Intermediate-term outcome of Baerveldt glaucoma implants in Asian eyes

Long-term outcomes of Baerveldt glaucoma implant surgery in Japanese patients

This study evaluated the long-term surgical outcomes of Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) surgery in patients with refractory glaucoma (204 eyes/204 patients). Surgical failure was defined by: < 20% reduction in preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), or criterion A (IOP > 21 mmHg), criterion B (IOP > 17 mmHg), or criterion C (IOP > 14 mmHg). Reoperation, loss of light perception vision, or hypotony also denoted failure. The probability of success at 5 years postoperatively using criteria A, B, and C was 72.4%, 49.7%, and 24.4%, respectively. The mean IOP decreased significantly from 32.7 ± 9.7 mmHg preoperatively to 13.1 ± 3.9 mmHg at 5 years; the mean number of glaucoma medications also decreased from 3.7 ± 1.2 to 1.8 ± 1.9 (both P < 0.01). The number of previous intraocular surgeries was significantly associated with failure in the multivariable analysis for criterion B (hazard ratio 1.30; P < 0.01) and criterion C (hazard ratio 1.19; P = 0.031). Early and late postoperative complications occurred in 82 (40.2%) and 28 (13.7%) eyes, respectively. Postoperative interventions were performed in 44 eyes (21.6%). BGI surgery resulted in significant long-term decreases in IOP and the number of glaucoma medications. BGI surgery is effective for refractory glaucoma. However, postoperative interventions due to complications are required in numerous cases.

Internal Tube Occlusion with An Easily Removable Non-Absorbable Double Suture: A Novel Surgical Technique Adjunct for Non-Valved Glaucoma Drainage Devices

To describe a surgical variant for non-valved glaucoma drainage device implants using an easily removable non-absorbable double suture into the lumen of the tube. A retrospective, non-comparative case series of 10 patients who underwent a non-valved glaucoma drainage device implant with an endoluminal double-suture for refractory glaucoma. The sutures were easily removed postoperatively without the need for an operating room. Intraocular pressure, number of medications, and early and late complications were evaluated with a follow-up of 12 months. None of the eyes that underwent an operation developed early or late complications. The first endoluminal suture was removed in all eyes with a mean time of removal of 30 ± 7 days. The second suture was removed in all eyes with a mean time of removal of 90 ± 7 days. No complications were noted, either, after or during suture removal. The mean preoperative IOP was 27.3 ± 4.0 and the postoperative IOP, at the end of the follow-up, was 12.7 ± 1.4. At the end of the follow-up, six patients (60%) achieved complete success and four patients (40%) achieved qualified success. In conclusion, in our case series, the surgical variant allowed for a safe and gradual regulation of the flow during postoperative management. Considering the efficacy of non-valved glaucoma drainage devices, an improvement in the safety profile allows surgeons to broaden the surgical indications.

Surgical Outcomes of Glaucoma Drainage Device Implantation in Refractory Glaucoma Patients in Thailand

Purpose

To study the surgical outcomes of glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation in refractory glaucoma patients.

Patients and Methods

Retrospective chart review of glaucoma patients undergoing GDD implantation, Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV), Baerveldt glaucoma implants (BGI), and Aurolab aqueous drainage implantation (AADI) from January 2012 to June 2021. Glaucoma patients were classified into two groups: primary glaucoma including: primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) and juvenile open angle glaucoma (JOAG) and secondary glaucoma including: neovascular glaucoma (NVG), ocular surgery (vitreoretinal surgery, scleral buckling procedure, postoperative extra capsular cataract extraction, scleral fixation intraocular lens, penetrating keratoplasty), intraocular trauma, uveitis glaucoma, lens-induced glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG), iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndromes and Axenfeld Rieger Syndrome. Surgical outcomes were studied.

Results

Primary glaucoma included 57 eyes from 49 patients. Secondary glaucoma included 87 eyes from 85 patients. The cumulative probability of complete or qualified success of refractory glaucoma patients at five years were 53.4% (95%CI: 38.4%, 66.3%). Higher success rate was discovered in primary glaucoma at 65.8% (95%CI: 38.4%, 83.3%) than 45.2% (95%CI: 26.9%, 61.9%) in secondary glaucoma group significantly with p=0.003. While the results among success rate, adverse events and complications was not different between types of GDD. Predictors for failure were neovascular glaucoma with unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) 3.62 (95%CI: 1.45, 9.04) with p=0.006, and lens-induced glaucoma with adjusted HR 4.19 (95%CI: 1.10, 15.86) with p=0.035 in multivariable analysis. Tube malposition and occlusion were the most frequent adverse events at 11.11%, corneal decompensation at 5.5%, hypotony at 2% in the nonvalved group, and endophthalmitis at 0.69%.

Conclusion

Surgical success in refractory primary glaucoma was superior to secondary glaucoma with no difference between nonvalved and valved GDD implantation. Lens-induced glaucoma was a strong predictor for failure in GDD implantation.

Safety and efficacy of Aurolab aqueous drainage implant in refractory glaucoma: A prospective study

Purpose

This study was conducted to assess the intraocular pressure (IOP) control and postoperative complications following a non-valved glaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery in refractory glaucoma.

Methods

This was a prospective interventional study conducted on patients with glaucoma refractory to maximal medications or failed surgical treatment who underwent Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI; Aurolabs, India) surgery. Primary outcome measures were IOP control, postoperative complications, and reduction in the number of antiglaucoma medications (AGM).

Results

Thirty-four eyes were analyzed and the mean follow-up was 16.06 ± 5.63 months. The preoperative median (Q1, Q3) IOP was 31 mmHg (28, 36.5) which decreased to 12 mmHg (12, 14) at 6 months postoperatively. The median (Q1, Q3) number of AGMs decreased from 3 (3, 4) to 0 (0, 1). Significant complications like implant extrusion and tube exposure were noted in two eyes. The total success and failure rates at 6 months were 91.1% and 8.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

AADI is effective in achieving target IOP and significantly reduces the use of AGMs with good safety in the short term. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to assess long-term IOP control and cost-effectiveness.

Comparing Surgical Outcomes in Neovascular Glaucoma between Tube and Trabeculectomy: A Multicenter Study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the surgical outcomes between Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) surgery and trabeculectomy with mitomycin C for patients with neovascular glaucoma (NVG).

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical cohort study at 5 clinical centers in Japan.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients treated with trabeculectomy or BGI for NVG between April 1, 2012, and December 31, 2019, at 5 clinical centers were recruited.

