Safety and efficacy of a low-cost glaucoma drainage device for refractory childhood glaucoma

Long-term surgical outcomes of Aurolab aqueous drainage implant in pediatric eyes with primary congenital glaucoma versus aphakic glaucoma

PURPOSE

To compare the outcomes of the Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) placed in eyes with refractory primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) versus aphakic glaucoma (APG).

DESIGN

Retrospective comparative interventional case series.

METHODS

Case files of consecutive eyes with PCG or APG that underwent AADI surgery between January 2013 and December 2016 and had a minimum 4 years follow-up were extracted from a computerised database. Failure was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP)>21 mm Hg or reduced<20% below baseline on two consecutive follow-up visits after 3 months, IOP≤5 mm Hg on two consecutive follow-up visits after 3 months, reoperation for glaucoma or a complication, or loss of light perception.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine eyes underwent AADI placement, including 42 eyes (47%) with PCG and 47 eyes (53%) with APG. Both groups were comparable at baseline. At 1 year, the APG group had lower mean IOP (13.6±8.1 mm Hg vs 17.6±7.5 mm Hg, p=0.02) with use of fewer IOP-lowering medications (0.8±1.0 vs 1.5±1.0, p=0.01) than the PCG group. The cumulative failure rate at 4 years was 57% (95% CI 43% to 72%) in PCG versus 40% (95% CI 28% to 56%) in the APG eyes (p=0.11). Eyes with PCG had greater tube-related complications (48% vs 38%, p=0.07) and number of reoperations (40% vs 32%, p=0.02) compared with eyes with APG.

CONCLUSIONS

Eyes with APG had relatively better outcomes after AADI placement compared with PCG during 4 years of follow-up. Reoperations accounted for more than 70% of the failures.

Secondary developmental glaucoma

The basic pathophysiology of all childhood glaucoma results from impaired outflow through the trabecular meshwork. Anterior Segment Dysgeneses (ASD) are a group of nonacquired anomalies associated with secondary developmental glaucoma, characterized by impaired development of the structures of the anterior segment. Many genes impact the development of the anterior segment. The cause of the development of the abnormalities is thought to be multifactorial. Molecular research has helped our understanding of the molecular basis of ASD and the developmental mechanisms underlying these conditions. Identifying the genetic changes underlying ASD has gradually led to the recognition that some of these conditions may be parts of a disease spectrum rather than isolated anomalies. The characterization of the underlying genetic abnormalities responsible for glaucoma is the first step toward developing diagnostic and screening tests, which could identify individuals at risk for disease before irreversible optic nerve damage occurs. It is also crucial for genetic counseling and risk stratification of later pregnancies. It also aids prenatal testing by various methods allowing for effective genetic counseling. This review summarizes various ocular and systemic conditions that result in secondary developmental glaucoma and provide an overview of the phenotypes, the diagnosis and principles of management of the various disorders.

Pediatric Glaucoma-From Screening, Early Detection to Management

Pediatric glaucoma (PG) covers a rare and heterogeneous group of diseases with variable causes and presentations. Delayed diagnosis of PG could lead to blindness, bringing emotional and psychological burdens to patients' caregivers. Recent genetic studies identified novel causative genes, which may provide new insight into the etiology of PG. More effective screening strategies could be beneficial for timely diagnosis and treatment. New findings on clinical characteristics and the latest examination instruments have provided additional evidence for diagnosing PG. In addition to IOP-lowering therapy, managing concomitant amblyopia and other associated ocular pathologies is essential to achieve a better visual outcome. Surgical treatment is usually required although medication is often used before surgery. These include angle surgeries, filtering surgeries, minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries, cyclophotocoagulation, and deep sclerectomy. Several advanced surgical therapies have been developed to increase success rates and decrease postoperative complications. Here, we review the classification and diagnosis, etiology, screening, clinical characteristics, examinations, and management of PG.

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.

Aurolab Aqueous Drainage Implant (AADI): Review of Indications, Mechanism, Surgical Technique, Outcomes, Impact and Limitations

PURPOSE

The purpose of this review is to place together all the knowledge available on aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) in one place for the benefit of all glaucoma specialists who are interested in low-cost implants in developing world with desired results.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was done on AADI and its use in glaucoma management. 35 results were obtained from the literature search. Out of these 35, 2 were commentaries, 6 were case reports and rest 27 were studies (prospective and retrospective) discussing the surgical outcomes, modifications and comparison of AADI with other glaucoma drainage devices (GDDs). Out of these, 2 commentaries were excluded and rest 33 articles were included, cited and discussed appropriately in this review.

