Trabeculectomy outcomes in advanced glaucoma in Nigeria

Differences in the Surgical Outcomes of Glaucoma Surgery in Patients of African Caribbean Descent

PURPOSE

People of African Caribbean Descent (ACD) have a higher prevalence of glaucoma compared to people of European Descent (ED) and there is uncertainty if treatment outcomes are equivalent between the two groups. To assess surgical failure rates comparing ACD with ED focusing on trabeculectomy, aqueous shunt implantation, non-penetrating filtering surgery (NPFS), and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) by performing a systematic review in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and to determine whether there is any evidence in to show a difference in success rates based on race.

METHODS

A systematic review of articles using the CENTRAL, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases was completed. Additional studies were identified by contacting clinical experts and searching bibliographies. All retrospective and prospective studies on trabeculectomy, aqueous shunt implantation, NPFS, and MIGS that included at least 20% ACD were included. Two review authors independently screened search results for eligibility and inclusion and extracted the data using pre-determined fields.

RESULTS

A total of 76 studies were identified for inclusion in the review. Glaucoma surgical outcomes in ACD appear to be poorer compared to ED overall, particularly for trabeculectomy. Data on NPFS are limited, but the studies completed thus far demonstrate surprisingly good results for ACD, particularly when compared to ED, who have significantly lower pre-operative IOPs. Evidence from studies investigating aqueous shunts does not suggest that ACD have poorer outcomes than ED. There is not enough data on MIGS to provide a significant conclusion.

CONCLUSION

In a population where trabeculectomy may no longer be the gold standard, sufficiently powered studies assessing surgical outcomes in aqueous shunts, NPFS, and MIGS are needed to guide clinicians.

Combined Visco-Trab operation: A dual filtration pathway for management of advanced glaucoma-midterm results

PURPOSE

To study midterm efficacy and safety of combined Visco-Trab operation for management of advanced glaucoma.

METHODS

168 eyes of 148 patients with advanced glaucoma had Visco-Trab operation (a merge of both viscocanalostomy and trabeculectomy operations). Mean follow-up was 29.1 ± 22.2 months. Criteria of success were intraocular pressure (IOP) of 14 mmHg or less with or without glaucoma medications, with no devastating complications, loss of light perception, or additional glaucoma surgery.

RESULTS

IOP, number of glaucoma drops, and visual field mean deviation were significantly reduced (11.9 ± 5.6 mmHg, 0.7 ± 1.2, and 14.2 ± 6.3 dB, compared to preoperative values of 24.4 ± 9.9 mmHg, 2.8 ± 1.4, and 17.3 ± 6.3 dB, respectively). Success was reported in 136 of 168 eyes (81%) without (100 eyes, 59.5%) or with (36 eyes, 21.5%) glaucoma medications. A functioning bleb was seen in 2/3rd of eyes; diffuse (59 eyes, 35%) and thin ischemic (54 eyes, 32%). Predictors for failure to achieve the target IOP included previous ocular (p = 0.01) or glaucoma (p = 0.04) surgery, number of preoperative glaucoma medications (p = 0.029), and severity of glaucoma (p = 0.058).

CONCLUSION

Combined Visco-Trab operation proved safe and effective, on midterm follow-up, in reducing IOP to the proposed target level in eyes with severe glaucoma via enhancing internal and external filtration.

What Glaucoma Surgical Rate could Serve as a Target for West Africa? A Systematic Review

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to use the available evidence to model a glaucoma surgical rate (GSR), which could serve as a target for West Africa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed in Medline, Embase, Global Health, and CINAHL, and studies published between January 1, 2000, and June 19, 2020, were retrieved. Study selection, quality appraisal, and data extraction were performed and the results of individual studies aggregated and presented using a narrative synthesis. Using these data, we aimed to construct a target GSR per million population per year that is sufficient to offer trabeculectomy to most patients with glaucoma who are diagnosed, and for whom other treatment options are either ineffective or inappropriate. The findings were then used to develop a trabeculectomy target for West Africa.