METHODS

The inclusion criteria were age ≥ 20 years and having NVG. The exclusion criteria were eyes with no light perception vision and with previous tube-shunt surgery. If both eyes in the same patient satisfied the inclusion criteria, the eye that was treated first was investigated. We included 100 eyes undergoing BGI surgery and 204 eyes undergoing trabeculectomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was surgical success or failure, with failure being defined according to 3 criteria: < 20% reduction of the preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) or criterion A (IOP > 21 mmHg), criterion B (IOP > 17 mmHg), or criterion C (IOP > 14 mmHg). Cases of reoperation, a loss of light perception vision, or hypotony were also considered failures.

RESULTS

The probability of success was significantly higher in patients undergoing BGI surgery than in those receiving trabeculectomy for criteria A (P < 0.01) and B (P = 0.01). Trabeculectomy was significantly associated with surgical failure in the multivariable analysis for criterion A (hazard ratio, 1.70) and criterion B (hazard ratio, 1.50). The overall incidence of postoperative complications was similar between the 2 groups. Reoperations for glaucoma were required significantly more frequently in the trabeculectomy group than in the BGI surgery group (20.1 % vs. 5.0%; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Baerveldt glaucoma implant surgery had a higher success rate compared with trabeculectomy in patients with NVG for a target IOP < 21 mmHg or < 17 mmHg. The rates of postoperative complications were similar between both surgical procedures. Additional glaucoma surgery was required more frequently after trabeculectomy than after BGI surgery.

Outcomes of inferonasal glaucoma drainage device surgery in the management of childhood glaucoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate indications and postoperative outcomes of inferonasal Ahmed and Baerveldt glaucoma drainage devices (GDDs) in pediatric glaucoma.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients ≤18 years of age at inferonasal GDD placement, from June 2013 to September 2021. Demographic information, indications, and outcomes were recorded. Successful eyes had intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥5 and ≤21 mm Hg or (in severe cases, where entry IOP was ≤21 mm Hg) 20% below preoperative values without additional IOP-lowering surgery or vision-threatening complications.

RESULTS

A total of 68 eyes of 52 patients were included. Mean age was 9.8 ± 5.8 years. Most common diagnoses included primary congenital glaucoma (n = 28 eyes [41%]) and glaucoma following cataract surgery (n = 12 eyes [18%]). Success rates by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (95% CI) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years were 62.2% (49.4-72.7), 49.0% (36.3-60.6), 36.8% (24.0-49.8), and 31.9% (18.5-44.5), respectively. Surgical failure was associated with Ahmed (vs Baerveldt) GDD (HR = 3.2; P = 0.002) and inferonasal site as initial (vs subsequent) GDD received (HR = 2.2; P = 0.048). Twenty-five eyes (36.7%) had at least one complication. Although vision-threatening complications were uncommon (n = 2 eyes [3%]), less severe complications were relatively common and included new/worsened strabismus (n = 9 patients [17%]), corneal edema (n = 6 eyes [9%]), lens opacities (n = 4 [6%]), tube or patch graft exposure (n = 3 [4%]), tube blockage (n = 2 eyes [3%]), and other (n = 8 eyes [12%]).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study cohort, inferonasal GDDs for childhood glaucoma had modest success, with frequent though rarely vision-threatening complications.

Factors associated with the surgical outcomes of Baerveldt glaucoma implant for open-angle glaucoma, an age-related eye disease

To identify the factors associated with the surgical outcomes of Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) for open-angle glaucoma (OAG), the medical records of 51 consecutive OAG patients (age, 43-91 years) who underwent BGI were retrospectively reviewed (median follow-up, 21.7 months). Surgical success was defined as the following postoperative intraocular pressures (IOPs, mmHg): (A) 6 ≤ IOP ≤ 21; (B) 6 ≤ IOP ≤ 18; and (C) 6 ≤ IOP ≤ 15 without loss of light perception or additional glaucoma surgery. Univariate analysis showed that age (all criteria), glaucoma type (criterion C), and preoperative IOP (criteria A and B) were the candidate factors (P < 0.20). When the patients were divided into two groups according to median age (72 years), the success probability was higher in the older group for criteria B (P = 0.047) and C (P = 0.02), and the postoperative IOP was lower in the older group 1-year post-surgery (P = 0.002). Furthermore, the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model revealed that older age was independently associated with surgical success for criteria B (relative risk [RR], 0.94; P = 0.02) and C (RR, 0.94; P = 0.01). In conclusion, older age is a factor associated with the surgical success of BGI for OAG.

Recent trends in glaucoma surgery: a nationwide database study in Japan, 2011-2019

PURPOSE

To clarify recent trends in glaucoma surgery in Japan, including minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

We used the Diagnostic Procedure Combination database, a nationwide administrative database in Japan. Patients who underwent glaucoma-related procedures were included. We calculated the number of surgeries stratified by procedures and age categories. We also investigated the number of glaucoma-related procedures in combination with cataract surgery.

RESULTS

From fiscal years 2011 to 2019, we identified 134,331 glaucoma-related procedures at 720 hospitals. The total number of glaucoma-related procedures increased by 215% from 6516 in 2011 to 20,569 in 2019. The numbers of filtering surgeries, trabeculotomies, and glaucoma drainage devices with plates [GDD(p +)] procedures significantly increased (P = 0.002, 0.002, and 0.006, respectively), whereas the number of cyclocryotherapy procedures significantly decreased (P = 0.002). The number of iStent procedures increased by 49% from 371 in 2018 to 551 in 2019. The ≥ 65 year age group accounted for > 80% of the iStent procedures. In the 0 to 14 year age group, trabeculotomy accounted for about 70% of the procedures, and the GDD(p +) procedure became the second most common procedure after trabeculotomy because of the decrease in filtering surgeries. Among combination surgeries, trabeculotomy was most frequently performed. The proportion of combination surgery increased, especially in trabeculotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The total number of glaucoma-related procedures increased throughout the observation period. Before 2017 filtering surgery was the most common procedure, whereas trabeculotomy was most common after 2018. The proportion of trabeculotomies performed in combination with cataract surgery continuously increased.

Treatment outcomes in the neovascular glaucoma tube versus trabeculectomy study

PURPOSE

To compare surgical outcomes between patients who underwent Baerveldt glaucoma implantation versus trabeculectomy (TLE) for the treatment of neovascular glaucoma.