RESULTS

AADI resulted in a significant reduction in the intra ocular pressure (IOP) and also in the number of antiglaucoma medications. AADI can be implanted alone or combined with cataract surgery. It was found to be beneficial in both pediatric and adult refractory glaucoma. There was no significant difference seen in the pre and post operative visual acuity. But AADI was also associated with various hypotony related and tube related early and late onset complications. Some of these complications were managed conservatively and some needed surgical intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

AADI is a low-cost non-valved GDD with successful results in both adult as well as pediatric refractory glaucomas. Early and late onset complications are common and can be managed with appropriate and timely medical or surgical intervention.

Intraocular Pressure Control Following Phacoemulsification in Eyes With Pre-existing Aurolab Aqueous Drainage Implant

PURPOSE

The aim was to investigate intraocular pressure (IOP) control after phacoemulsification in adult glaucomatous eyes with a functioning nonvalved Aurolab Aqueous Drainage Implant (AADI) compared with eyes that did not have cataract extraction post-AADI.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we reviewed records of 47 patients (47 eyes) who had a clear corneal phacoemulsification after AADI placement with a minimum of 2 years of follow up. The control group included 89 patients (89 eyes) who had a functional AADI at 1 year, minimum of 3 years of follow up post-AADI implantation, and no cataract extraction. The main outcome measure was failure (IOP >21 mm Hg or increased by >20% from prephacoemulsification level requiring at least 1 additional glaucoma medication, IOP ≤5 mm Hg, reoperation for glaucoma, or loss of light perception vision).

RESULTS

The median interval between AADI and phacoemulsification was 11.5 months (range: 4 to 68 mo), and the mean follow-up time after phacoemulsification was 35.6±6.4 months. The cumulative probability of failure was 14% (95% confidence interval=6%-31%) in the phaco group and 6% (95% confidence interval=3%-13%) in the control group at 2 years (P=0.11). Mean IOP was reduced from 16.5±4.5 mm Hg preoperatively to 15.4±4.7 mm Hg at 2 years after phacoemulsification (P=0.10). Mean LogMAR visual acuity improved from 1.1±0.6 preoperatively to 0.6±0.7 at 2 years after phacoemulsification (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In eyes with a pre-existing AADI, phacoemulsification resulted in visual improvement without a significant rise in IOP or increased risk of AADI failure after 2 years follow up.

Preliminary Surgical Outcomes of a Trimmed-Plate Aurolab Aqueous Drainage Implant (AADI) in Eyes at High Risk of Hypotony

Purpose

We describe the technique of trimming the 350 mm² AADI glaucoma shunt plate and report preliminary results that test the hypothesis that the IOP-lowering efficacy of the trimmed AADI glaucoma shunt is comparable to the Baerveldt 250 mm² glaucoma drainage implant with a comparable safety profile to the standard AADI implant.

Methods

Consecutive patients who had received the modified trimmed-plate AADI, standard AADI and Baerveldt 250 mm² were included in the study. This included patients with refractory or primary or secondary glaucoma of all ages and eyes with and without previous glaucoma surgery. The decision for trimming the AADI plate was made according to the surgeon’s perceived risk of hypotony. Pre-operative, intraoperative and post-operative data were collected from the hospital electronic medical record system. Surgical success was defined as IOP ≥5 mmHg and ≤21 mmHg on two consecutive visits after 3 months, whilst maintaining at least LP vision and avoiding re-operation for glaucoma.

Results

The sample consisted of 69 eyes (19 with trimmed-plate AADI implant; 36 eyes with the standard AADI implant and 14 eyes who received a BGI-250). The mean IOP reduction at 1 year was 15 mmHg for the Baerveldt-250, 10 mmHg for the AADI and 13 mmHg for the trimmed-plate AADI. The surgical success rate of the implants over 1 year was 85.7% (95% CI, 53.9–96.2%) for BGI-250, 81.5% (62.6–91.5%) for standard AADI and 78.2% (51.7–91.3%) for the trimmed AADI.

Conclusion

Trimming the plate of the AADI manually may provide a safe and low-cost method of obtaining a successful surgical outcome in eyes at high risk of hypotony.

Retinal detachment in eyes treated with Aurolab aqueous drainage implant for refractory glaucoma - Incidence and outcomes

Purpose:

To analyze the incidence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in patients who have undergone prior Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) surgery and report outcomes in terms of anatomic, visual acuity, and intraocular pressure (IOP) findings.

Methods:

Case records of all patients who underwent RRD repair after AADI surgery from 2013 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Data collected included patient demographics, ocular examination findings at all visits including IOP and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and clinical findings related to RRD both at baseline and postoperatively.

