovascular Glaucoma

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

How to cite this article

The pathological association between the anterior eye segment and the retina in a murine model of neovascular glaucoma

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is caused by the formation of new blood vessels in the angle, iris, and cornea in retinal ischemic disease, such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO), which can reduce the visual acuity. However, the pathophysiological symptoms of NVG are still not well understood because there is no model for the formation of NVG in the angle, iris, and cornea. The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of NVG during ischemic disease, in a murine model of retinal ischemia. We evaluated the changes of the intraocular pressure (IOP) and pathological symptoms in the anterior eye segment and retina in this model, and the changes in the RNA or protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibrosis-related factors were analyzed in the retina and cornea by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or western blot, respectively. Furthermore, we examined the changes in IOP after intravitreal injection of an anti-VEGF antibody. First, NVG formed in the retinal ischemic murine model, and the IOP was elevated in mice with NVG formation. Interestingly, VEGF expression was decreased in the retina but increased in the cornea in the murine model of NVG. On the other hand, fibrosis-related factors were increased in the retina and also significantly increased in the cornea in NVG. Moreover, the administration of anti-VEGF antibody immediately after vessel occlusion suppressed the increase in IOP, but administration at 7 days after vessel occlusion accelerated the increase in IOP. These findings suggest that the formation of NVG may be correlated with the pathological symptoms of retinal ischemic disease, via changes in VEGF and fibrosis-related factor expression.

Neovascular glaucoma following Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy: a rare complication in a postvitrectomised patient with diabetes

To describe a case of acute-onset neovascular glaucoma (NVG) after a neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy in a diabetic vitrectomized eye of a patient with severe systemic and ocular comorbidities. A man in his 50s underwent a Nd:YAG capsulotomy for visually significant posterior capsular opacification with a previous history of vitrectomy with silicone oil in situ for diabetic retinopathy. He had systemic and ocular comorbidities implicating an advanced ischaemic status, both systemically and locally. Five days post Nd:YAG capsulotomy, extensive neovascularisation of the iris and angles was noted. Despite maximum antiglaucoma medication, an evisceration ensued due to intractable NVG. This case report highlights the importance of irreversible complications after a seemingly simple capsulotomy in eyes with advanced ocular conditions and systemic comorbidities necessitating extreme caution.

Outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve and transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in neovascular glaucoma

Purpose

To determine the outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) and transscleral diode cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) in neovascular glaucoma (NVG).

Methods

This was a single-center retrospective comparative case series involving chart review of consecutive patients who underwent AGV or CPC for treatment of NVG and had ≥6 months of follow-up. Surgical failure at 6 months, defined as an IOP of >21 or <6 mm Hg with hypotony maculopathy after 1 month, progression to no light perception (NLP) vision, glaucoma reoperation, or removal of AGV were the main outcome measures.

Results

In total, 121 eyes of 121 patients were included (70 AGV and 51 CPC). Baseline demographics, visual acuity (VA), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were comparable between groups. At 6 months, failure was significantly higher in the CPC group than in the AGV group (43.1% vs. 17.1%, P = 0.020). Both groups had similar IOP and medication number at 6 months, but VA was significantly lower in the CPC group compared to the AGV group (2.4 ± 0.8 vs. 1.9 ± 1.0, P = 0.017). More CPC eyes required reoperation for glaucoma than AGV eyes (11.8% vs. 1.4%, P = 0.041). Multivariate regression analysis identified higher preoperative IOP (P = 0.001) and CPC surgery (P = 0.004) as independent predictors of surgical failure at 6 months. Age, sex, race, NVG etiology, bilaterality of the underlying retinal pathology, perioperative retina treatment, and prior or combined vitrectomy were not significant.

Conclusion

AGV and CPC had comparable IOP and medication reduction in NVG eyes at 6 months. CPC was more frequently associated with failure, reoperation for glaucoma, and worse visual outcomes. High preoperative IOP and CPC surgery independently predicted surgical failure.