METHODS

We performed a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial at Hiroshima University and Tsukazaki Hospital, Japan. Patients were randomized to Baerveldt glaucoma implantation (23 patients) or TLE (27 patients). The primary outcome measure was the rate of intraocular-pressure control. Secondary outcome measures included complications and interventions. We defined "failure" as intraocular pressure ≥ 22 mmHg or < 20% reduction from baseline pressure, on two consecutive follow-up visits; need for additional glaucoma surgery; vision-threatening complications; or loss of light perception. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine surgical success rates. Postoperative complications and interventions were compared between the two groups with Pearson Chi-square tests.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in demographic or ocular characteristics between the treatment groups at baseline. The postoperative follow-up was 26.6 ± 19.4 months in the Baerveldt group and 27.3 ± 20.1 months in the TLE group. There were no statistical differences (Mann-Whitney nonparametric tests with Bonferroni correction) in postoperative intraocular pressure measured at 6-month intervals. Success rates were 59.1 and 61.6% at 1-year after Baerveldt glaucoma implantation and TLE, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant difference in success between groups (P = 0.71, log-rank test). Medication use, visual acuity, and interventions were similar between groups. Thirteen late postoperative complications developed in the Baerveldt glaucoma implantation group and four complications developed in the TLE group. Tube exposure was the most common late complication.

CONCLUSION

These two procedures produced similar surgical success, intraocular-pressure reductions, visual acuity, and number of medications at the last visit. The TLE group showed smaller numbers of late complications and patients who lost more than two lines of visual acuity. Therefore, TLE might be a safer and better way to treat patients with neovascular glaucoma.

Health-related quality of life in Ahmed FP7, and Baerveldt 250 and 350 patients compared with medical controls

PURPOSE

To compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with Ahmed FP7 (FP7), Baerveldt 250 (B250) and Baerveldt 350 (B350) glaucoma drainage device (GDDs), and medically treated controls.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study from August 2017 to July 2019. The NEI 25-Item Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25), the Adult Strabismus-20 questionnaire (AS-20) and the Diplopia Questionnaire were conducted ≥30 days postoperatively in GDD patients, on enrolment for controls. Age, sex, treatment type, visual acuity, mean deviation and diplopia were evaluated for association with HRQoL RESULTS: Of the 128 GDD patients enrolled, 35 (27.3%) had FP7, 32 (25.0%) had B250 and 61 (47.7%) had B350. In univariate analysis, decreased HRQoL was associated with younger age (r² range 0.042-0.071), diplopia (r² range 0.039-0.119), GDD treatment (r² range 0.023-0.103), lower visual acuity (r² range 0.021-0.215) and worse mean deviation (r² range 0.029-0.131). All GDD groups had lower HRQoL subscores than the controls. HRQoL scores were lower compared with controls among B350 patients for AS-20 Self-perception subscale, B250 and B350 for Reading and General Function subscales, and FP7 and B350 for VFQ-25 Visual Functioning subscale. There were no significant differences among the GDDs.

CONCLUSIONS

Glaucoma patients with a younger age, diplopia, lower visual acuity, worse mean deviation or a GDD had lower HRQoL. Those with B350 had lower self-perception scores, consistent with previous reports in the literature. This subscale was not diminished in FP7 or B250, so the decreased self-perception scores may be due to greater visibility or awareness of the B350.

The Baerveldt Glaucoma Drainage Device: Efficacy, Safety, and Place in Therapy

Objective

This review summarizes published findings concerning the Baerveldt-350 glaucoma drainage device (GDD). Most studies focus on the comparison between different treatments; in this review, the primary focus is efficacy, safety, and place in therapy for the Baerveldt implant.

Methods

A systematic review was performed using the PubMed database for literature on March 13th, 2020. Efficacy was estimated by performing multiple meta-analyses to calculate the weighted mean difference in intraocular pressure (IOP) and IOP-lowering medication after surgery. In order to get an indication of the safety of the Baerveldt implant, all recorded peri- and postoperative complication were summarized.

Results

A total of 21 studies, including 12 randomized controlled trials, were included with a follow-up up to 5 years, covering a mix of glaucoma types. At the last follow-up point, at 5 years postoperative, the mean (95% confidence interval) reduction in IOP was 15.57 mmHg (14.43-16.71) and the mean (95% confidence interval) reduction in IOP-lowering medication after surgery was 1.81 (1.61-2.01). Most frequently observed postoperative complications were corneal edema (2-34%) and tube complications (4-33%). Rates of required re-intervention ranged from 0% to 51% across all included studies.

Conclusion

The efficacy of the Baerveldt implant is a significant reduction in IOP in the long term. The safety profile of the Baerveldt implant in terms of complication incidence is similar to those reported for other GDD's. For treatment of secondary glaucoma, we suggest the Baerveldt (or any other similar GDD) as the choice of treatment in patients where highest IOP reduction is desired.

Outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve FP8 versus FP7 in adult secondary glaucoma

AIM

To compare the outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) pediatric FP8 versus the large-sized adult FP7 implants in an adult secondary glaucoma.

METHODS

Patients who underwent AGV implantation from January 2011 to December 2016 for adult secondary glaucoma (due to causes other than post-vitreoretinal/buckle surgery glaucoma) with a follow-up of 6 months were included for this retrospective study. Success was defined as IOP > 6 mm Hg and < 21 mm Hg without any loss of vision, with or without the need of anti-glaucoma medications or additional procedures for control of IOP. Hypertensive phase was defined as IOP > 21 mmHg at any visit in the first 6 months of postoperative follow-up period, while failure was defined as IOP > 21 mm Hg even after medications or additional procedures, need of removal of implant or loss of light perception. Cumulative survival rates and intraoperative or postoperative complications along with IOP profiles were compared between the implants.

RESULTS

Of 43 patients, 19 patients underwent FP7 and 24 patients underwent FP8 Ahmed Glaucoma valve implantation. The IOP significantly reduced in both groups from baseline (31 ± 8.2 mm Hg in FP7 eyes and 37 ± 13.1 mm Hg in FP8 eyes) by a mean of 64 ± 23.5% in FP8 and 64 ± 21.5% in FP7 group, respectively, p = 0.8 with comparable final IOP of 16.5 mm Hg and 16.9 mm Hg, respectively, p = 0.9. Both groups had 75% qualified success rates at 20 months after surgery with similar rates of need for postoperative medications or incidence of hypertensive phase. The FP8 eyes had more frequent conjunctiva-related complications in eyes with prior surgeries and preoperative conjunctival scarring while the other complications were similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Surgical outcomes of adult FP7 and pediatric FP8 AGV in adult secondary glaucoma seem to achieve similar IOP control and success rates. This suggests that smaller-sized FP8 can be used in adult glaucoma with good surgical outcomes albeit with careful case selection in eyes with extensive preoperative scarring to avoid conjunctival thinning-related complications postoperatively.