Results:

Ten eyes of nine patients were included in study. The mean age of patients was 28.2 years (median: 15 years, range: 6–83 years). Mean duration between AADI and RRD was 14 months (median 2.5 months; range 2 days-72 months). All eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy with silicon oil injection. The preoperative LogMAR BCVA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) was 2.52 ± 0.15 which improved to 2.29 ± 0.58 at final follow-up; however, only one eye had vision ≥ 20/400 largely due to recurrent RRD and advanced glaucomatous disc damage. Postoperatively retina was attached in 6 eyes (60%) and IOP was ≤ 21 mmHg in 5 out of 6 eyes with anatomic success

Conclusion:

The incidence of RRD following AADI was found to be 0.86% in our study. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with silicon oil tamponade was the preferred approach in the management of these eyes with IOP being well controlled post PPV. However, visual acuity outcomes were largely unsatisfactory due to recurrent RRD and preexisting advanced glaucoma.

Management of a recurrent encapsulated bleb with a cost-effective non-valved glaucoma drainage device

Despite the advancements in the surgical management of glaucoma, childhood glaucoma remains a challenging surgical disease worldwide. An early adolescent boy with primary congenital glaucoma, status after glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation, on maximum medical therapy, was presented with a swelling in the superotemporal orbital region. The patient had undergone an uneventful GDD implantation 2 years prior to presentation. A similar swelling, which was diagnosed to be a Tenon's cyst, had been excised on three earlier occasions. Given that the repeat capsular excision would also have the same likelihood of failure, and poor intraocular pressure control, a non-valved, cost-effective Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI, Aurolab, Madurai, India) implantation was done inferonasally. In this patient, AADI proved to be a safe and effective alternative for the known GDDs.

Pars plana Aurolab aqueous drainage implantation for refractory glaucoma: Outcome of a new modified technique

PURPOSE

To report the outcomes of pars plana insertion of Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) in adults with refractory glaucoma by the novel technique of making scleral tunnel instead of patch graft to cover the tube to prevent its migration.

METHODS

A retrospective study was done between April 2016 and April 2018 on patients with ≥12 months of follow-up. The main outcome measure was a surgical failure at 12 months. The failure was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) >18 mmHg or IOP ≤5 mmHg on two consecutive follow-up visits after 3 months, reoperation for glaucoma, loss of light perception vision, or implant explantation. Alternate definitions of failure including IOP >21 and IOP >15 mmHg were also considered.

RESULTS

: The study included 32 eyes of 32 patients. The mean age was 46.2 ± 17.5 years. The most common etiology is traumatic glaucoma (12 eyes, 37.5%). The mean preoperative IOP and anti-glaucoma medications were 43.3 ± 10.3 and 3.4 ± 0.5 mmHg, respectively; both the parameters at the final follow-up were reduced to 15.2 ± 8.1 and 1.6 ± 0.5 mmHg. The Kaplan-Meier survival estimates demonstrated that the cumulative probability of failure was 15.6% (95% CI; 6.8-33.5%) at 3 months, 18.7% (95% CI; 8.9-37.0%) at 6 months, and 25.0% (95% CI; 13.4-43.8%) at 12 months.

CONCLUSION

Pars plana AADI implantation with a newer modification technique is a useful procedure in reducing IOP and the number of anti-glaucoma medications in the eyes with refractory glaucoma. The visual acuity may be stabilized with the concurrent treatment of posterior segment pathology.

Surgical outcomes of the Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) versus the Ahmed glaucoma valve for refractory paediatric glaucoma in Middle Eastern children

Objective

The Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) has the potential advantages of less encapsulation and greater cost-effectiveness than the Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV). The aim of this study was to compare the surgical success and outcomes of the AADI compared to the AGV in Middle-Eastern children.

Methods

A comparative retrospective study of consecutive paediatric patients in a tertiary eye hospital was undertaken. Data collected included demographics, type of glaucoma, intraocular pressure (IOP), number of anti-glaucoma medications (AGMs) and any subsequent complications or further surgeries.

Analysis

The mean IOP, number of AGMs, surgical success and number of reoperations was compared for the two groups. Surgical success at each visit was defined as IOP of ≥6 mm Hg and ≤21 mm Hg or if the reduction of IOP was ≥20% reduced from baseline.

Results

A total of 126 tube surgeries (56 eyes in AADI and 70 eyes in AGV) were performed in patients aged ≤18 years from 2014 to 2019. No difference was observed in the mean IOP between the two groups except at the first month post-operative visit. After six months, the AADI group had a consistently significant lower mean number of AGMs. At last follow-up, 21 (37.5%) eyes in the AADI group were glaucoma medication-free vs 15 (21.4%) eyes in the AGV group (pp=0.047). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed equivalent cumulative probability of success at two years of 69.9% [(45.9%–84.9%)] for AADI vs 66.8% [(53.4%–77.1%])) for the AGV, respectively. Twenty-four eyes in the AGV group needed one or more subsequent surgeries, whereas 13 eyes needed one or more surgery in the AADI group.

Conclusions

This study shows an acceptable safety profile for the AADI in children, with a rate of failure that is comparable to the AGV, but less need for glaucoma re-operation or glaucoma medication in the first post-postoperative year.