RESULTS

Initial searches returned 633 references, of which 33 unique studies were eligible for inclusion. The glaucoma prevalence population-based surveys identified, reported a wide range of prevalence of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) ranging from 1.0 to 8.4%. The studies on glaucoma medications reported intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effects ranging from 12.8% (beta-blockers) to 63.7% (Timolol-Latanoprost combinations). The adherence rate to antiglaucoma medications spanned from 10.3 to 82.3%. Regarding selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), only two studies were found. All the studies on trabeculectomy showed a significant reduction in IOPs at different follow-up periods with many reporting the absence of vision-threatening complications. From these available data, a GSR of 50 trabeculectomies was suggested for countries in West Africa.

CONCLUSION

This trabeculectomy target metric is expected to minimize POAG blindness in the West African subregion.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The proposed GSR will enable eye care workers involved in glaucoma care in West Africa to assess their efforts compared with the proposed target. The gap will signal the potential for improvement.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE

Eni EN, Nolan W, Eval B, et al. What Glaucoma Surgical Rate could Serve as a Target for West Africa? A Systematic Review. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2021;15(1):19-27.

Glaucoma Surgery Outcome in Rwanda

PURPOSE

To assess long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) outcome after adult trabeculectomy surgery in Central Africa.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All adult glaucoma patients who underwent trabeculectomy surgery in the Kabgayi Eye Unit, Rwanda between August 2003 and March 2008 were invited for a follow-up visit. Surgical and clinical data were collected from medical records. At the study visit, best-corrected visual acuity was measured and Goldmann applanation tonometry and biomicroscopy were done. Good IOP outcome was defined as both an IOP<21 mm Hg and achieving ≥30% reduction from the preoperative IOP. Considering first operated eyes, univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate risk factors for failure.

RESULTS

Of 163 individuals operated 3 had died, 118 (74%) participated. Preoperatively, the mean IOP was 31 mm Hg (SD=11; range, 12 to 60). At the time of the follow-up study visit the mean postoperative IOP was 13 mm Hg (SD=5; range, 4 to 35). Good IOP outcome was achieved in 132 eyes (84%). Univariate analysis suggested a protective effect against failure of use of antimetabolites [odds ratio (OR)=0.39; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.14-1.11; P=0.07] and a decrease in success with length of follow-up (OR=3.57; 95% CI, 1.09-12.50; P=0.03). The latter remained borderline significant with multivariate analysis. Seven eyes went from previously better vision (at least hand movements) down to perception of light or no perception of light after trabeculectomy. Particularly a flat anterior chamber in the first postoperative week (OR=0.07; 95% CI, 0.01-0.49; P<0.001) and late hypotony (OR=0.04; 95% CI, 0.002-0.99; P=0.004) were significant risk factors for severe visual loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Trabeculectomy with antimetabolites is one of the best available options for glaucoma management in Africa. However, the IOP control reduced at a follow-up duration beyond 2 years, highlighting the importance of regular long-term follow-up.

Is Beta Radiation Better than 5 Flurouracil as an Adjunct for Trabeculectomy Surgery When Combined with Cataract Surgery? A Randomised Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

In an African setting surgery is generally accepted as the treatment of first choice for glaucoma. A problem with trabeculectomy surgery for the glaucomas is the frequent co-existence and exacerbation of cataract. We report a randomized controlled trial to compare the use of beta radiation with 5FU in combined cataract and glaucoma surgery.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

Consenting adults aged >40 years with glaucoma, an IOP>21mmHG and cataract were enrolled and randomised to receive either 1000cG β radiation application or sub-conjunctival 5fluorouracil (5FU) at the time of combined trabeculectomy and phaco-emulsification with lens implant surgery.

RESULTS

385 individuals were eligible for inclusion of whom 301 consented to inclusion in the study (one eye per patient). 150 were randomised to the 5FU arm and 151 received β radiation. In the 12 months following surgery there were 40 failures (IOP>21mmHg) in the 5FU arm and 34 failures in the beta arm. The hazard ratio for the beta radiation arm compared to the 5FU arm, adjusted for IOP at baseline, was 0.83 (95% c.i. 0.54 to 1.28; P = 0.40). The improvement from mean presenting visual acuities of 0.91 and 0.86 logMAR to 0.62 and 0.54 in the 5FU and beta arms respectively was comparable between groups (P = 0.4 adjusting for baseline VA). Incidence of complications did not differ between the two groups.