Safety and efficacy of paediatric silicone Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) in adult eyes with post-VR surgery glaucoma

PURPOSE

To compare the safety and efficacy of the FP8 AGV (paediatric) with the standard FP7 AGV in adult post-vitreoretinal (VR) surgery glaucoma.

METHODS

We included 45 consecutive eyes with post-VR surgery glaucoma implanted with either FP8 (n = 28) or FP7 (n = 17) AGV between 2008 and 2016. The data analysed included visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), complications, interventions, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Mean age (p = 0.24), mean baseline VA (p = 0.77), preoperative IOP (p = 0.41), number of antiglaucoma medications (p = 0.92), and previous surgeries (p = 0.16) were comparable in the two groups. The number of eyes with previous belt buckle was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the FP8 group (17/28) compared with the FP7 group (2/17), indicating space constraint and scarred conjunctiva. The median follow-up (25th, 75th percentile) was 14.7 (9.1, 25.3) months in the FP7 and 9.8 (6.4, 34.7) months in the FP8 groups (p = 0.62). Postoperatively, the median VA (p = 0.24), the mean IOP at final follow-up (p = 0.15), and median number of AGM (p = 0.99) were comparable in both the groups. The median percentage drop in IOP (95% confidence interval) with the FP7 implant was 55% (43.70%) and with FP8 implant was 53.8% (25, 73), (p = 0.20). None in the FP7 group failed, while three eyes in the FP8 group failed. During the study period, two eyes in the FP8 group had tube exposure that was surgically managed. None of the eyes had implant exposure or loss of light perception.

CONCLUSION

Use of the paediatric FP8 AGV in adult post-VR surgery glaucoma eyes with severe conjunctival scarring and limited subconjunctival space resulted in reasonable IOP control compared with the standard FP7 AGV implant. There were no eyes with implant extrusion.

A prospective randomized controlled study of Aurolab aqueous drainage implant versus Ahmed glaucoma valve in refractory glaucoma: A pilot study

PURPOSE

To study the efficacy of the Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) compared to Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) in patients with refractory glaucoma.

METHODS

This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial. Thirty-eight adult patients (>18 years) scheduled for a glaucoma drainage device (GDD) were randomized into two groups to receive either AGV or AADI. Primary outcome measures: intraocular pressure (IOP) control and requirement of antiglaucoma medications; secondary outcome measures: final best correct visual acuity (log MAR), visual field (Visual field index [VFI], mean deviation [MD] and pattern standard deviation [PSD]), postoperative complications and additional interventions. Complete success was defined as IOP ≥5-≤18 mmHg without antiglaucoma medications/laser/additional glaucoma surgery or any vision threatening complications.

RESULTS

There were 19 age and sex-matched patients in each group. Both groups had comparable IOP before surgery (P = 0.61). The AGV group had significantly lower IOP compared to AADI group (7.05 ± 4.22 mmHg vs 17.90 ± 10.32 mmHg, P = <0.001) at 1 week. The mean postoperative IOP at 6 months was not significantly different in the two groups (13.3 ± 4.2 and 11.4 ± 6.8 mmHg respectively; P = 0.48). At 6 months, complete success rate according to antiglaucoma medication criteria was 78.94% in AADI and 47.36% in AGV groups. AGV group required 1.83 times more number of topical medications than AADI group. There was no significant difference in early (P = 0.75) and late (P = 0.71) postoperative complications in the AADI and AGV group. The complete success rate was higher in AADI group (68.42%) than AGV group (26.31%) (P = 0.034).

CONCLUSION

In this study, AADI appears to have comparable efficacy versus AGV implant with higher complete success rate at 6 months follow-up.

Efficacy of glaucoma drainage devices in uveitic glaucoma and a meta-analysis of the literature

Purpose

To assess the efficacy of glaucoma drainage devices (GDD) in uveitic glaucoma and non-uveitic glaucoma, and to perform a meta-analysis of previously published results to compare with our data.

Methods

Retrospective case-control study, in which all eyes that underwent GDD surgery were included from 2015 onwards. Cases were defined as patients with uveitic glaucoma. Patients with non-uveitic glaucoma served as controls. To compare our results, a review of the literature was performed using PubMed database.

Results

A total of 99 eyes were included (38 with uveitic glaucoma). The preoperative IOP was 25.9 ± 7.7 mmHg and 27.9 ± 9.6 mmHg for patients with and without uveitis (p = 0.277). No significant differences were found between patients with and without uveitis in the final IOP or reduction in IOP (44.9% vs. 42.8%, respectively). Within the first year after surgery, 13.2% of cases developed macular edema (vs. 6.6%; p = 0.267) and 15.8% a transient hypotony (vs. 8.2%; p = 0.242). A meta-analysis of 24 studies showed a postoperative weighted mean difference of − 17.8 mmHg and 2.2 lower number of IOP-lowering medications in uveitic glaucoma (compared to − 13.2 mmHg and 3.5 in the current study, respectively).

Conclusion

GDD surgery in patients with uveitis has a similar effect on IOP as in patients without uveitis. The risks of developing macular edema and hypotony were slightly higher in patients with uveitis, but the results were not statistically significant. These findings are in line with previous reports, though data on the efficacy of GDD surgery and macular edema in uveitic glaucoma is scarce.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00417-018-4156-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of same-session trabectome surgery on Ahmed glaucoma valve outcomes

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and survival rates of same session ab interno trabeculectomy with the trabectome and Ahmed glaucoma valve implant (AT) in comparison to the Ahmed glaucoma valve alone (A).