Incidence and Outcomes of Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage Following Aurolab Aqueous Drainage Implant in Adult and Pediatric Glaucoma

PRCIS

Postoperative suprachoroidal hemorrhage (PSCH) is an infrequent but devastating complication after nonvalved aqueous drainage implant surgery and demonstrated a bimodal distribution. The final outcomes of either conservative management or surgical drainage of the hemorrhage remained poor.

PURPOSE

The aim was to report the incidence and outcomes of eyes developing PSCH after undergoing Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) surgery for adult and pediatric refractory glaucomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective series, case files of all patients who underwent AADI between May 2012 and December 2019 were retrieved from an electronic database. A PSCH was defined as the presence of hemorrhagic choroidal detachment, confirmed by ultrasound B scan, occurring in a closed system in the postoperative period.

RESULTS

Of the 986 eyes that underwent AADI during the study period, 7 (0.7%), developed PSCH (95% confidence interval=0.3-1.6%). There were no differences in the preoperative parameters between those with and without PSCH. Of these, 4 were seen in pediatric eyes (4/288, 1.4%) and 3 in adult eyes (3/698, 0.4%) (P<0.01). Four eyes (57%) had PSCH in the immediate postoperative period (ie, between 24 and 48 h of AADI surgery), while the remaining 3 had onset ranging from 6 to 7 weeks after surgery. Anatomic risk factors were present in all eyes including hypotony (n=4), myopia (n=3), microcornea (n=2), microphthalmos (n=1), postvitrectomy (n=1), and staphyloma (n=1). Visual acuity improved in only 1 (14%) eye while 3 (43%) eyes developed phthisis bulbi, all in the pediatric age group.

CONCLUSIONS

PSCH is a rare complication following AADI and is seen in <1% eyes. The incidence is higher in the pediatric age group. Visual and anatomic outcomes are dismal following PSCH with globe salvage possible in only about half these eyes.

Surgical Outcomes of Superotemporal Versus Inferonasal Placement of Aurolab Aqueous Drainage Implant in Refractory Pediatric Glaucoma

PURPOSE

We sought to describe the outcomes of the Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) placed in the superotemporal (ST) versus the inferonasal (IN) quadrant in pediatric eyes with refractory glaucoma.

DESIGN

Retrospective comparative interventional case series.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients ≤18 years of age who underwent AADI implantation and completed a minimum of 2-year follow-up. The choice of the quadrant depended upon the amount of scarring and conjunctival mobility. Cumulative success at 2 years was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤21 mm Hg or reduced by ≥20% below baseline on 2 consecutive follow-up visits after 3 months, IOP ≤5 mm Hg on 2 consecutive follow-up visits after 3 months, reoperation for glaucoma or a complication, or loss of light perception vision.

RESULTS

A total of 144 patients (144 eyes) underwent AADI placement, including 48 eyes (33%) in the IN and 96 eyes (67%) in the ST quadrants. The IOP was significantly higher in the IN group (17.5 ± 7.4 mm Hg vs 13.7 ± 6.2 mm Hg, P = .005) with a greater number of medications (1.5 ± 1.0 vs 0.8 ± 0.9, P = .001) after 2 years of follow-up. Cumulative success rates at 2 years were 50.7% (95% confidence interval 35.4%-63.9%) in the IN group and 65.6% (95% confidence interval 56.5%-75.7%) in the ST group (P = .15). Complications occurred more frequently in the IN group, with significantly more tube exposure (12% vs 0%, P = .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Placement of the AADI in the ST quadrant has better IOP-related outcomes and is a safer surgical option in pediatric eyes compared with the IN quadrant. It may be prudent to avoid AADI in the IN quadrant in children unless the ST location is not a viable option.

Incidence and Outcomes of Hypertensive Phase Following Aurolab Aqueous Drainage Implant Surgery in Adults with Refractory Glaucoma

PURPOSE

To report the incidence and outcomes of hypertensive phase (HP) following Aurolab Aqueous Drainage Implant (AADI) (Aurolab) surgery in adults with refractory glaucoma.

DESIGN

Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series.

METHODS

All eyes that received the AADI and had a minimum of 2-year follow-up were identified, and data of patients who had intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤21 mm Hg at 6 weeks (ie, the time at which the tube-ligature suture dissolves) were used for statistical analysis. HP was defined as IOP >21 mm Hg during the first 3 months after the release of the tube ligating suture (with or without medications) in the absence of tube obstruction.

RESULTS

A total of 200 eyes were included in the study, and HP was seen in 64 eyes (32%) with a peak IOP (mean ± SD) of 29.6 ± 7.8 mm Hg and peak incidence at 2-3 months after surgery. HP resolved within 3 months of its onset in 60 of the 64 eyes (94%) with additional IOP-lowering medications. The cumulative success rates were 71.8% (95% CI = 59.3%-81.2%) in HP eyes and 76.4% (95% CI = 68.7%-82.7%) in non-HP eyes (P = .23). Unadjusted Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that eyes experiencing HP had a marginally higher risk of failure (HR = 1.16, 95% CI = 0.6-2.1), but this relationship was not statistically significant (P = .61).