DISCUSSION

This study highlights several important issues in the quest for a therapeutic strategy for the glaucomas in an African context. Firstly, there is no evidence of an important difference between the use of 5FU and beta radiation as an anti-metabolite in phacotrabeculectomy. Secondly phacotrabeculectomy is a successful operation that improves visual acuity as well as controlling IOP in a majority of patients. Although the success of trabeculectomy in lowering IOP is reduced when combined with phacoemulsification compared with trabeculectomy alone, this finding has to be set against the possible need for subsequent cataract surgery following trabeculectomy alone, which represents a second trip and expense for the patient and results in 10-61% failure of the trabeculectomy at one year post-cataract surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN36436933.

Adapted motivational interviewing to improve the uptake of treatment for glaucoma in Nigeria: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease associated with irreversible visual loss. In Africa, glaucoma patients often present late, with very advanced disease. One-off procedures, such as laser or surgery, are recommended in Africa because of lack of or poor adherence to medical treatment. However, acceptance of surgery is usually extremely low. To prevent blindness, adherence to treatment needs to improve, using acceptable, replicable and cost-effective interventions. After reviewing the literature and interviewing patients in Bauchi (Nigeria) motivational interviewing (MI) was selected as the intervention for this trial, with adaptation for glaucoma (MIG). MI is designed to strengthen personal motivation for, and commitment to a specific goal by eliciting and exploring a person's reasons for change within an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion. The aim of this study is to assess whether MIG increases the uptake of laser or surgery amongst glaucoma patients where this is the recommended treatment. The hypothesis is that MIG increases the uptake of treatment. This will be the first trial of MI in Africa.

METHODS

This is a hospital based, single centre, randomized controlled trial of MIG plus an information sheet on glaucoma and its treatment (the latter being "standard care") compared with standard care alone for glaucoma patients where the treatment recommended is surgery or laser.Those eligible for the trial are adults aged 17 years and above who live within 200 km of Bauchi with advanced glaucoma where the examining ophthalmologist recommends surgery or laser. After obtaining written informed consent, participants will be randomly allocated to MIG plus standard care, or standard care alone. Motivational interviewing will be delivered in Hausa or English by one of two MIG trained personnel. One hundred and fifty participants will be recruited to each arm. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants undergoing laser or surgery within two months of the date given to re attend for the procedure. MIG quality will be assessed using the validated MI treatment integrity scale.

DISCUSSION

Motivational interviewing may be an important tool to increase the acceptance of treatment for glaucoma. The approach is potentially scalable and may be useful for other chronic conditions in Africa.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN79330571 (Controlled-Trials.com).

Epidemiological properties of primary open angle glaucoma in Nigeria

Background. Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is progressive chronic optic neuropathy in adults in which intraocular pressure (IOP) and other currently unknown factors contribute to damage. POAG is the second commonest cause of avoidable blindness in Nigeria. Pattern of Presentation. POAG is characterized by late presentation. Absence of pain which is a driving force for seeking medical help, inadequacy of trained eye care personnel, paucity of facilities, misdistribution of resources, lack of awareness, poor education, and poverty may all contribute to this. Medical and surgical treatment options available are challenging and tasking. Screening for Glaucoma. Screening is the presumptive identification of unrecognized disease (POAG) by applying test(s) which can be applied rapidly. Such test(s) should be of high reliability, validity, yield, acceptable, and cost effective. The test should ideally be sensitive, specific, and efficient. It is difficult to select a suitable test that meets these criteria. Intraocular pressure (IOP) appears to be the easiest option. But, high IOP is not diagnostic nor does normal value exclude the disease. Health education is a possible strategy in early case detection and management. Treatment of POAG. Glaucoma treatment can either be medical or surgical (this includes laser). Considering unavailability, potency, cost, and long-term effects of medication, surgery (trabeculectomy) could be a better option. Laser trabeculoplasty is available in a few centers. Viscocanalostomy is not routinely performed. Patient education is vital to success as management is for life. Conclusion. POAG remains a cause of avoidable blindness in Nigeria. There is need for long-term strategy to identify patients early and institute prompt management. Improvement in training of eye care personnel and provision of up to date equipment is essential in achieving this goal.

