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Butler ETS, Bjerager J, Eriksen NS, Hajari JN, Schneider M, Faber C, Subhi Y. Effect of Needle Gauge Size on Pain During Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Injection: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. Ophthalmol Ther 2024; 13:801-817. [PMID: 38265622 PMCID: PMC10853108 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-023-00879-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Concerns related to pain from intravitreal injections are one of the key factors mentioned by patients when asked about therapy. In this systematic review and network meta-analysis, we evaluate the literature of comparative clinical trials on the relationship between needle gauge size and pain experience during intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy. METHODS We searched 12 literature databases on 14 October 2023 for comparative studies of gauge sizes for intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. The primary outcome of interest was the reported pain experience immediately after the injection. All outcomes of pain were transformed into standardized effect sizes using Cohen's d. Using a network meta-analysis approach, we were able to compare all gauge sizes and rank them according to the reported pain experience. RESULTS We identified nine eligible studies with data on a total of 998 patients and 1004 eyes. Needle sizes studied were 26-gauge, 27-gauge, 29-gauge, 30-gauge, 32-gauge, 33-gauge, and 34-gauge. A complete network was present, which allowed for a network meta-analysis. We used the thickest (26-gauge) needle as the reference group and observed a clear trend of lower pain experience with thinner gauge sizes (d: -0.4, d: -2.7, d: -3.8, d: -4.8, d: -4.5, and d: -5.3; respectively, for 27-gauge, 29-gauge, 30-gauge, 32-gauge, 33-gauge, and 34-gauge). CONCLUSION A gauge size of 30 or thinner may minimize patient discomfort related to intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jakob Bjerager
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Nathalie S Eriksen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Javad N Hajari
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Miklos Schneider
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Carsten Faber
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yousif Subhi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 19.3, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.
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Baumal CR, Sørensen TL, Karcher H, Freitas RL, Becher A, Balez S, Clemens A, Singer M, Kodjikian L. Efficacy and safety of brolucizumab in age-related macular degeneration: A systematic review of real-world studies. Acta Ophthalmol 2023; 101:123-139. [PMID: 36117281 DOI: 10.1111/aos.15242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Intravitreally injected anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents are first-line treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Phase 3 trials demonstrated non-inferiority of anti-VEGF therapy with brolucizumab compared with aflibercept in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) gains, with superior anatomical outcomes after brolucizumab. The purpose of the review was to summarize real-world efficacy and safety data on brolucizumab in patients with nAMD. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021290530). We conducted systematic searches in Embase, Medline and key ophthalmology congress websites (19 October 2021). Original reports of efficacy and/or safety in patients receiving brolucizumab to treat nAMD in clinical practice were eligible. The descriptive summary includes reports describing at least 10 brolucizumab-treated eyes. In total, 2907 brolucizumab-treated eyes from 26 studies were included. Outcomes were available for treatment-naive eyes (six studies), eyes switched to brolucizumab from other anti-VEGFs (16 studies), and/or treatment-naive and switch eyes combined (eight studies). Follow-up time points ranged from 4 weeks to 1 year post-brolucizumab initiation. For BCVA, significant improvements compared with brolucizumab initiation were reported in four of six studies in treatment-naive eyes (mean BCVA improvement, range: +3.7 to +11.9 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study [ETDRS] letters) and in three of 12 studies in switch eyes (range: +9.0 to +15 ETDRS letters) (all p < 0.05); remaining studies reported no significant post-brolucizumab BCVA changes. For central subfield thickness (CST), improvements post-brolucizumab initiation were reported in all six studies in treatment-naive eyes (mean CST improvement, range: -113.4 to -150.1 μm) and in eight of 11 studies in switch eyes (range: -26 to -185.7 μm) (all p < 0.05). The 14 studies reporting on intraretinal, subretinal and/or total fluid observed improvements post-brolucizumab initiation. The four studies comparing treatment intervals observed extension of the interval between injections after switching to brolucizumab from other anti-VEGFs. Incidence of intraocular inflammation ranged from 0% to 19%. In conclusion, real-world efficacy and safety data concur with brolucizumab pivotal trials. Additionally, reduction of disease activity in anti-VEGF switch eyes was demonstrated by fluid reduction and/or visual acuity gain, along with prolongation of the interval between injections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline R Baumal
- New England Eye Center, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Torben Lykke Sørensen
- University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Ophthalmology, Zealand University Hospital Roskilde, Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - Rita L Freitas
- Novartis Farma - Produtos Farmacêuticos, S.A., Porto Salvo, Portugal
| | | | | | - Andreas Clemens
- Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, Heart Center Freiburg University, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Singer