CONCLUSIONS

A third of eyes that underwent AADI placement experienced HP. HP was successfully managed with additional IOP-lowering medications in a majority of cases and did not have a significant influence on long-term success rate.

Aurolab Aqueous Drainage Implant With and Without Scleral Patch Graft in Refractory Adult and Pediatric Glaucomas: A Comparative Study

PURPOSE

To compare the 2-year outcomes of eyes that received the Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) with and without a scleral patch graft.

DESIGN

Retrospective comparative interventional case series.

METHODS

Eyes with AADI and a minimum of a 2-year follow-up were included. Eyes that underwent implantation before January 2016 had surgery with a scleral patch graft covering the distal end of the tube, whereas those that were implanted after this period underwent surgery using a needle-generated scleral tunnel without the patch graft. The cumulative failure of the AADI was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) >18 mm Hg or not reduced by 30% below baseline on 2 consecutive follow-up visits after 3 months.

RESULTS

We included 215 adult eyes (n = 147 with patch graft, n = 68 without patch graft) and 111 pediatric eyes (n = 73 with patch graft, n = 38 without a patch graft). The mean IOP in eyes without the patch graft was higher at 1 month in adult eyes (before, 27.5 ± 14.1 vs after, 22.3 ± 11.1; P = .01) but not in pediatric eyes (14.3 ± before, 5.8 vs after, 17.8 ± 11.0; P = .39); there were no differences in IOP, vision, number of antiglaucoma medications, and complications between groups at all other time points. None of the eyes without the patch graft experienced tube exposure. Cumulative success rates at 2 years in adults (66.2% vs 63.9%, respectively; P = .85) were similar to those in children (77.2% vs 71.9%, respectively; P = .83) with both techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

AADI placed without a scleral patch graft is as safe and effective as AADI placed with a patch graft in pediatric and adult refractory glaucomas.

Comparison of outcomes between Aurolab aqueous drainage implant placed in the superotemporal versus inferonasal quadrant

Aim

To determine the outcomes of Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) placed in the superotemporal versus the inferonasal quadrant in adult eyes with refractory glaucoma.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of eyes that had AADI placement and completed a minimum of 2-year follow-up. The choice of the quadrant was at the surgeon’s discretion and mainly depended on the amount of scarring and conjunctival mobility. The cumulative failure rate of the AADI was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) >21 mm Hg or not reduced by 20% below baseline on two consecutive follow-up visits after 3 months, IOP ≤5 mm Hg on two consecutive follow-up visits after 3 months, reoperation for glaucoma or a complication, or loss of light perception vision.

Results

We included 84 eyes with AADI in the inferonasal quadrant versus 69 eyes in the superotemporal quadrant. A significant drop in IOP was seen in both groups (18.4±10.4 mm Hg in the inferonasal group vs 17.7±11.1 mm Hg in the superotemporal group; p=0.63) at 3-month follow-up and this was maintained until last follow-up. Best-corrected visual acuity, IOP, number of IOP-lowering medications and complications were similar between the two groups at all time points. The cumulative success rate at 2-year follow-up without IOP-lowering medications was 57.1% (47.1%–68.1%) in the inferonasal group and 50.7% (39.8%–63.1%) in the superotemporal group (p=0.47).

Conclusions

Inferonasal AADI placement appears to be an equally safe and effective surgical option compared with superotemporal AADI placement and may be helpful in certain clinical situations.

Outcome of a low-cost glaucoma drainage device with posterior chamber/pars plana insertion of the tube

INTRODUCTION

The Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) is a low-cost glaucoma drainage device that is modelled on the Baerveldt glaucoma implant. Studies on AADI have reported absolute success rates of 41.8-93.1% at 1 year. Most studies report on tube placement in the anterior chamber. We report on results of tube insertion in the sulcus/pars plana.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all patients who had undergone AADI implantation (with insertion of tube in the sulcus/posterior segment) between June 2015 and November 2018 was done. Patients were asked to stop anti-glaucoma medications on the 40th post-operative day.

RESULTS

The mean age was 57.4 ± 13.8 years (n = 30). The mean IOP prior to surgery was 34.4 ± 6.1 mmHg which reduced to 15.4 ± 8.6 mmHg on the 45th post-operative day (p < 0.001). The absolute success at last review was 10% and the qualified success was 80%. The complication rate was 26.7%. Three patients had hypotony related complications noted at/after the 45th day review (none before 40th day). The incidence of ocular motility disturbances was 26.7% though none of the patients reported diplopia. One patient had sideways rotation of the scleral patch graft resulting in tube exposure. This complication was not seen after we shifted to using 9-0 nylon sutures to anchor the graft. Six patients had loss of best corrected visual acuity and one patient developed endophthalmitis. The endophthalmitis was preceded by conjunctival retraction and sloughing off of the scleral patch graft.

