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Zarranz-Ventura J, Escobar-Barranco JJ, Gómez-Baldó L, Gallego-Pinazo R. Reasons for Delayed Anti-VEGF Treatment During COVID-19 Lockdown and Clinical Impact in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ophthalmol Ther 2023; 12:2537-2555. [PMID: 37400599 PMCID: PMC10441892 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-023-00757-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Timely anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment is crucial for visual function in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). The aim of this study was to assess the reasons for anti-VEGF treatment delay during the COVID-19 lockdown and its clinical impact in patients with nAMD. METHODS A retrospective, observational, multicentre study in patients with nAMD treated with anti-VEGF therapy was performed in 16 centres nationwide. Data were retrieved from the FRB Spain registry, patient medical records and administrative databases. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether they received or missed intravitreal injections during the COVID-19 lockdown. RESULTS A total of 302 eyes from 245 patients were included (timely treated group [TTG] 126 eyes; delayed treatment group [DTG] 176 eyes). Visual acuity (VA; ETDRS letters) decreased from baseline to post-lockdown visit in the DTG (mean [standard deviation] 59.1 (20.8) vs. 57.1 (19.7); p = 0.020) and was maintained in the TTG (64.2 [16.5] vs. 63.6 [17.5]; p = 0.806). VA worsened by an average of - 2.0 letters in the DTG and by - 0.6 in the TTG (p = 0.016). A higher proportion of visits were cancelled due to hospital overload in the TTG (76.5%) than in the DTG (47%), and a higher proportion of patients missed visits in the DTG (53%) than in the TTG (23.5%, p = 0.021), with fear of COVID-19 infection being the main reason for missed visits (60%/50%). CONCLUSIONS Treatment delays were caused by both hospital saturation and patients' decision; the latter being mainly driven by fear of COVID-19 infection. These delays had a detrimental effect on the visual outcomes in nAMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Zarranz-Ventura
- Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, C/ Sabino Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
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Zarranz-Ventura J, Nguyen V, Creuzot-Garcher C, Verbraak F, O Toole L, Invernizzi A, Viola F, Squirrel D, Barthelmes D, Gillies MC. INTERNATIONAL IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC LOCKDOWN ON INTRAVITREAL THERAPY OUTCOMES: Fight Retinal Blindness Registry. Retina 2022; 42:616-627. [PMID: 34907129 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000003368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns on the outcomes of eyes treated for neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion in eight countries. METHODS A multicenter international database study of 5,782 eyes (4,708 patients) receiving intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor injections before, during, and after national lockdowns. The baseline visit was defined as the last visit within 3 months before lockdown, and prelockdown and postlockdown periods were defined as 6 months before and after the lockdown date. RESULTS Eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (n = 4,649) lost vision in all countries in proportion to the reduced number of injections. The mean visual acuity change postlockdown ranged from -0.4 to -3.8 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution letters, and the median number of injections/visits decreased from 4-5/4-7 to 2-4/2-4 postlockdown. The diabetic macular edema (n = 654) and retinal vein occlusion (n = 479) eyes' mean visual acuity change ranged from -2.8 to +1.7 letters and -1.6 to +0.1 letters, and the median number of injections/visits decreased from 2.5-5/4-6 to 1-3/2-4 and from 3-5.5/4-5 to 1-3.5/2-3.5, respectively. The 6-month dropout rates postlockdown were 20% for neovascular age-related macular degeneration, 27% for diabetic macular edema, and 28% for retinal vein occlusion. CONCLUSION This international study provides estimates of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on intravitreal therapy and suggests that prioritizing neovascular age-related macular degeneration eyes seems appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Zarranz-Ventura
- Institut Clínic of Ophthalmology (ICOF), Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vuong Nguyen
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Frank Verbraak
- Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Alessandro Invernizzi
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Eye Clínic, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science "L. Sacco", Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Viola
- Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - David Squirrel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Greenlane Clinical Centre and District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand; and
| | - Daniel Barthelmes
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mark C Gillies