METHOD

A total of 107 eyes undergoing primary glaucoma surgery were enrolled in this retrospective comparative case series, including 48 eyes which underwent AT and 59 eyes which received A alone. Participants were identified using the procedural terminology codes, and their medical records were reviewed. The primary outcome measure was success defined as IOP > 5 mmHg, ≤ 21 mmHg and ≥ 20% reduction of IOP from baseline at two consecutive visits after 3 months, and no need for glaucoma reoperation. Secondary outcome measures were IOP, the number of glaucoma medications, incidence of a hypertensive phase, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

RESULTS

The cumulative probability of success at 1 year was 70% in AT, and 65% in A (p = 0.85). IOP decreased significantly from 26.6 ± 10.1 mmHg at baseline to 14.7 ± 3.3 mmHg at the final follow-up in AT (p = 0.001). The corresponding numbers for A were 27.8 ± 10.2 and 16.7 ± 4.9, respectively (p = 0.001). The final IOP was significantly lower in AT (p = 0.022). The number of medications at baseline was comparable in both groups (2.6 ± 1.2 in AT and 2.5 ± 1.3 in A, p = 0.851). Corresponding number at 1 year visit was 1.2 ± 2 in AT and 2.8 ± 1.8 in A (p = 0.001). The incidence of a hypertensive phase was 18.7% in AT and 35.5% in A (p = 0.05). HP resolved in only 30% of eyes. The criteria for HP resolution were fulfilled in 9 eyes (30%). There was no difference in the rate of resolution of the hypertensive phase between AT and A (33.3 and 28.5%, respectively, p = 0.67).

CONCLUSION

Ahmed glaucoma valve implant with same session trabectome surgery significantly decreased the rate of the hypertensive phase and postoperative IOP as well as the number of glaucoma medications.

Incidence of Conjunctival Exposure following Drainage Device Implantation in Patients with Glaucoma

Purpose

To evaluate prior studies including a glaucoma drainage device and to describe the timing and incidence of conjunctival exposure. A meta-analysis of previously published articles.

Methods

Articles included were prospective, single cohort, or comparative parallel design, with a mean treatment period of at least 3 months and at least 30 patients per treatment arm. We limited our analysis to studies that evaluated the most common devices, including Ahmed, Baerveldt, and Molteno.

Results

We included 38 studies containing 45 treatment arms (16 Ahmed, 12 Baerveldt, and 17 Molteno). These studies included 3,105 patients and 3,255 eyes with an average follow-up of 26.1±3.3 months. The overall incidence of exposure was 2.0±2.6% (n=64) of eyes with an average exposure/month of 0.09±0.14%. There was no significant correlation between study length and incidence of exposure (p=0.11), although multivariate regression analysis identified length of follow-up as a risk factor for exposure (p=0.001). Among individual drainage devices, there was no significant difference in the incidence of exposure (p=0.22) or percent exposure per month (p=0.18). In addition, no difference existed in the incidence of exposure between sizes for the Baerveldt 250, 350 or 500 mm (p=0.7), number of plates for the Molteno Single or Double (p=0.3), nor between the composition of the Ahmed Silicone or Polypropylene (p=0.7).

Conclusions

This study suggests that tube exposure of glaucoma implants is unusual and the incidence does not differ between the Ahmed, Baerveldt, and Molteno implants. However, exposure appears to occur at any time within the first 5 years following implantation.

Aqueous Drainage Device Erosion: A Review of Rates, Risks, Prevention, and Repair

Aqueous drainage device tube erosions require prompt intervention to prevent endophthalmitis. As the use of drainage devices in glaucoma surgery continues to increase, recognizing and managing tube erosions is a pertinent issue. This review provides a comprehensive overview of tube erosions, including the rates of erosion with various types of patch grafts, the risk factors associated with erosion, and approaches to repair in order to counsel and treat our patients to prevent endophthalmitis.

Flow Test to Predict Early Hypotony and Hypertensive Phase After Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) Surgical Implantation

PURPOSE

To assess the validity of a preimplantation flow test to predict early hypotony [intraocular pressure (IOP)≤5 mm Hg on 2 consecutive visits and hypertensive phase (HP) (IOP>21 mm Hg) after Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implantation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Prospective interventional study on patients receiving an AGV. A preimplantation flow test using a gravity-driven reservoir and an open manometer was performed on all AGVs. Opening pressure (OP) and closing pressure (CP) were defined as the pressure at which fluid was seen to flow or stop flowing through the AGV, respectively. OP and CP were measured twice per AGV. Patients were followed for 12 weeks.

RESULTS

In total, 20 eyes from 19 patients were enrolled. At 12 weeks the mean IOP decreased from 29.2±9.1 to 16.8±5.2 mm Hg (P<0.01). The mean AGV OP was 17.5±5.4 mm Hg and the mean CP was 6.7±2.3 mm Hg. Early (within 2 wk postoperative) HP occurred in 37% and hypotony in 16% of cases. An 18 mm Hg cutoff for the OP gave a sensitivity of 0.71, specificity of 0.83, positive predictive value of 0.71, and negative predictive value of 0.83 for predicting an early HP. A 7 mm Hg cutoff for the CP yielded a sensitivity of 1.0, specificity of 0.38, positive predictive value of 0.23, and negative predictive value of 1.0 for predicting hypotony.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative OP and CP may predict early hypotony or HP and may be used as a guide as to which AGV valves to discard before implantation surgery.

Five-Year Pooled Data Analysis of the Ahmed Baerveldt Comparison Study and the Ahmed Versus Baerveldt Study

PURPOSE

To determine the relative efficacy of the Ahmed-FP7 and Baerveldt BG101-350 implants.

DESIGN

Pooled analysis of 2 multicenter, randomized clinical trials.

METHODS

A total of 514 patients aged 18 or older with uncontrolled glaucoma that had failed or were at high risk of failing trabeculectomy were randomized to receive an Ahmed implant (n = 267) or Baerveldt implant (n = 247). Cumulative failure rates (using an intraocular pressure [IOP] target of 6-18 mm Hg inclusive), de novo glaucoma surgery rates, mean IOP, mean glaucoma medication use, and visual acuity were compared.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Mean preoperative IOP of the study population was 31.5 ± 11.3 mm Hg on an average of 3.3 ± 1.1 glaucoma medications. At 5 years, mean IOP was 15.8 ± 5.2 mm Hg in the Ahmed group and 13.2 ± 4.7 mm Hg in the Baerveldt group (P < .001). Mean glaucoma medication use was 1.9 ± 1.5 in the Ahmed group and 1.5 ± 1.4 in the Baerveldt group (P = .007). The cumulative failure rate at 5 years was 49% in the Ahmed group and 37% in the Baerveldt group (P = .007). High IOP was the most common reason for failure in both groups, and de novo glaucoma surgery was required in 16% of the Ahmed group and 8% of the Baerveldt group (P = .006). Failure owing to hypotony occurred in 0.4% of the Ahmed group and 4.5% of the Baerveldt group (P = .002). Visual outcomes were similar between groups (P = .90).