DISCUSSION

AADI implantation results in a substantial drop in IOP. However, many patients continue to require anti-glaucoma medications. Allowing overlap of scleral/corneal patch graft onto the scleral flap may be effective in preventing peritubular leak. It may be advisable to use 9-0 nylon sutures to secure the scleral patch graft anti-glaucoma medications can be temporarily suspended after the 40th post-operative day to minimize hypotony related complications. Melting of the scleral patch graft may be an early sign of endophthalmitis. It would be prudent to specifically look for ocular motility problems in patients undergoing AADI implantation.

A preliminary comparison of the Aravind aurolab drainage implant with the Baerveldt glaucoma implant: A matched case-control study

PURPOSE

The Aurolab^® aqueous drainage implant is a low-cost alternative to the Baerveldt glaucoma implant. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the two implants are comparable in terms of surgical success and safety.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective case-control study of Aurolab aqueous drainage implant done at our institution from May 2015 and May 2017. Twenty-five consecutive patients who received an Aurolab aqueous drainage implant were matched by age and diagnosis to patients who received a Baerveldt glaucoma implant. Data were collected pre-operative and post-operative visits, including visual acuity and intraocular pressure, number of medications, and complications. Surgical success was defined as intraocular pressure between 5 and 21 mmHg with a minimum 20% reduction from baseline, without loss of light perception or the need for further glaucoma surgery. Cox regression analysis was used to predict factors associated with surgical success.

RESULTS

The median (interquartile range, IQR) intraocular pressure at 1 year was 16.0 (8.0) mmHg for the Baerveldt glaucoma implant and 13.0 (8.0) mmHg for the Aurolab aqueous drainage implant, p = 0.38. Success (mean ± SE) at 1 year for the intraocular pressure >21-mmHg failure criterion was 65% ± 15% for the Baerveldt glaucoma implant and 79% ± 11% for the Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (p = 0.80). The frequency of complications listed was similar for the two groups (Fisher's exact p = 0.71). In the Cox regression, the type of implant was not found to be associated with surgical success.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary results suggest that the Aurolab aqueous drainage implant is comparable to the Baerveldt glaucoma implant. Further long-term data in a larger population are needed to confirm these findings.

Contemporary management of refractory pediatric glaucoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The management of pediatric glaucoma poses a unique challenge in terms of maintaining lifelong vision and combating an aggressive scarring response from surgery. Contemporary literature regarding the surgical management of children with pediatric glaucoma who fail, or are at a high risk of failure, from conventional surgery is limited. The aim of this review is to highlight recent developments in relation to the current opinion regarding the management of children with refractory pediatric glaucoma.

RECENT FINDINGS

Some studies have reported impressive success rates with circumferential trabeculotomy, even in eyes with previous failed surgery. Early results of deep sclerectomy in populations which may not respond well to conventional angle surgery are encouraging but data is limited for the pediatric age group. In compliant patients in whom multiple postoperative examinations under anesthesia are possible, trabeculectomy remains an effective procedure. Multiple recent studies have demonstrated that glaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery is associated with 5-year success rates of over 70% in primary childhood glaucomas.

SUMMARY

Glaucoma drainage device surgery is likely to remain a mainstay of surgical management for refractory glaucoma in older children. More prospective data are needed on the success of circumferential trabeculotomy, deep sclerectomy and micropulse laser in pediatric eyes with previous failed surgery. VIDEO ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/COOP/A34.

Clinical outcome of a nonvalved Aurolab aqueous drainage implant in posterior segment versus anterior chamber

Purpose

To evaluate the outcome of a nonvalved Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) in the management of refractory glaucoma.

Methods

Retrospective case series of patients with refractory glaucoma underwent AADI implantation in posterior segment (PS group) or anterior chamber (AC group) with minimum follow-up of 1 year. Primary outcome criterion was success, defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) <18 or >6 mm Hg or IOP reduced to <20% from baseline, for two consecutive visits after 3 months. Failure was defined as inability to meet IOP criteria, any additional glaucoma surgery, loss of light perception, and implant explantation. Secondary outcome criteria compared groups based on mean IOP, mean glaucoma medication use, best-corrected visual acuity, and complications at each postoperative visit.

Results

In the AC and PS group of 64 patients, 32 tubes each were placed. Preoperative mean IOP was 37.41 ± 8.6 and 43.38 ± 10.3 mm Hg in AC and PS, respectively. Postoperatively IOP reduced to 14.22 ± 4.9 and 15.21 ± 8.1 mm Hg in AC and PS groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Preoperative mean antiglaucoma medication changed from 2.56 ± 0.9 and 3.44 ± 0.5 to 1.03 ± 0.9 and 1.67 ± 0.5 in AC and PS, respectively, postoperatively (P < 0.001). No significant change in VA was noted in either group. At 12 months, success rate was 84% in AC group and 72% in PS group, with PS group having 2.63 times higher hazard (risk) of failure than AC group.