- University of Texas Health Science Center and Medical Center Ophthalmology, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Laurent Kodjikian
- University of Lyon and Croix-Rousse University Hospital UCBL, INSA Lyon, CNRS, MATEIS, UMR5510, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
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Wang R, McClard CK, Laswell S, Mahmoudzadeh R, Salabati M, Ammar M, Vannavong J, Aziz AA, Ewald A, Calvanese AV, Lehman EB, Fried S, Windham V, Strutt A, Saroj N, Khanani AM, Eichenbaum DA, Regillo C, Wykoff CC. Quantifying burden of intravitreal injections: questionnaire assessment of life impact of treatment by intravitreal injections (QUALITII). BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2022; 7:bmjophth-2022-001188. [PMID: 36794741 PMCID: PMC9764643 DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2022-001188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To quantify the areas of burden experienced by patients requiring repeated intravitreal injections (IVI) in the management of exudative retinal diseases. METHODS The validated Questionnaire to Assess Life Impact of Treatment by Intravitreal Injections survey was administered to patients at four retina clinical practices across four US states. The primary outcome measure was Treatment Burden Score (TBS), a single score assessing overall burden. RESULTS Of 1416 (n=657 age-related macular degeneration; n=360 diabetic macular oedema/diabetic retinopathy; n=221 retinal vein occlusion; n=178 other/uncertain) patients, 55% were women with an average age of 70 years. Patients most frequently reported receiving IVI every 4-5 weeks (40%). The mean TBS was 16.1±9.2 (range 1-48; scale of 1-54), and the TBS was higher in patients with diabetic macular oedema and/or diabetic retinopathy (DMO/DR) (17.1) compared with those with age-related macular degeneration (15.5) or retinal venous occlusive (15.3) (p=0.028). Though the mean level of discomfort was quite low (1.86) (scale 0-6), 50% of patients reported experiencing side effects more than half of the visits. Patients having received fewer than 5 IVI reported higher mean anxiety levels before (p=0.026), during (p=0.050) and after (p=0.016) treatment compared with patients having received more than 50 IVI. After the procedure, 42% of patients reported restrictions from usual activities due to discomfort. Patients reported a high mean satisfaction rating of 5.46 (scale 0-6) with the care of their diseases. CONCLUSIONS The mean TBS was moderate and highest among patients with DMO/DR. Patients with more total injections reported lower levels of discomfort and anxiety but higher disruption to daily life. Despite the challenges related to IVI, the overall satisfaction with treatment remained high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Ophthalmology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cynthia K McClard
- Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA,The University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | | | - Raziyeh Mahmoudzadeh
- Mid Atlantic Retina Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mirataollah Salabati
- Mid Atlantic Retina Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael Ammar
- Mid Atlantic Retina Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Aamir A Aziz
- University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Amy Ewald
- Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | | | - Erik B Lehman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State Health Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sagit Fried
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | | | - Adriana Strutt
- Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Arshad Mohammad Khanani
- Sierra Eye Associates, Reno, Nevada, USA,University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - David A Eichenbaum
- Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA,Ophthalmology, Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Carl Regillo
- Mid Atlantic Retina Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Charles Clifton Wykoff
- Retina Consultants of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA .,Blanton Eye Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
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Lee DH, Kim M, Choi EY, Chin HS, Kim M. Efficacy of Pretreatment with Preservative-Free Topical Bromfenac in Improving Post-Intravitreal-Injection Pain: A Prospective Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11144172. [PMID: 35887936 PMCID: PMC9319687 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11144172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: To determine the analgesic effect of pretreatment topical bromfenac instillation in patients undergoing intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment. (2) Methods: A prospective, non-randomized pilot study was conducted in patients scheduled to receive repeated intravitreal anti-VEGF injections at a single tertiary hospital. Before the planned second injection, the patients received topical bromfenac eye drops twice a day for 3 days. At 1, 6, and 24 h after the first and second injections, the post-injection pain scores were determined using the numerical rating scale (NRS) telephonically. (3) Results: A total of 28 patients were enrolled in this study. After the first intravitreal injection, the NRS pain scores were 4.04 ± 1.90 at 1 h, 1.57 ± 1.75 at 6 h, and 0.93 ± 1.27 at 24 h. The pain scores after the second intravitreal injection significantly decreased at each measurement time point (p = 0.002, 0.055, and 0.004, respectively) compared to the first injection. (4) Conclusions: The use of topical bromfenac eye drops before intravitreal injection can lead to a significant improvement in injection-related pain scores, which is the basis for a future large-scale randomized comparative study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hyun Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22332, Korea; (D.-H.L.); (H.-S.C.)