Combined Viscocanalostomy-Trabeculectomy for management of Advanced Glaucoma - A Comparative Study of the Contralateral Eye: A Pilot Study

PURPOSE

To compare combined viscocanalostomy-trabeculectomy (VISCO-TRAB) to trabeculectomy (TRAB) for the management of advanced glaucoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study cohort comprised of 18 subjects with bilateral advanced glaucoma who underwent VISCO-TRAB surgery (VISCO-TRAB group) in the right eye and TRAB (TRAB group) in the left eye. VISCO-TRAB constituted lamellar scleral flap, deep scleral flap dissection with deroofing of Schlemm's canal (SC), viscodilation of SC, penetrating trabeculectomy, peripheral iridectomy, and tight flap closure. All eyes received subconjunctival mitomycin. Success criteria included intraocular pressure (IOP) < 14 mmHg or > 30% lowering of IOP with no devastating complications. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Mean IOP was significantly lower after VISCO-TRAB compared to TRAB at 1 week and 3 months postoperatively (P<0.05). No eyes lost more than two lines of Snellen acuity. There were more hypotony-related complications after TRAB than VISCO-TRAB surgery. Target IOP was achieved in 83.3% in the VISCO-TRAB group compared to 55.6% in the TRAB group.

CONCLUSION

Combined VISCO-TRAB is effective in reducing IOP to the target level for advanced glaucoma with lower postoperative complications.

Moving the goal posts definitions of success after glaucoma surgery and their effect on reported outcome

PURPOSE

To determine (1) the extent to which the definition of success of glaucoma surgery varies in the literature and (2) the degree to which the reported outcome after trabeculectomy is affected by the criteria used to define success.

DESIGN

A systematic review of the literature and application of definitions to a retrospective cohort.

PARTICIPANTS

A cohort of 100 patients who previously underwent trabeculectomy.

METHODS

A literature search was performed of PubMed using the search term trabeculectomy for a 5-year period. Studies presenting original data relating to longitudinal intraocular pressure (IOP) control after glaucoma surgery were included. The definitions of success and failure used were documented for each publication. Each IOP-related definition of success was applied to a cohort of patients who previously underwent trabeculectomy. Success rates were derived for each published definition up to 36 months after surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Intraocular pressure measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry.

RESULTS

From 100 publications meeting the inclusion criteria, 92 distinct IOP-related definitions of success were identified. Using these definitions, success rates for this series of 100 trabeculectomies varied between 36.0% and 98.0% after 3 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Over a recent 5-year period, there were nearly as many different definitions of success after glaucoma surgery as publications on the subject. The definition used markedly affects the quoted success rate after trabeculectomy, making interpretation of and comparison between published results extremely difficult. Standardization of published outcome parameters after glaucoma surgery is essential to allow meaningful comparisons between different study reports.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Combined viscocanalostomy-trabeculectomy for management of far-advanced glaucoma: evaluation of the early postoperative course

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To study the early postoperative efficacy and safety of combined viscocanalostomy with trabeculectomy (VISCO-TRAB) for treating far-advanced glaucoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with far-advanced glaucoma scheduled for glaucoma surgery were enrolled in the study. Surgery included viscocanalostomy until Schlemm's canal was deroofed and dilated with viscoelastic, followed by penetrating corneotrabeculectomy, peripheral iridectomy, and tight closure of lamellar flap. Patients with severe glaucoma who were treated with trabeculectomy only (TRAB) in the preceding year were used for comparison.

RESULTS

The study included 39 eyes in the VISCO-TRAB group and 40 eyes in the TRAB group. Mean intraocular pressure was significantly lower in the VISCO-TRAB group during the early postoperative period (P < .05). The postoperative course was less eventful in the VISCO-TRAB group with minimal hypotony or suture lysis-related complications.

CONCLUSION

During the early postoperative period, VISCO-TRAB proved efficacious and safe in reducing intraocular pressure to target levels in patients with far-advanced glaucoma.

Post-operative complication of trabeculectomy in Ibadan, Nigeria: outcome of 1-year follow-up

OBJECTIVE

To describe the post-operative complications reported in patients who had trabeculectomy with and without antimetabolite in UCH, Ibadan between 1999 and 2003 and the success rate achieved in term of the post-operative intraocular pressure (IOP).

METHODS

A retrospective study of the records of glaucoma patients who had trabeculectomy between 1999 and 2003 and had follow-up in UCH Ibadan eye clinic for a minimum of 1 year was carried out.