CONCLUSIONS

The Baerveldt group had a lower failure rate, lower rate of de novo glaucoma surgery, and lower mean IOP on fewer medications than the Ahmed group. Baerveldt implantation carried a higher risk of hypotony.

Retrospective Comparison of Intermediate-term Efficacy of 350 mm2 Glaucoma Drainage Implants and Medium-sized 230-250 mm2 Implants

Aim

To compare the intermediate-term efficacy of a large surface area Baerveldt 350 mm² glaucoma drainage device (GDD) with medium surface area implants (Baerveldt 250 mm² and Molteno 3, 230, or 245 mm²).

Design

This is a retrospective, nonrandomized comparative trial.

Materials and methods

A total of 94 eyes of 94 patients of mixed glaucoma diagnoses without any prior glaucoma surgical procedures and who had undergone a glaucoma drainage implant surgery with either a large Baerveldt 350 mm² GDD or a medium-sized GDD (Baerveldt 250 mm² or Molteno 230 or 245 mm²) were reviewed for intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, and visual acuity (VA) preoperatively, and at 1, 2, and 3 years postprocedure.

Results

No significant differences were found in mean IOP, number of glaucoma medications used, and VA at 1, 2, and 3 years postoperatively. The rate of additional glaucoma procedures was similar between the two groups.

Conclusion

There is no clear evidence that a larger implant surface area beyond 230 to 250 mm² is advantageous in providing intermediate-term IOP control.

Clinical significance

It may be technically easier to surgically place a GDD that does not need to have its wings placed underneath the recti muscles, and the IOP results are similar.

How to cite this article

Meyer AM, Rodgers CD, Zou B, Rosenberg NC, Webel AD, Sherwood MB. Retrospective Comparison of Intermediate-term Efficacy of 350 mm² Glaucoma Drainage Implants and Medium-sized 230-250 mm² Implants. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2017;11(1):8-15.

Relationship between Glaucoma Drainage Device Size and Intraocular Pressure Control: Does Size Matter?

There is ambiguity in the literature regarding whether a larger glaucoma drainage device (GDD) achieves a lower long-term intraocular pressure (IOP). There is some evidence on both sides, but overall there seems to be an optimal surface area of approximately 200-250 mm² beyond which there may be little advantage to increasing the plate size for most patients.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE

Rodgers CD, Meyer AM, Sherwood MB. Relationship between Glaucoma Drainage Device Size and Intraocular Pressure Control: Does Size Matter? J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2017;11(1):1-2.

Time Heals All Wounds: Obstacles in Glaucoma Surgery from an Asian Perspective

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and is a particular burden on the Asian population. Glaucoma surgeries such as trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage implants are routinely performed to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) to prevent disease progression. However, scarring of the filtering bleb limits their long-term success and Asian eyes are more at risk. Although this is so, many existing studies have been done on Caucasian patients, but few have focused solely on Asian patients. Intraoperative anti-metabolites such as Mitomycin-C (MMC) and 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) are the current mainstay of adjunctive treatments to reduce scarring, and in this review, we evaluate the evolution, benefits and side effects of these agents. Recently, newer methods of wound modulation including anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents and collagen implants are also being investigated as part of a multi-pronged approach to tackle this problem. Some opportunities exist to limit scarring post-operatively, but it is an ongoing battle.

The Early Postoperative Complications of Two Different Tube Ligation Methods in Baerveldt Implant Surgery

Objective: To investigate the early postoperative complications in two different tube ligation methods during the first 3 months in Baerveldt implant surgery.

Participants: This study involved 157 eyes from 144 patients who underwent Baerveldt Implant Surgery at the Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan.

Methods: Pre- and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), combined surgery, postoperative time-point of tube ligation release, and postoperative complications in two different tube ligation methods [absorbable ligation method using 8-0 polyglactin suture (group A) and nonabsorbable ligation method using 7-0 nylon suture (group B)] were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: After excluding eyes that had undergone combined trabeculectomy (26 eyes) and vitrectomy (2 eyes), eyes with previous tube surgery (22 eyes), and eyes that had undergone the stent method (1 eye), 30 of 28 patients in group A and 71 eyes of 71 patients in group B were found to fit the criteria of this study. The rate of successful surgical outcome was 80% in group A and 74.6% in group B (p = 0.705). During the 3 months postoperative, high IOP tended to occur more often in group B (67.6%) than in group A (46.7%) (p = 0.073), and ciliochoroidal detachment tended to occur more often in group A (10.0%) than group B (2.8%) (p = 0.154).

Conclusion: The results of this study show that both ligation methods are effective, however, the selection of tube ligation method should be done in accordance with the different method-specific risks to which may occur.

How to cite this article: Kawamorita S, Hamanaka T, Sakurai T. The Early Postoperative Complications of Two Different Tube Ligation Methods in Baerveldt Implant Surgery. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2014;8(3):96-100.

Five-year treatment outcomes in the Ahmed Baerveldt comparison study

PURPOSE

To compare the 5-year outcomes of the Ahmed FP7 Glaucoma Valve (AGV) (New World Medical, Cucamonga, CA) and the Baerveldt 101-350 Glaucoma Implant (BGI) (Abbott Medical Optics, Abbott Park, IL) for the treatment of refractory glaucoma.

DESIGN

Multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 276 patients, including 143 in the AGV group and 133 in the BGI group.

METHODS

Patients aged 18 to 85 years with previous intraocular surgery or refractory glaucoma and intraocular pressure (IOP) of ≥18 mmHg in whom glaucoma drainage implant (GDI) surgery was planned were randomized to implantation of an AGV or a BGI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Surgical failure, IOP, visual acuity (VA), use of glaucoma medications, and complications.

RESULTS

At 5 years, IOP (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) was 14.7±4.4 mmHg in the AGV group and 12.7±4.5 mmHg in the BGI group (P = 0.015). The number of glaucoma medications in use at 5 years (mean ± SD) was 2.2±1.4 in the AGV group and 1.8±1.5 in the BGI group (P = 0.28). The cumulative probability of failure during 5 years of follow-up was 44.7% in the AGV group and 39.4% in the BGI group (P = 0.65). The number of subjects failing because of inadequately controlled IOP or reoperation for glaucoma was 46 in the AGV group (80% of AGV failures) and 25 in the BGI group (53% of BGI failures; P = 0.003). Eleven eyes in the AGV group (20% of AGV failures) experienced persistent hypotony, explantation of implant, or loss of light perception compared with 22 eyes (47% of failures) in the BGI group. Change in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution VA (mean ± SD) at 5 years was 0.42±0.99 in the AGV group and 0.43±0.84 in the BGI group (P = 0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

Similar rates of surgical success were observed with both implants at 5 years. The BGI produced greater IOP reduction and a lower rate of glaucoma reoperation than the AGV, but the BGI was associated with twice as many failures because of safety issues.