- Inha Vision Science Laboratory, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22332, Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea; (M.K.); (E.-Y.C.)
| | - Minha Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea; (M.K.); (E.-Y.C.)
| | - Eun-Young Choi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea; (M.K.); (E.-Y.C.)
| | - Hee-Seung Chin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22332, Korea; (D.-H.L.); (H.-S.C.)
- Inha Vision Science Laboratory, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22332, Korea
| | - Min Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea; (M.K.); (E.-Y.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2019-3440
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Sood S, Mandell J, Watane A, Friedman S, Parikh R. Cost of Ranibizumab Port Delivery System vs Intravitreal Injections for Patients With Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. JAMA Ophthalmol 2022; 140:716-723. [PMID: 35708679 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2022.1819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Importance The study team investigated costs associated with the ranibizumab port delivery system (PDS) for neovascular age-related macular (nAMD), an alternative to conventional intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections. Objective To investigate costs of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections vs ranibizumab PDS for patients with neovascular AMD (nAMD). Design, Setting, and Participants This cost analysis used trial data and Medicare reimbursement rates and included patients with nAMD who were receiving ranibizumab, aflibercept, bevacizumab injections, or ranibizumab PDS. Main Outcomes and Measures The number of intravitreal ranibizumab, aflibercept, and bevacizumab injections to break even with costs of ranibizumab PDS. Total direct medical costs over 1 year and 5 years for the ranibizumab PDS arm with refills at fixed 6-month intervals compared with monthly or bimonthly injections were calculated using Medicare rates. Scenario and sensitivity analyses accounted for uncertainty and variation. Results The mean (SD) number of ranibizumab, aflibercept, and bevacizumab injections to break even with the cost of ranibizumab PDS with 1 refill was 10.8 (1.3), 9.3 (1.1), and 34.5 (4.2), respectively. Ranibizumab PDS with fixed 6-month refills over 1 year cost $21 016 ($2102). Comparatively, monthly intravitreal ranibizumab cost $1943 (95% CI, -$3047 to $6932; P = .34) more, aflibercept cost $5702 (95% CI, $253-$11 151; P = .04) more, and bevacizumab cost $16 732 (95% CI, -$20 170 to -$13 294, P < .001) less. For bimonthly injections, aflibercept cost $7658 (95% CI, -$11 649.52 to -$3665.61; P = .006) less. Over 5 years, monthly intravitreal ranibizumab projected to cost $25 581 (95% CI, $2275-$48 887; P = .04) more, aflibercept cost $44 374 (95% CI, $18 623-$70 125; P = .008) more, and bevacizumab cost $67 793 (95% CI, -$82 501 to -$53 085; P < .001) less than PDS with fixed refills (mean [SD] cost, $89 218 [$8921]). For bimonthly injections, aflibercept cost $22 422 (95% CI, -$40 287 to -$45,56; P = .03) less. In scenario analyses, ranibizumab PDS with refills as needed offered cost savings compared with real-world intravitreal ranibizumab or aflibercept use at 5 years but not at 1 year. Conclusions and Relevance In this cost analysis, ranibizumab PDS with 1 refill cost more than intravitreal ranibizumab or aflibercept injections if less than or equal to approximately 11 or 10 injections, respectively, are required within the first year. Long term, if less than 4.4 and 3.8 injections are needed per refill, intravitreal ranibizumab and aflibercept is lower cost. Ranibizumab PDS costs more than intravitreal bevacizumab injections throughout scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shefali Sood
- New York University School of Medicine, New York
| | - Jordan Mandell
- Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Arjun Watane
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Ravi Parikh
- Manhattan Retina and Eye Consultants, New York, New York.,Department of Ophthalmology, New York University School of Medicine, New York