RESULTS

Seventy-six out of 171 eyes that had trabeculectomy during the period were reviewed. Mean age of patients was 49.4 years. The mean preoperative IOP was 31.8 mm Hg. Success rate of 79.4% was achieved in term of IOP control at a year of follow-up. The most frequent early post-operative complication was shallow AC (13 eyes; 17.1%) while late complication was elevated IOP (21 eyes; 27.6%). Others were encapsulated bleb 7.9% and hyphema 3.9%. There was no significant difference in the complication rate in those who had intraoperative antimetabolite (5-fluorouracil) when compared with those operated without antimetabolite.

CONCLUSION

Guarded filtration surgery is effective in controlling IOP. Most of the complications noted were transient and not visually threatening.

Outcome of trabeculectomies without adjunctive antimetabolites

SUMMARY BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of trabeculectomy in the management of glaucoma is well known. It is the most common intervention for most glaucoma cases treated in the Upper East region. In this region trabeculectomies are, however, performed without adjunctive antimetabolites.

OBJECTIVE

To report on the outcome of trabeculectomy without adjunctive antimetabolites in controlling the intraocular pressures of eyes with Primary Open Angle and Normal Tension Glaucomas.

DESIGN

Retrospective, non-comparative interventional case study

METHOD

Records of 191 eyes of 164 patients who had undergone standard trabeculectomy were retrospectively analyzed.

OUTCOME MEASURE

Successful intraocular pressure control defined as IOP less than 22 mmHg or a reduction of 30% if pre-operative pressure was already less than 22mmHg.

RESULTS

There were 185 (96.8%) eyes with Primary Open Angle glaucoma and 6 (3.2%) with the Normal Tension variant. Mean age of patients was 50.6 years (Range 17-85) with 22% aged below 40 years. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean pre-op and post-op intraocular pressures (38.09, SD=6.11 versus 18.97, SD=7.28 mmHg respectively); p=0.0001. The procedure was effective in controlling the intraocular pressures to below 22mmHg in 88.46% and below 18mmHg in 67.95% of OAG eyes at six months. In eyes with NTG only one out of six (16.7%) achieved a successful 30% target pressure reduction.

CONCLUSION

Trabeculectomy alone was effective in controlling IOPs to less than 22 mmHg in POAG. Lower IOP levels needed to control progressive visual field loss may require the use anti-metabolites.

Deep sclerectomy and low dose mitomycin C: a randomised prospective trial in west Africa

AIM

To study the efficacy and safety of deep sclerectomy (DS) augmented with intraoperative low dose mitomycin C (MMC) in a west African population.

METHODS

Prospective, randomised, controlled trial. Trial participants were Nigerian patients with medically uncontrolled primary open angle glaucoma undergoing primary surgery at Maja Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. 39 eyes of 39 patients undergoing DS were randomised into receiving intraoperative MMC 0.25 mg/ml for 2 minutes at the end of procedure (DS-MMC) and a control group (DS-noMMC).

RESULTS

There were 21 patients in the DS-noMMC and 18 in the DS-MMC group with no difference in the preoperative characteristics of the groups. Mean follow up was 16.4 (SD 11.3) months. The probability of maintaining an intraocular pressure less than 18 mm Hg with or without additional medications (95% confidence intervals) at 1 year was 70% (47-92%, 95%) and 79% (57-100%), and at 18 months was 35% (8-62%) and 38% (7-69%) for the DS-noMMC and DS-MMC groups, respectively, with no difference in success rates (p = 0.6). An IOP of less than 18 mm Hg without additional medication was maintained in 65% (41-89%) and 73% (49-96%) at 1 year and 24% (8-48%) and 13% (13-46%) at 18 months for the DS-noMMC and DS-MMC groups, respectively (p = 0.5). There were no serious complications related to the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The success rates of DS in black west African glaucoma patients, as performed in this study, were low. The study did not achieve sufficient power to detect whether low dose intraoperative MMC application can increase success rates of DS.

What is practical in glaucoma management?

This article addresses some important issues in the detection and management of glaucoma using examples from the developing world, particularly drawing on experiences and research in sub-Saharan Africa.