Pediatric infectious endophthalmitis: a review

Infectious endophthalmitis is a rare but severe complication of septecemia, intraocular surgeries, or penetrating eye trauma. The etiology, prognosis, and management of pediatric endophthalmitis resulting from exogenous and endogenous infections are reviewed. Open-globe trauma and glaucoma surgery are the most frequent causes of endophthalmitis in children, whereas endogenous infection is the least common cause. Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species are common bacterial agents in both posttraumatic and postoperative pediatric endophthalmitis, whereas Candida albicans is a commonly reported organism in endogenous endophthalmitis. Additionally, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae appear more likely as pathogens in children than in adults. The clinical manifestations and outcome usually correlate with the virulence of the infecting organism. The visual prognosis of endophthalmitis is generally poor.

Comparison of the outcome of silicone Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation with a surface area between 96 and 184 mm² in adult eyes

Purpose

To compare the success rates, complications, and visual outcomes between silicone Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation with 96 mm² (FP8) or 184 mm² (FP7) surface areas.

Methods

This study is a retrospective review of the records from 132 adult patients (134 eyes) that underwent silicone AGV implant surgery. Among them, the outcomes of 24 eyes from 24 patients with refractory glaucoma who underwent FP8 AGV implantation were compared with 76 eyes from 76 patients who underwent FP7 AGV implantation. Preoperative and postoperative data, including intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, number of medications, and complications were compared between the 2 groups.

Results

There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the 2 groups (p > 0.05). The postoperative visual acuity of the patients in the FP8 group was better than that of the patients in the FP7 group in some early postoperative periods (p < 0.05); however, after 10 postoperative months, visual acuity was not significantly different through the 3-year follow-up period (p > 0.05). Postoperative IOP was not significantly different between the 2 groups (p > 0.05) except for IOP on postoperative day 1 (11.42 mmHg for the FP7 group and 7.42 mmHg for the FP8 group; p = 0.031). There was no statistical difference in success rates, final IOP, number of medications, or complication rates between the 2 groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The FP7 and FP8 AGV implants showed no difference in terms of vision preservation, IOP reduction, and number of glaucoma medications required.

The Ahmed Baerveldt Comparison Study methodology, baseline patient characteristics, and intraoperative complications

PURPOSE

The Ahmed Baerveldt Comparison (ABC) Study compares the long-term outcomes and complications of the Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV; model FP7; New World Medical, Los Ranchos, CA) and the Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI; model 101-350; Abbott Medical Optics, Abbott Park, IL).

DESIGN

Multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred seventy-six glaucoma patients at 16 clinical centers worldwide who were 18 to 85 years of age with inadequately controlled intraocular pressure (IOP; ≥18 mmHg) in whom placement of an aqueous shunt was planned.

METHODS

Study patients were randomized to undergo implantation of an AGV or a BGI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Failure, defined as IOP >21 mmHg or not reduced by 20% less than baseline or IOP ≤5 mmHg (2 consecutive visits after 3 months), additional glaucoma surgery, removal of the implant, or loss of light perception vision.

RESULTS

A total of 276 patients were enrolled between October 2006 and April 2008, including 143 in the AGV group and 133 in the BGI group. The mean age±standard deviation (SD) of patients enrolled was 63±14 years, and 52% were male. The mean baseline IOP±SD was 31.5±11.8 mmHg. Except for a 13% higher prevalence of hypertension in the AGV group, no significant differences in baseline demographic or ocular characteristics were observed between the study groups. Intraoperative complications occurred in 11 (8%) patients in the AGV group and in 16 (12%) patients in the BGI group (P = 0.31).

CONCLUSIONS

The ABC Study should yield valuable prospective data comparing 2 commonly used aqueous shunts in clinical practice.

Intermediate outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve surgery in Asian patients with intractable glaucoma

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in Asian patients with refractory glaucoma.

METHODS

The study was a retrospective interventional case series conducted at a single institution between January 2004 and January 2006. The study population included 91 patients (91 eyes).

RESULTS

A total of 70 patients were successfully treated (74.5%). Postoperatively, the median intraocular pressures declined significantly to 13 mm Hg (interquartile range: 10-20 mm Hg) on day 1 (P<0.001) and 17 mm Hg (interquartile range: 12-19 mm Hg) at the last follow-up examination (P<0.001). The cumulative probability of success according to Kaplan-Meier life-table analysis was 74% at 12 months and 43% at 2 years. Hazard of failure increased slightly with age, HR: 1.03 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.00-1.05; P=0.044). The most common complication was hyphaemia at 12.77%. There were no serious complications involving loss of visual acuity or sight.

CONCLUSIONS

AGV implantation is an acceptable treatment for refractory glaucoma in high-risk patients with few additional options.

Modern aqueous shunt implantation: future challenges

The aqueous shunts that are currently available are based on the principles of the Molteno implant, i.e., a permanent sclerostomy, routing of aqueous to the equatorial subconjunctival space, and an end plate to prevent obstruction, and also to determine the surface area for absorption. While the Ahmed Glaucoma Valve appears to have improved the predictability of early intraocular pressure (IOP) control, the Baerveldt Glaucoma Implant has a tendency towards a lower rate of long-term excessive encapsulation. As a result of improvements in predictability, shunts are used more widely. Because of these positive factors, and ongoing concerns regarding the bleb-related problems associated with mitomycin C trabeculectomy, there is an increasing interest in the use of shunts as primary surgical management for primary glaucoma. At present, the main barrier to wider use of shunts in less-complicated glaucomas will probably be the unknown long-term effect on corneal endothelium, an issue that has not yet been properly addressed.

Aqueous shunts for glaucoma

BACKGROUND

Aqueous shunts are employed for intraocular pressure (IOP) control in primary and secondary glaucomas that fail medical, laser, and other surgical therapies.

OBJECTIVES

This review compares aqueous shunts for IOP control and safety.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, NRR all in January 2006, LILACS to February 2004 and reference lists of included trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all randomized and quasi-randomized trials in which one arm of the study involved shunts.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently extracted data for included studies and a third adjudicated discrepancies. We contacted investigators for missing information. We used fixed-effect models and summarized continuous outcomes using mean differences.