Clinical observation of ranibizumab combined with surgery in the treatment of neovascular glaucoma with vitreous hemorrhage

PURPOSE

The aim was to explore the clinical efficacy of ranibizumab combined with surgical treatment of neovascular glaucoma with vitreous hemorrhage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 15 patients (17 affected eyes) who had neovascular glaucoma (NVG) with vitreous hemorrhage in our hospital were enrolled. After admission, the patient was given levofloxacin eye drops, 4 times a day. Three days later, the patients received intravitreal injection of ranibizumab. Then, trabeculectomy and vitrectomy were performed. The detailed clinical data, such as type of diseases, intraocular pressure (IOP), and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), were collected before and after surgery.

RESULTS

Visual acuity remained stable or improved in thirteen effected eyes and decreased in effected three eyes. Within 30 days after discharge, one effected eye recurred iris neovascularization with slightly higher IOP; then, the patient received intravitreal injection of ranibizumab again and neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) therapy. One patient (one effected eye) was given intravitreal ranibizumab injection again because of uncontrollable IOP and recurrence of neovascularization on iris surface and angle after operation; then, the patient received cyclophotocoagulation. Vitreous cavity hemorrhage occurred again in 3 patients after operation; then, these patients received the vitreous cavity lavage again. After trabeculectomy, inflammatory exudation or a small amount of bleeding could be seen in the anterior chamber of 6 young patients.

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal injection of ranibizumab can effectively promote the rapid regression of intraocular neovascularization and help to control the IOP and improve postoperative visual acuity.

Visual Outcomes in Eyes With Neovascular Glaucoma and Anterior Segment Neovascularization Without Glaucoma

PURPOSE

To find predictive factors of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) development in eyes with anterior segment neovascularization without glaucoma (ASNVWG), and poor visual outcomes in eyes that have already developed NVG.

DESIGN

Retrospective, clinical cohort studies.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on 106 eyes of 94 patients with ASNVWG and 245 eyes of 225 patients with NVG. Measured outcomes included the development of NVG at any time point of the disease for the ASNVWG arm, and a visual acuity of ≤20/200 at 6 months after initial presentation for the NVG arm.

RESULTS

Overall, 25% of ASNVWG eyes progressed to NVG. Progression was associated with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) (P < .01), lower median presenting BCVA (P < .01), and concurrent traction retinal detachments (TRDs) (P = .025). Sixty-eight percent of NVG eyes had a BCVA of ≤20/200 by 6-month follow-up, which was associated with RVO (P = .005), vitreous hemorrhage on presentation (P = .001), and no panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) treatments (P < .001). BCVA >20/200 at 6 months was associated with ≥1 PRP or intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) treatment within 1 week of presentation or ≥3 PRP or IVB treatments overall (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

RVO, presenting visual acuity, and concurrent TRD are risk factors for NVG in eyes with ASNVWG. In eyes with NVG, RVO and concurrent vitreous hemorrhage are risk factors for ≤20/200 vision at 6 months, whereas treatment with ≥1 PRP or IVB within 1 week of presentation, or ≥3 treatments of PRP or IVB within 6 months are protective.

Insights into Current Management Strategies for Dysthyroid Optic Neuropathy: A Review

Dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) is a potentially sight-threatening eye disease associated with Graves’ orbitopathy (GO). DON is not common in GO patients, reportedly occurring in only about 5% of patients. The pathogenesis of severe DON is considered to involve both muscular nerve strangulation and impaired blood flow. There is some objective grading of physical examination findings and the severity of GO, including a clinical activity score (CAS) and EUropean Group On Graves’ Orbitopathy (EUGOGO), but no specialized protocol completely characterizes DON. Most clinicians have decided that the combination of clinical activity findings, including visual acuity, color vision, and central critical fusion frequency, and radiological findings, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can be used to diagnose DON. MRI has the most useful findings, with T2-weighted and fat-suppressed images using short-tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences enabling detection of extraocular changes including muscle and/orbital fat tissue swelling and inflammation and, therefore, disease activity. The first-choice treatment for DON is intravenous administration of steroids, with or without radiotherapy. Unfortunately, refractoriness to this medical treatment may indicate the need for immediate orbital decompression within 2 weeks. Especially in the acute phase of DON, thyroid function is often unstable, and the surgeon must always assume the risk of general anesthesia and intra- and post-operative management. In addition, there are currently many possible therapeutic options, including molecular-targeted drugs. The early introduction and combination of these immunomodulators, including Janus kinase inhibitors and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor antibody (teprotumumab), may be effective for GO with DON. However, this is still under investigation, and the number of case reports is small. It is possible that these options could reduce systemic adverse events due to unfocused glucocorticoid administration. The pathophysiology of DON is not yet fully understood, and further studies of its treatment and long-term visual function prognosis are needed.

Non-Cancer Effects following Ionizing Irradiation Involving the Eye and Orbit

Simple Summary

The irradiation of tumors involving the eye or orbit represents a complex therapeutic challenge due to the proximity between the tumor and organs that are susceptible to radiation. The challenges include tumor control, as it is often a surrogate for survival; organ (usually the eyeball) preservation; and the minimization of damage of sensitive tissues surrounding the tumor in order to preserve vision. Anticipation of the spectrum and severity of radiation-induced complications is crucial to the decision of which technique to use for a given tumor. The aim of the present review is to report the non-cancer effects that may occur following ionizing irradiation involving the eye and orbit and their specific patterns of toxicity for a given radiotherapy modality. The pros and cons of conventional and advanced forms of radiation techniques and their clinical implementation are provided with a clinical perspective.

Abstract

The eye is an exemplarily challenging organ to treat when considering ocular tumors. It is at the crossroads of several major aims in oncology: tumor control, organ preservation, and functional outcomes including vision and quality of life. The proximity between the tumor and organs that are susceptible to radiation damage explain these challenges. Given a high enough dose of radiation, virtually any cancer will be destroyed with radiotherapy. Yet, the doses inevitably absorbed by normal tissues may lead to complications, the likelihood of which increases with the radiation dose and volume of normal tissues irradiated. Precision radiotherapy allows personalized decision-making algorithms based on patient and tumor characteristics by exploiting the full knowledge of the physics, radiobiology, and the modifications made to the radiotherapy equipment to adapt to the various ocular tumors. Anticipation of the spectrum and severity of radiation-induced complications is crucial to the decision of which technique to use for a given tumor. Radiation can damage the lacrimal gland, eyelashes/eyelids, cornea, lens, macula/retina, optic nerves and chiasma, each having specific dose–response characteristics. The present review is a report of non-cancer effects that may occur following ionizing irradiation involving the eye and orbit and their specific patterns of toxicity for a given radiotherapy modality.

[Long-term outcomes of anti-VEGF therapy for macular edema in retinal vein occlusion]

Antiangiogenic therapy (anti-VEGF) is the standard in the treatment of many retinal vascular diseases, including macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion (RVO). A large evidentiary basis has been collected, consisting of randomized clinical trials in which anti-VEGF therapy demonstrated a significant advantage over laser photocoagulation and placebo in patients with RVO. However, in everyday clinical practice the results are not always comparable to randomized clinical trials. This review presents an analysis of the current studies based on actual clinical practice. Their results helped identify the main aspects of antiangiogenic therapy that could improve the treatment outcomes for patients with RVO. Additionally, the article discusses the predictive factors for therapy outcomes and the effect of anti-VEGF therapy on the development of neovascular complications in patients with ischemic RVO.