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Chang MA, Kapre A, Kaufman D, Kardatzke DR, Rabena M, Patel S, Bobbala A, Gune S, Fung A, Wallenstein G. Patient Preference and Treatment Satisfaction With a Port Delivery System for Ranibizumab vs Intravitreal Injections in Patients With Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Ophthalmol 2022; 140:771-778. [PMID: 35708706 PMCID: PMC9204622 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2022.1091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Question Do patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with a surgically implanted port delivery system (PDS) with ranibizumab prefer the PDS over intravitreal injections of anti–vascular endothelial growth factor agents? Findings This phase 3 randomized clinical trial found that treatment satisfaction was high with both PDS and intravitreal treatment, but almost all patients in the PDS arm preferred treatment delivered via the PDS at week 40 vs previous intravitreal injections. Meaning Although PDS treatment was preferred by most patients assigned to PDS over previous intravitreal injections, both delivery methods have high treatment satisfaction. Importance The port delivery system (PDS) with ranibizumab has demonstrated noninferior and equivalent efficacy compared with monthly intravitreal injections of ranibizumab, an anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agent, in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), but evaluating patient preference is important to help inform clinical decision-making. Objective Evaluate treatment satisfaction for ranibizumab delivered via PDS vs intravitreal injections as well as patient preference among those assigned to PDS. Design, Setting, and Participants Archway was a phase 3 randomized active-comparator open-label clinical trial conducted at 78 sites in the US. Patients 50 years and older with nAMD diagnosed within 9 months of screening with a documented response to anti-VEGF therapy were included. Of 619 patients screened, 418 were enrolled; 415 were included in the primary analysis and 234 were included in the secondary exploratory analysis. The Archway study ran from September 12, 2019, through primary readout on May 22, 2020. Interventions Patients were randomized 3:2 to PDS with ranibizumab, 100 mg/mL, with fixed refill exchanges every 24 weeks or intravitreal ranibizumab injections, 0.5 mg, every 4 weeks. Main Outcomes and Measures Treatment satisfaction was measured using the Macular Disease Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire in the PDS and intravitreal injection arms at week 40. Patient preference was assessed using the content-validated PDS Patient Preference Questionnaire (PPPQ), which measured the proportion of patients in the PDS arm with monthly monitoring who preferred treatment with the PDS at week 40 over previous intravitreal injections or concurrent fellow-eye injections. Both outcomes were exploratory end points. Results The mean (SD) age of participants at baseline was 75.0 (7.9) years; 234 participants (59%) were women and 162 (41%) were men. At week 40, differences in overall treatment satisfaction scores were minimal for the PDS and intravitreal injection arms (mean, 68.0; 95% CI, 67.4-68.6; n = 237 and mean, 66.1; 95% CI, 64.9-67.3; n = 159, respectively; difference, 1.9; 95% CI, 0.7-3.1). A total of 234 of 248 patients (94.4%) in the PDS arm were included in the PPPQ analysis. At week 40, almost all patients in the PDS arm preferred treatment via PDS (218 of 234 [93.2%]) vs previous intravitreal injections (3 of 234 [1.3%]), including 172 of 234 (73.5%) with a very strong preference for the PDS. In patients who received concurrent fellow-eye injections (n = 78), 72 (92.3%) preferred the PDS. Conclusions and Relevance Although PDS treatment was preferred by almost all patients assigned to PDS over previous intravitreal injections, both delivery methods have high treatment satisfaction. These findings provide further evidence for the PDS as a meaningful alternative treatment option for patients with nAMD. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03677934
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anne Fung
- Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, California
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7
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Calles-Monar PS, Sanabria MR, Alonso-Tarancon AM, Coco-Martin RM, Mayo-Iscar A. Modifiable Determinants of Satisfaction with Intravitreal Treatment in Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Drugs Aging 2022; 39:355-366. [PMID: 35486357 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-022-00937-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The success of intravitreal treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) depends on maximal adherence to treatment, which in turn requires patient satisfaction. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the factors associated with nAMD patient satisfaction to implement actions to improve treatment experiences and increase adherence. DESIGN This was a prospective, observational, analytical, cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS Our study included 100 consecutive nAMD patients under intravitreal treatment for at least 1 year. METHODS Patients completed the Macular Disease Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (MacTSQ) and the EuroQol Visual Analog Scale (EQ VAS). A logistic regression was estimated to model the low values of the satisfaction score (MacTSQ < 50). RESULTS The mean age of patients was 82.1 ± 7.8 years and 62% were female. Males (p = 0.002) and patients who improved their visual acuity (p = 0.004) were more satisfied, while patients who received a higher number of injections (p = 0.036) and treatment in both eyes (p = 0.001) were less satisfied. Higher health-related quality of life was related to higher satisfaction. The sensitivity and specificity of the predictive model were 75.8% and 76.1%, respectively. Factors independently associated with low satisfaction were female sex (odds ratio [OR] 6.84), going to the clinic alone (OR 8.51), longer duration of treatment (OR 0.62), receiving treatment in both eyes (OR 3.54), and suffering a decline in visual acuity (OR 3.30). The questionnaire revealed patients' needs for more information and injection points closer to their homes. CONCLUSIONS Well-defined areas for improvement were identified, i.e. to improve the information offered to each patient, to incorporate new long-acting drugs, and to establish locations for injection services in peripheral areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola S Calles-Monar
- Ophthalmology Department, San Telmo Hospital, Palencia University Hospital Complex, 34004, Palencia, Spain.
| | - María R Sanabria
- Ophthalmology Department, San Telmo Hospital, Palencia University Hospital Complex, 34004, Palencia, Spain
| | - Ana M Alonso-Tarancon
- Ophthalmology Department, San Telmo Hospital, Palencia University Hospital Complex, 34004, Palencia, Spain
| | - Rosa M Coco-Martin
- Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.,OFTARED Health Research Thematic Network, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín Mayo-Iscar
- Department of Statistics and O.R. & IMUVA, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
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Sobolewska B, Sabsabi M, Ziemssen F. Importance of Treatment Duration: Unmasking Barriers and Discovering the Reasons for Undertreatment of Anti-VEGF Agents in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Clin Ophthalmol 2021; 15:4317-4326. [PMID: 34737546 PMCID: PMC8558036 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s325763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Since non-adherence (NA) to intravitreal therapy with VEGF drugs is one of the most important modifiable factors compromising treatment outcome of nAMD, the purpose of this study was to investigate the contributing factors and barriers during long-term nAMD treatment. Methods Barriers and potential reasons for NA were prospectively measured using the Adherence Barriers Questionnaire Intravitreal Therapy (ABQ-IVT). A random sample of patients receiving intravitreal therapy was drawn based on data for different treatment periods. Three age-sex matched groups included the treatment periods of ≤30 months (group 1), between >30 months and ≤60 months (group 2), and >60 months (group 3). The occurrence of gaps between treatments and/or OCT visits was evaluated. Results NA with gaps of >56 days after the scheduled appointment was detected in 39%, 89%, and 100% of patients in group 1, 2, and 3, respectively (groups 1 and 2 vs group 3, p < 0.001). Two or more of such gaps were observed in 6%, 72%, and 94% of patients in group 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The overall ABQ-IVT score showed corresponding differences between the groups: 25.89 ± 7.68 (group 1, 95% CI 22.07–29.71), 34.72 ± 10.32 (group 2, 95% CI: 29.59–38.86), and 33.28 ± 9.04 (group 3, 95% CI 28.78–37.77). Accordingly, the score was inversely correlated with the number of regular follow-up visits in groups 2 and 3 (Pearson correlation coefficient r = −0.65 (p = 0.003) and r = −0.5 (p = 0.034), respectively). Within the groups of longer treatment duration, univariate logistic regression analysis showed higher odds of time commitment and challenge accompanying person to be relevant barriers. Conclusion NA is an arising problem with increasing duration of intravitreal therapy. Treatment barriers, detected by the ABQ-IVT, might change or increase during the course of the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianka Sobolewska
- Center for Ophthalmology, Eberhard- Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Muhammed Sabsabi
- Center for Ophthalmology, Eberhard- Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Focke Ziemssen
- University Eye Hospital, Center for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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