Conclusion

AADI implantation in PS or AC is a safe and effective method for IOP control in refractory glaucoma with its low cost being of significance in developing countries.

Outcome of a Low-Cost Glaucoma Implant versus the Baerveldt Glaucoma Implant for Paediatric Glaucoma in a Tertiary Hospital in Egypt

Purpose

To compare safety and efficacy between a low-cost glaucoma drainage device (GDD), the Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI), and the Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) in refractory childhood glaucoma in Egypt.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of patients who received either an AADI or BGI at a tertiary care postgraduate teaching institute. Children aged <16 years with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) with or without prior failed trabeculectomy who completed a minimum 6-month follow-up were included. The outcome measures were IOP reduction from preoperative values and postoperative complications.

Results

Charts of 57 children (younger than 16 years old) diagnosed with refractory childhood glaucoma were included. Of these, 27 eyes received AADI implants (group A), while 30 received BGI implants (group B). The mean preoperative baseline IOP was 34 ± 5 mmHg in group A versus 29 ± 2 mmHg in group B (p=0.78) in patients on maximum allowed glaucoma medications. In group A versus group B, the mean IOP decreased to 13.25 ± 8.74 mmHg (p=0.6), 12.8 ± 5.4 mmHg (p=0.7), and 12.6 ± 5.6 mmHg (p=0.9) after 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months, respectively. However, in group A, an anterior chamber reaction appeared around the tube in 14 cases starting from the first month and resolved with treatment in only 4 cases. In the other 10 cases, the reaction became more severe and required surgical intervention. This complication was not observed in any eye in group B.

Conclusion

AADI, a low-cost glaucoma implant, is effective in lowering IOP in patients with recalcitrant paediatric glaucoma. However, an intense inflammatory reaction with serious consequences developed in some of our patients; we believe these events are related to the valve material. We therefore strongly recommend against its use in children.

Intermediate-term outcomes of Aurolab aqueous drainage implant in refractory paediatric glaucoma

Aim

To report the intermediate-term outcomes of Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) surgery in paediatric eyes with refractory glaucoma.

Methods

Case records of patients below 18 years, who underwent AADI surgery between 2012 and 2015 with >2 years follow-up, were analysed. The intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, number of antiglaucoma medications, complications and resurgery if any were recorded at baseline, day 1and then at months 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 and at the last visit. Failure was defined as IOP >18 mm Hg or not reduced by at least 30% below baseline, IOP ≤5 mm Hg on two consecutive follow-up visits after 3 months, reoperation for a complication or loss of light perception vision.

Results

101 eyes of 101 patients were included with a mean age of 10.4±4.7 years at the time of surgery and a mean follow-up of 40.9±15.1 months. Glaucoma following cataract surgery was the most common type of glaucoma (n=31, 30%), followed by primary congenital glaucoma (n=29, 29%). The cumulative probability of failure was 15.8% (95% CI 10.1% to 24.5%) at 1 year, 22.7% (95% CI 15.7% to 32.2%) at 2 years, 42.5% (95% CI 32.6% to 53.9%) at 3 years and 62.1% (95% CI 49.5% to 74.8%) at the 4 years time point.

Conclusion

The AADI showed excellent success until 2 years after surgery in paediatric eyes after which failure rates increased. Further prospective studies with longer follow-up are required to evaluate the long-term success of the AADI for paediatric glaucomas.

Long-term outcome of low-cost glaucoma drainage device (Aurolab aqueous drainage implant) compared with Ahmed glaucoma valve

Purpose

To compare the long-term outcome of Aurolab aqueous drainage device (AADI) and Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV).

Method

Retrospective analysis of patients with refractory glaucoma who underwent AGV (AGV-FP7) and AADI (AADI Model 350) implantation. The outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP), requirement of antiglaucoma medications (AGMs) and re-surgery for IOP control. The postoperative complications were classified as early (≤3 months), intermediate (>3 months to ≤1 year) or late (>1 year).

Results

173 patients (189 eyes) underwent AGV implantation (AGV Group) while 201 patients (206 eyes) underwent AADI implantation (AADI group). The IOP in AADI group was significantly lower than AGV group at all time points till 2 years and comparable at 3 years. AADI group had significantly higher number of AGM in preoperative period and significantly lower number in postoperative period till 3 years compared with AGV group. AADI group had more hypotony-related complications but statistically insignificant (p = 0.07). The surgical interventions were significantly higher in AGV (n = 18) compared with AADI group (n = 5) in late postoperative period (p = 0.01). At 3 years, overall success was seen in 58.18% in AGV and 73.08% in AADI group (p = 0.15). Complete success was seen in 7.27% patients in AGV and 25.00% patients in AADI group (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Both AADI and AGV implant had comparable mean IOP at 3 years with lesser requirement of AGM in the AADI group. Both procedures appear to be safe with slight preponderance of hypotony-related complications in AADI group.