INTRAVENOUS THROMBOLYTIC THERAPY FOR ACUTE NONARTERITIC CENTRAL RETINAL ARTERY OCCLUSION. A REVIEW

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a form of acute ischemic stroke. It is a critical condition that often leads to severe visual loss or blindness and can be a harbinger of further cerebrovascular events. Due to the lack of scientific data, there are no effective evidence-based forms of therapy for this condition. None of the conservative therapies have proven effective. The results of some previously published studies suggest a benefit of intravenous thrombolytic therapy in the same regimen as in the treatment of ischemic stroke. This work aims to present an overview of published clinical studies focused on the use of intravenous thrombolysis for CRAO, evaluate its efficacy and safety, and propose an optimal diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for acute management of CRAO. Summary statistics of patient data from relevant studies indicate that a significant visual acuity improvement was achieved by a total of 45 % of patients receiving alteplase within 4.5 hours of symptoms onset. The occurrence of adverse events in this time window was not significant. Intravenous thrombolytic therapy in CRAO thus appears to be effective and safe. However, we still lack data from adequate prospective randomized controlled trials to confirm this conclusion. To date, two randomized trials are being conducted. The intravenous thrombolysis administration, patient monitoring, etiologic workup, and setting of effective secondary prevention should be ensured at the centre of highly specialized cerebrovascular care. Urgent transport of the CRAO patient to the nearest centre is essential.

The influence of etiology on surgical outcomes in neovascular glaucoma

Background

The authors sought to evaluate visual outcomes in patients with varying etiologies of neovascular glaucoma (NVG), who were treated with glaucoma drainage devices (GDD).

Methods

This was a retrospective case series of patients at a large academic teaching institution who had surgical intervention for neovascular glaucoma between September 2011 and May 2019. Eyes were included if there was documented neovascularization of the iris/angle with an intraocular pressure (IOP) > 21 mmHg at presentation. Eyes must also have been treated with surgical intervention that included a GDD. Primary outcome measure was visual acuity at the 1-year post-operative visit. Secondary outcome measure was qualified success after surgery defined by: pressure criteria (5 mmHg < IOP ≤ 21 mmHg), no re-operation for elevated IOP, and no loss of LP vision.

Results

One hundred twenty eyes met inclusion criteria. 61.7% had an etiology of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), 23.3% had retinal vein occlusions (RVO), and the remaining 15.0% suffered from other etiologies. Of patients treated with GDD, eyes with PDR had better vision compared to eyes with RVO at final evaluation (p = 0.041). There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.027) in the mean number of glaucoma medications with Ahmed eyes (n = 70) requiring 1.9 medications and Baerveldt eyes (n = 46) requiring 1.3 medications at final evaluation.

Conclusions

In our study, many patients with NVG achieved meaningful vision, as defined by World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, and IOP control after GDD. Outcomes differed between patients with PDR and RVO in favor of the PDR group. Different GDD devices had similar performance profiles for VA and IOP outcomes. Direct prospective comparison of Baerveldt, Ahmed, and cyclophotocoagulation represents the next phase of discovery.

The study of the efficiency of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in the combined treatment of patients with secondary neovascular glaucoma

Background: Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a highly refractory form, it is characterized by fast development and a high level of the intraocular pressure (IOP). Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (mCPC) in the combined treatment of patients with secondary neovascular glaucoma. Methods: The study included 32 patients (32 eyes) with secondary NVG as an outcome of diabetes mellitus and (or) thrombosis of the central retinal vein or its branches. The preoperative IOP averaged 38.88.8 mm Hg with the most intense hypotensive therapy. All the patients underwent mCPC. In the postoperative period, the patients were examined on the first day after the operation, then in 1 week, 1, 3, 6 months, 1 year after the operation. Results: All the operations were performed without complications. Pain syndrome in all cases was stopped on the first day after surgery. Six patients had reactive hypertension on the first day, therefore, the hypotensive therapy was intensified. The IOP 1 week after mCPC was 20.97.9 mm Hg, after 1 month of observation 23.76.0 mm Hg with the hypotensive therapy. 34 weeks post-surgery, six patients with the preserved visual function experienced a repeated IOP increase, and the Ahmed valve was implanted. 6 months after mCPC, the IOP level averaged 22.87.7 mm Hg with the hypotensive therapy. Against the background of the IOP compensation, anti-VEGF drugs were injected in 4 cases, followed by laser coagulation of the retina. Conclusion: Application of mCPC in NVG glaucoma patients showed only a small number of postoperative complications. This method of laser treatment can be used in combination with panretinal laser coagulation before or after the surgery, including administration of anti-VEGF drugs before or after the surgery. In case of the IOP increase, mCPC may be repeated.