MAIN RESULTS

We included fifteen trials with a total of 1153 participants with mixed diagnoses. Five studies reported details sufficient to verify the method of randomization but only two had adequate allocation concealment. Data collection and follow-up times were variable.Meta-analysis of two trials comparing Ahmed implant with trabeculectomy found trabeculectomy resulted in lower mean IOPs 11 to 13 months later (mean difference 3.81 mm Hg, 95% CI 1.94 to 5.69 mm Hg). Meta-analysis of two trials comparing double-plate Molteno implant with the Schocket shunt was not done due to substantial heterogeneity. One study comparing ridged with standard double-plate Molteno implants found no clinically significant differences in outcome. Two trials investigating the effectiveness of adjunctive mitomycin (MMC) with the Molteno and Ahmed implants found no evidence of benefit with MMC. Two trials that investigated surgical technique variations with the Ahmed found no benefit with partial tube ligation or excision of Tenon's capsule. One study concluded there were outcome advantages with a double versus a single-plate Molteno implant and one trial comparing the 350 mm(2) and 500 mm(2) Baerveldt shunts found no clinically significant advantage of the larger device but neither of these trials included all patients randomized. One study suggested improved clinical outcome when MMC was employed with a newly described shunt including ultrasound supporting the conclusion. One small study did not demonstrate an outcome advantage to systemic steroid use postoperatively with single-plate Molteno shunts. One study comparing endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) with Ahmed implant in complicated glaucomas found no evidence of better IOP control with Ahmed implant over ECP.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Relatively few randomized trials have been published on aqueous shunts and methodology and data quality among them is poor. To date there is no evidence of superiority of one shunt over another.

Endophthalmitis associated with the Ahmed glaucoma valve implant

AIM

To investigate the rate, risk factors, clinical course, and treatment outcomes of endophthalmitis following glaucoma drainage implant (GDI) surgery.

METHODS

A computerised relational database search was conducted to identify all patients who were implanted with Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) and developed endophthalmitis following surgery at the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between 1 January 1994 and 30 November 2003. Only medical records of the patients who developed endophthalmitis were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

542 eyes of 505 patients who were on active follow up were included in the study. Endophthalmitis developed in nine (1.7%) eyes; the rate was five times higher in children than in adults. Delayed endophthalmitis (developed 6 weeks after surgery) occurred in eight of nine eyes. Conjunctival erosion overlying the AGV tube was present in six of nine eyes. Common organisms isolated in the vitreous included Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus species. Multiple regression analysis revealed that younger age and conjunctival erosion over the tube were significant risk factors associated with endophthalmitis.

CONCLUSION

Endophthalmitis is a rare complication of GDI surgery that appears to be more common in children. Conjunctival dehiscence over the GDI tube seems to represent a major risk factor for endophthalmitis. Prompt surgical revision of an exposed GDI tube is highly recommended.

Surgical outcomes of combined phacoemulsification and glaucoma drainage implant surgery for Asian patients with refractory glaucoma with cataract

PURPOSE

To examine the safety and efficacy of combined phacoemulsification and glaucoma drainage implant surgery in providing reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) and visual rehabilitation in eyes with refractory glaucoma and cataract.

DESIGN

Interventional case series.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on all subjects who underwent combined phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation and glaucoma drainage implant surgery by a single surgeon at the National University Hospital, Singapore. The implants used were the 185 mm2 Ahmed glaucoma valve and the 350 mm2 Baerveldt glaucoma implant. In terms of IOP, a complete success was defined as IOP of between 6 to 21 mm Hg without medication, qualified success as IOP between 6 to 21 mm Hg with one or more medication, and failure as a sustained IOP of >21 mm Hg or <6 mm Hg with or without one or more medication on two or more visits.

RESULTS

A total of 32 combined phacoemulsification and glaucoma implant surgeries in 32 patients was performed. All patients were of Asian origin, and the mean age was 58 +/- 16 years (range, 20-78 years). The Baerveldt glaucoma implant and Ahmed glaucoma valve implant were inserted in 16 eyes each. With a mean follow-up of 13 +/- 5 months (range 6 to 22 months), IOP was reduced from a mean of 28.0 +/- 11.5 mm Hg to 15.2 +/- 6.0 mm Hg postoperatively (P <.0001), whereas the number of antiglaucoma medications decreased from a mean of 2.4 +/- 1.4 to.3 +/-.7 (P <.0001) at last follow-up. Overall, there were 24 eyes (75%) that were classified as complete successes, 4 eyes (12.5%) that were qualified successes, and 4 eyes that failed (12.5%). Twenty-three eyes (72%) had improvement of visual acuity, while only one eye had a loss of more than 1 line of Snellen acuity. There was no case that encountered an intraoperative complication, and postoperative complications occurred in 12 eyes (38%), the most common of which was hypotony (in six eyes, 19%).

CONCLUSION

For subjects with refractory glaucoma and cataract, combined phacoemulsification and glaucoma drainage implant surgery provide good visual rehabilitation and control of IOP, with low incidence of complications.

Evaluation of the hypertensive phase after insertion of the Ahmed Glaucoma Valve

PURPOSE

To investigate the postoperative hypertensive phase (HP) in patients undergoing glaucoma drainage implant surgery.

DESIGN

Interventional case series.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 156 consecutive eyes (139 patients) who underwent placement of an Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) with a follow-up of >or=3 months was performed. Main outcome measures were occurrence and resolution of the HP and intraocular pressure (IOP) control. The HP was defined as IOP > 21 mm Hg during the first 3 months after surgery. Resolution of the HP was defined as an IOP < 22 mm Hg and an IOP reduction of 3 mm Hg with the same or fewer number of glaucoma medications.

RESULTS

An HP was observed in 88 eyes (56%). It occurred after a mean of 5.0 weeks (median, 4 weeks; range, 1-13 weeks) with an average (+/- standard deviation) peak IOP of 30.1 (+/- 7.5) mm Hg. Resolution of the HP occurred in 19 of 68 eyes (28%) with available data. Eyes with an HP had a higher mean IOP and needed more medications 6 to 12 months after surgery than eyes without an HP (17.2 +/- 5.6 vs 14.3 +/- 5.8 mm Hg; P =.012 and 1.7 +/- 1.2 vs 0.3 +/- 0.6 medications; P <.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

A hypertensive phase occurs frequently after implantation of the AGV. However, it resolves in only a minority of eyes. The majority of eyes with an HP have no significant improvement of IOP control and continue to require the same number of glaucoma medications as they did during the HP.