Trabeculectomy: a training dilemma

AIM/PURPOSE

The incidence of trabeculectomy is falling due to more effective medical therapies, resulting in fewer trabeculectomy operations carried out by Ophthalmology trainees. This study audits all primary trabeculectomy procedures performed publicly at the two major teaching hospitals in Brisbane, Australia.

METHOD

A retrospective consecutive case review analysing the rates and outcomes of Ophthalmology trainee versus consultant trabeculectomies that were performed during the period May 1996-May 2002.

RESULTS

In all, 290 primary trabeculectomies were undertaken during the study period. Ophthalmology trainees performed 95 (33%) of the procedures. This represents a rate of 1.6 trabeculectomy procedures per year per trainee (10 trainees train at the two hospitals per year). Rates of complications postoperatively were similar between the trainee and consultant groups. The percentage of patients achieving an IOP < or =15 mmHg on no medication at their last follow-up was low at 30%.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggests that improvement in trabeculectomy technique is required. In order to acquire skills, wetlab training on artificial or animal eyes may become mandatory within the training programmes, otherwise trabeculectomy will become the realm of sub-specialists with glaucoma fellowship training.

Long-term evaluation of trabeculectomy in primary open angle glaucoma and chronic primary angle closure glaucoma in an Asian population

PURPOSE

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the long-term results of trabeculectomy in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and chronic primary angle closure glaucoma (CPACG) in an Asian population.

METHODS

Yearly diurnal measurements of intraocular pressure (IOP), best-corrected visual acuity, optic disc and visual field records of patients having primary adult glaucomas who had undergone trabeculectomy, without anti-mitotic agents, with a minimum of 5 years follow up were evaluated. Only one eye of each patient was studied. The success rates for IOP control in POAG and CPACG were statistically analysed.

RESULTS

Sixty-four eyes of 64 patients were studied. The overall probability of success of trabeculectomy in controlling IOP to < or = 21 mmHg with or without additional topical antiglaucoma medication was 0.94 and 0.88 at 5 and 10 years, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the qualified and absolute success rates for IOP control between POAG and CPACG eyes (log rank test P= 0.6, 0.88, respectively). Twelve of 38 CPACG eyes had a two-line decrease in visual acuity as compared to four of 26 POAG eyes (P = 0.17). Progression or development of a cataract was the most common cause of visual decline.

CONCLUSIONS

Trabeculectomy without antimetabolite use appears to be efficacious in lowering IOP and in visual field preservation over a period of 10 years in both POAG and CPACG. Development/progression of cataract especially in eyes with chronic angle closure glaucoma after trabeculectomy must be considered an important issue.

Intraoperative 5-fluorouracil application during primary trabeculectomy in Nigeria: a comparative study

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect on intraocular pressure (IOP) of intraoperative 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) application during primary trabeculectomy in a West African population.

METHODS

Retrospective case note search of operating theatre records for primary trabeculectomy between 1996 and 2000 in an eye hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. For statistical analysis, patients were divided into group that received intraoperative 5-FU (50 mg/ml for 5 min) and a control group that received no intraoperative antimetabolites. Patients with a follow-up of less than 6 months were excluded. For life-table analysis, only one eye from each patient was included to maintain independent analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 154 eyes of 101 patients were included in the study. Average follow-up was 17 +/- 2.18 (95% confidence interval) months. No significant difference was found between the groups for age, sex, preoperative medication, and follow-ups. Comparison of survival curves by the log-rank test showed that the probability of maintaining an IOP of 20 mm Hg or less at 18 months was 76% in the 5-FU group and 79% in the controls (P= 0.55). However, the probability of maintaining an IOP 14 mmHg or less was significantly greater in the 5-FU group (64%) than in the controls (39%, P=0.018). Visual acuity loss of more than two Snellen-chart lines was observed in six eyes (7.9%) of the 5-FU group and in four eyes (5.1%) of the control group and this difference was not significant (P=0.49, Fisher exact test). Complication rates were similar in each group.

CONCLUSIONS

In this population, intraoperative 5-FU application during trabeculectomy appears to improve probability of maintaining an intraocular pressure of 14 mmHg or less with no additional deleterious effects on the eye.

Glaucoma in West Africa: a neglected problem

Glaucoma in sub-Saharan Africa is a devastating disease which has not been fully addressed by the global ophthalmology community. The key issue is the lack of a satisfactory treatment.