Primary slow-coagulation transscleral cyclophotocoagulation laser treatment for medically recalcitrant neovascular glaucoma

AIMS

To report treatment outcomes of slow-coagulation continuous-wave transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) as an initial surgical intervention in patients with neovascular glaucoma (NVG).

METHODS

A retrospective study including 53 patients (mean age of 69.6±16.6 years and mean follow-up of 12.7±8.9 months) with a diagnosis of NVG and no previous incisional glaucoma or cyclophotocoagulation surgeries. All patients underwent slow-coagulation continuous-wave TSCPC (1250-milliwatt power and 4-second duration).Primary outcome measure was surgical success defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) from 6 to 21 mm Hg with a reduction ≥20% from baseline, no reoperation for glaucoma and no loss of light perception vision. Secondary outcome measures include IOP, glaucoma medications, visual acuity (VA) and complications.

RESULTS

IOP decreased from 40.7±8.6 mm Hg preoperatively to 18.4±12.2 mm Hg postoperatively (p<0.001). The preoperative number of glaucoma medications dropped from 3.3±1.1 at baseline to 2.0±1.5 at the last postoperative visit (p<0.001). The cumulative probabilities of success at 12 and 24 months were 71.7% and 64.2 %, respectively. Mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution VA was relatively unchanged from 2.27±0.63 to 2.25±0.66 at the last follow-up visit (p=0.618). The most common observed complications were decrease in baseline VA (13.2%) and anterior chamber inflammation (9.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Slow-coagulation TSCPC is an effective and relatively safe initial surgical intervention in medically uncontrolled NVG.

Retinal vein occlusion: drug targets and therapeutic implications

INTRODUCTION

The pathogenesis of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is extremely complex and includes several mediators. These mediators represent potential drug targets that can be used in the development of intravitreal drugs.

AREAS COVERED

PubMed/MEDLINE databases were accessed between April-May 2021 to find the most relevant scientific papers regarding drug targets and therapeutic implications in RVO, focusing on current therapeutic options and potential cornerstones of future advances in treatment.

EXPERT OPINION

Before the introduction of intravitreal therapies, the visual outcome following a diagnosis of RVO was extremely poor. Anti-VEGF and corticosteroid treatments have radically changed RVO prognosis, helping to preserve patients' visual function and their quality of life. According to current clinical data, anti-VEGF and corticosteroid drugs are associated with both pros and cons; the present recommendation is to employ anti-VEGF molecules as a first-line treatment. Advances in our understanding of the biomolecular characteristics of RVO offer a solid basis for the development of new therapeutic targets and treatments.

Sociodemographic and Economic Factors in Outcomes of Tube Shunts for Neovascular Glaucoma

Importance

Few studies have analyzed associations between sociodemographic factors and neovascular glaucoma (NVG) outcomes.

Aim and background

To determine the potential impact of sociodemographic and economic factors on the NVG tube shunt surgery outcomes.

Design

Retrospective, single-center, comparative case series.

Participants

Consecutive patients who underwent tube shunt surgery for NVG and had ≥6 months of follow-up.

Materials and methods

Regional average adjusted gross income (AGI) was determined by cross-referencing self-reported residential zip codes with average AGI per zip code supplied by the Internal Revenue Service. Two groups were created: (1) lower-income: individuals from neighborhoods with the lowest 10% of AGI (near the United States poverty line), (2) higher-income: the remaining 90% of individuals.

Main outcome measures

Visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and glaucoma medication number at 6 months and the most recent visit.