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current article reviews enhancements to the delivery of glaucoma care that developed in response to the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic and are likely to persist beyond its resolution. RECENT FINDINGS Literature from the review period (2020-2021) includes reports highlighting contributions of the ophthalmology community to global health during the pandemic. Glaucoma practices worldwide have instituted more robust infection control measures to mitigate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 transmission in the outpatient setting, and many of these modifications will endure in the post-COVID era. Operational adjustments have led to the provision of more efficient glaucoma care. A hybrid care model involving technician-based diagnostic testing and subsequent virtual consultation with a glaucoma specialist has evolved as a useful adjunct to traditional face-to-face encounters with patients. SUMMARY Glaucoma specialists, patients, and staff have adapted to a 'new normal' of glaucoma care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although innovation has propelled several improvements to glaucoma care during this global health crisis, significant barriers to more widespread implementation of teleglaucoma still exist. Whether, and in what capacity, the pandemic has permanently altered glaucoma practice patterns remains to be seen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateki Vinod
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, New York, New York USA
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Hanhart J, Wiener R, Totah H, Gelman E, Weill Y, Abulafia A, Zadok D. Effects of delay in anti-vascular endothelial growth factor intravitreal injections for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 260:1907-1914. [PMID: 35013800 PMCID: PMC8747863 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-021-05505-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess the impact of COVID-19-related delay in intravitreal injection timing on macular structure and visual acuity (VA) among patients treated for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD). Methods We reviewed demographic and clinical data and macular ocular computerized tomographic images of 34 patients (48 eyes, group A) who did not follow their injection schedule during the first wave of COVID-19 and compared them to 46 patients (71 eyes, group B) who did. Functional worsening was defined as a loss of at least 0.1 in decimal VA. Anatomic worsening was defined as new or increased subretinal/intraretinal fluids or new hemorrhage. Results The planned mean ± standard deviation intervals between the intravitreal injections were 5.7 ± 2.7 weeks for group A and 5.5 ± 2.4 weeks for group B (P = 0.60). The actual intervals were 13.6 ± 6.8 (7.9 ± 5.2 weeks’ delay) and 5.3 ± 2.4 weeks (no delay), respectively (P < 0.001). The best corrected visual acuity worsened in 23 group A eyes (47.9%) and in 6 group B eyes (8.5%) (odds ratio [OR] 9.97, P < 0.001). Anatomic features indicative of nvAMD worsening were detected in 31 group A eyes (64.6%) and in 16 group B eyes (22.5%) (OR 5.73, P < 0.001). A new macular hemorrhage was observed in 4 group A eyes (8.3%) and in no group B eyes (P = 0.09). Conclusion Delay in timely retinal care during the COVID-19 restrictions period resulted in short-term negative outcomes, including macular bleeding, in nvAMD patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00417-021-05505-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Hanhart
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Affiliated to the Hebrew University, 12 Shmuel Bait St., 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Rony Wiener
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Affiliated to the Hebrew University, 12 Shmuel Bait St., 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hashem Totah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Affiliated to the Hebrew University, 12 Shmuel Bait St., 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Evgeny Gelman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Affiliated to the Hebrew University, 12 Shmuel Bait St., 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yishay Weill
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Affiliated to the Hebrew University, 12 Shmuel Bait St., 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adi Abulafia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Affiliated to the Hebrew University, 12 Shmuel Bait St., 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - David Zadok
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Affiliated to the Hebrew University, 12 Shmuel Bait St., 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
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Rowe FJ, Hepworth LR, Howard C. Orthoptic service survey in the UK and Ireland during the interim recovery period (summer 2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic. Strabismus 2021; 29:252-266. [PMID: 34866526 DOI: 10.1080/09273972.2021.1987929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 extended through 2020 with impact on all hospital services. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of orthoptic service provision during the initial recovery period from July to September 2020 in the UK, Ireland and Channel Islands. We conducted a prospective survey-based cross-sectional study using an online survey aiming for coverage of orthoptic departments across the UK, Ireland and Channel Islands. The survey sought to gather data on orthoptic practice during the COVID-19 pandemic period between the first and second waves in the UK. Questions included within the survey asked about the impact on services paused or reduced during the pandemic, the reinstatement of services, backlog of appointments, changes to arrangement and conduct of appointments, changes to working practice, impact to lives of orthoptists, and access by orthoptists to professional support and guidelines. We circulated the online survey through the