Intermediate-term outcome of Aurolab aqueous drainage implant

Purpose:

To report the intermediate-term safety and efficacy of Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) in patients with glaucoma.

Methods:

Retrospective review of patients who underwent AADI between January 2013 and December 2016. Patients aged >16 years and with a minimum follow-up of 6 months were included. Success was defined as complete when the intraocular pressure was ≥6 and ≤21 mmHg without antiglaucoma medication and as qualified if those requiring additional antiglaucoma medications were included.

Results:

The study included 55 patients (55 eyes) with a mean age ± standard deviation (SD) of 47.3 ± 18.1 years with a mean follow-up of 16.7 ± 11.4 months. Mean intraocular pressure reduced from 30.8 ± 11.1 mmHg to 13.1 ± 4.7, 14.1 ± 4.8, 15.7 ± 2.5 (P < 0.001) mmHg at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively. The mean number of antiglaucoma medications reduced from 3.4 ± 1 to 0.8 ± 1.2, 0.7 ± 1.1, 0.8 ± 1 (P < 0.001) at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively. The cumulative probability of complete and qualified success was 62% and 100% at 6 months, 54% and 92% at 1 year, and 43% and 88% at 2 years, respectively. Four patients failed during the follow-up period. Postoperative complication occurred in 28 eyes (51%), of which 17 eyes (31%) required intervention.

Conclusion:

AADI is a safe and effective treatment for the control of intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma.

Glaucoma Drainage Device Coated with Mitomycin C Loaded Opal Shale Microparticles to Inhibit Bleb Fibrosis

Excessive fibrosis is the topmost factor for the defeat of surgical glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation. Adjuvant drug approaches are promising to help reduce the scar formation and excessive fibrosis. Opal shale (OS), as a natural state and noncrystalline silica substance with poriferous nature and strong adsorbability, is highly likely to undertake drug loading and delivery. Here, we employed OS microparticles (MPs) by ultrasound and centrifugation and presented an innovative and improved GDD coated with OS MPs, which were loaded with mitomycin C (MMC). MMC-loaded OS MPs were physically absorbed on the Ahmed glaucoma valve surface through OS' adsorbability. About 5.51 μg of MMC was loaded on the modified Ahmed glaucoma valve and can be released for 18 days in vitro. MMC-loaded OS MPs inhibited fibroblast proliferation and showed low toxicity to primary Tenon's fibroblasts. The ameliorated drainage device was well tolerated and effective in reducing the fibrous reaction in vivo. Hence, our study constructed an improved Ahmed glaucoma valve using OS MPs without disturbing aqueous humor drainage pattern over the valve surface. The modified Ahmed glaucoma valve successfully alleviated scar tissue formation after GDD implantation surgery.

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.

Surgical outcomes of a new affordable non-valved glaucoma drainage device and Ahmed glaucoma valve: comparison in the first year

BACKGROUND

A new low-cost, indigenously manufactured, non-valved glaucoma drainage device (GDD) has been introduced and its design is based on the Baerveldt Glaucoma Device. We aim to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of this GDD (Aurolab aqueous drainage implant, AADI) vis-à-vis the valved device, Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV), in the management of refractory glaucomas.

DESIGN

Retrospective, comparative, interventional.

PARTICIPANTS

Case review of consecutive patients who underwent GDD surgery by a single fellowship-trained surgeon at a Tertiary Centre between January 2014 and November 2016.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE

Intraocular pressure (IOP).

SECONDARY

Antiglaucoma medication (AGM), LogMAR best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), complications.

RESULTS

A total of 88 eyes of 83 patients were included; 36 eyes received AGV and 52 AADI. Preoperative parameters were similar between groups. Median follow-up was 13 and 12 months for AADI and AGV, respectively. Overall success rate was higher in AADI (92.3%) vs AGV (80.5%) (p<0.001). The median IOP in mm Hg (Quartiles; IQR) (AADI 14 (10,15;5) vs AGV 16 (14,20;6)) and AGM (AADI: 0 (0,1;1) vs AGV 2 (1,2.75;1.75)) was significantly lower in the AADI group at last follow-up (p<0.001). LogMAR BCVA improved in both groups; complication rates (AADI 44.2% vs AGV 52.7%) were comparable (p=0.59).

CONCLUSIONS

Both procedures were effective in reduction of IOP and need for AGM. Nevertheless, overall success rate was higher in the AADI group and IOP and number of AGM required was significantly lower in the AADI group; this affordable GDD could have a tremendous impact in the management of refractory glaucomas in low-income to middle-income countries.