Results

The mean annual AGI in the higher-income group (130 patients) was $69,596 ± 39,700 and the lower-income group (16 patients) was $27,487 ± 1,600 (p < 0.001). Age, sex, distance to the clinic, language, and all baseline clinical variables (including VA and IOP) were comparable between groups. Lower-income was associated with non-white race (81.3 vs 52.3%; p = 0.024). At month 6, VA in the lower-income group [median: HM (20/70–NLP)] was worse than the higher-income group [median: CF (20/25–NLP)] (log MAR VA: 2.32 ± 0.8 vs 1.77 ± 1.1; p = 0.02); these trends persisted through the most recent visit (p = 0.043). Follow-up IOP and medications were similar between groups.

Conclusions and relevance

Lower-income may be associated with worse VA outcomes following NVG tube shunt surgery.

How to cite this article

Shalaby WS, Arbabi A, Myers JS, et al. Sociodemographic and Economic Factors in Outcomes of Tube Shunts for Neovascular Glaucoma. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2021;15(2):70–77.

Trabeculectomy for neovascular glaucoma in proliferative diabetic retinopathy, central retinal vein occlusion, and ocular ischemic syndrome: Surgical outcomes and prognostic factors for failure

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcomes of trabeculectomy in the eyes with neovascular glaucoma (NVG), caused by proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), and ocular ischemic syndrome (OIS).

METHODS

A retrospective review of NVG eyes that underwent trabeculectomy between 1991 and 2019. Complete success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) between 6 and 21 mmHg without antiglaucoma medications (AGM). The risk factors were analyzed by Cox's proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

The study included 100 eyes of 100 subjects with a mean age of 58 ± 9.8 years and a median follow-up of 1.27 years (interquartile range: 0.63, 2.27). The cause of NVG was PDR in 59 eyes (59%), CRVO in 25 eyes (25%), and OIS in 16 eyes (16%). Trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C was performed in 88 eyes and trabeculectomy in 12 eyes. The cumulative complete success probability of trabeculectomy in PDR was 50% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 38, 65) at 1 year, 8% (1, 46) at 3-5 years. In OIS, it was 64% (43, 96) from 1 to 5 years. In CRVO, it was 75% (59, 94) at 1 year, 45% (23, 86) from 2 to 5 years. The PDR was associated with a higher risk of surgical failure compared to OIS (P = 0.04) and CRVO (P = 0.004). Other significant risk factors were increasing age (P = 0.02), persistent neovascularization of iris (NVI) (P = 0.03), higher number of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections prior to trabeculectomy (P = 0.02), and delay in performing trabeculectomy (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Compared to CRVO and OIS, the eyes with NVG secondary to PDR had poor success with trabeculectomy. Older age, persistent NVI, need for a higher number of anti-VEGF injections, and delayed surgery were associated with a higher risk for trabeculectomy failure.

Clinical profile and outcomes of neovascular glaucoma in the era of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor

Purpose:

To report the clinical profile and visual impairment in various stages of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) at a tertiary eye center in East India.

Methods:

The electronic medical records of the hospital database of patients with neovascular glaucoma seen between 2013 and 2020 were reviewed. Gonioscopic details were used to stratify patients into nonspecified NVG (Group 1), open-angle NVG (Group 2), and closed-angle NVG (Group 3). The clinical profile, angle features, cause of NVG, systemic associations, visual impairment, and blindness (defined as logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, LogMar >1.3 at baseline and at final follow-up), and outcomes of medical/surgical interventions were compared between the three groups.

Results:

Of 846 eyes of 810 patients with NVG (Group 1, n = 564 eyes, Group 2, n = 61 eyes, and Group 3, n = 220 eyes), at baseline, the blindness rates in Groups 3 and 2 were 90 and 75%, respectively. The time from a previous intervention to the onset of NVG ranged from 3 to 5 months, while the median duration of NVG was about 4–4.5 months (0.03–120 months). Multivariate regression identified a longer duration of NVG as the only variable associated with poor final visual acuity.

Conclusion:

Visual morbidity by NVG remains as high as 75–90% in developing countries, even with the availability of anti-VEGFs and after improved management/investigative at all stages.