British and Irish Orthoptic Society that reaches over 95% of UK and Irish orthoptic services and through social media and orthoptic research networks. This survey was open from July 1st to September 30th 2020 and achieved a response rate from orthoptic departments of 85%. A high rate (92%) of teleconsultations continued with 50% of departments using a proforma to guide the teleconsultation and with added use of risk assessment for patient appointments. To enable reopening of clinics, multiple changes were made for patient and staff flow through clinic areas. Reduced clinical capacity was confirmed by 76.5% of departments. Appointments averaged 15-20 minutes and there was routine use of PPE and cleaning and adoption of staggered appointments with added evening/weekend clinics. There was increased use of information resources/leaflets for patients and dependence on professional and health care guidance documents. The average backlog for patient appointments had increased to 26 weeks. The initial UK and Irish recovery phase in summer 2020 allowed a glimpse at adjustments needed to reopen orthoptic clinics for in-person appointments. Teleconsultation remained in frequent use but with greater risk assessment and triage to identify those requiring in-person appointments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona J Rowe
- Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool
| | | | - Claire Howard
- Department of Orthoptics, Salford Royal Nhs Foundation Trust, Salford
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Tan TE, Chodosh J, McLeod SD, Parke DW, Yeh S, Wong TY, Ting DSW. Global Trends in Ophthalmic Practices in Response to COVID-19. Ophthalmology 2021; 128:1505-1515. [PMID: 34412877 PMCID: PMC8367739 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2021.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
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González-Zamora J, Bilbao-Malavé V, Gándara E, Casablanca-Piñera A, Boquera-Ventosa C, Landecho MF, Zarranz-Ventura J, García-Layana A. Retinal Microvascular Impairment in COVID-19 Bilateral Pneumonia Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9030247. [PMID: 33801324 PMCID: PMC7998142 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of retinal and microvascular alterations in COVID-19 patients with bilateral pneumonia due to SARS-COV-2 that required hospital admission and compare this with a cohort of age- and sex-matched controls. COVID-19 bilateral pneumonia patients underwent retinal imaging 14 days after hospital discharge with structural optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) measurements. Vessel density (VD) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area were evaluated in the superficial, deep capillary plexus (SCP, DCP), and choriocapillaris (CC). After exclusion criteria, only one eye per patient was selected, and 50 eyes (25 patients and 25 controls) were included in the analysis. COVID-19 patients presented significantly thinner ganglion cell layer (GCL) (p = 0.003) and thicker retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) compared to controls (p = 0.048), and this RNFL thickening was greater in COVID-19 cases with cotton wool spots (CWS), when compared with patients without CWS (p = 0.032). In both SCP and DCP, COVID-19 patients presented lower VD in the foveal region (p < 0.001) and a greater FAZ area than controls (p = 0.007). These findings suggest that thrombotic and inflammatory phenomena could be happening in the retina of COVID-19 patients. Further research is warranted to analyze the longitudinal evolution of these changes over time as well as their correlation with disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge González-Zamora
- Department of Opthalmology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (J.G.-Z.); (V.B.-M.); (E.G.)
| | - Valentina Bilbao-Malavé
- Department of Opthalmology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (J.G.-Z.); (V.B.-M.); (E.G.)
| | - Elsa Gándara
- Department of Opthalmology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (J.G.-Z.); (V.B.-M.); (E.G.)
| | - Anna Casablanca-Piñera
- Institut Clínic de Oftalmología (ICOF), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.C.-P.); (C.B.-V.)
| | - Claudia Boquera-Ventosa
- Institut Clínic de Oftalmología (ICOF), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.C.-P.); (C.B.-V.)
| | - Manuel F. Landecho
- COVID-19 Unit, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Javier Zarranz-Ventura
- Institut Clínic de Oftalmología (ICOF), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.C.-P.); (C.B.-V.)
- Institut de Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.Z.-V.); (A.G.-L.)
| | - Alfredo García-Layana
- Department of Opthalmology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (J.G.-Z.); (V.B.-M.); (E.G.)
- Correspondence: (J.Z.-V.); (A.G.-L.)
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Ozates S, Bostanci Ceran B. Keeping an eye on the many symptoms of COVID-19. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 259:2865-2866. [PMID: 33625564 PMCID: PMC7903367 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-021-05125-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Serdar Ozates
- Department of Ophthalmology, Okan University School of Medicine, İçmeler Mah. Aydınlı Yolu Cad. No: 2, 34947, Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Basak Bostanci Ceran
- Department of Ophthalmology, Okan University School of Medicine, İçmeler Mah. Aydınlı Yolu Cad. No: 2, 34947, Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
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