Outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve in paediatric glaucoma following congenital cataract surgery in persistent foetal vasculature

Surgical Parameters and Prognostic Factors in Persistent Fetal Vasculature: Insights from a Retrospective Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) is a congenital anomaly associated with significant surgical challenges, including a high risk of postoperative retinal detachment (RD). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of surgical approach and axial length (AL) on RD risk and visual outcomes in pediatric PFV management.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 76 eyes of 74 patients who underwent cataract surgery for PFV between 2014 and 2022. Patients were categorized by RD status postoperatively (14 with RD, 62 without RD). Key predictors, including surgical approach (corneal vs. pars plicata), AL, and age at surgery, were analyzed. The primary outcomes were RD incidence and final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

RESULTS

Compared to the pars plicata approach, the corneal approach was associated with a significantly lower risk of RD, as indicated by a multivariate odds ratio of 0.08 (95% CI 0.01-0.6, P = 0.011). A shorter AL increased the risk of RD (median 17 vs. 20 mm, P = 0.002). The RD group showed poorer visual outcomes (P < 0.001), with a 71% loss of light perception. Surgery before 3 months improved outcomes, regardless of RD. Visible ciliary processes were strongly correlated with RD (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Corneal surgical approach and longer AL are associated with a lower RD risk in PFV cataract surgery. Early intervention and thorough preoperative assessment of the AL and ciliary processes are crucial for optimal outcomes.

Ahmed glaucoma valve implant for refractory glaucoma in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Ahmed glaucoma valve in pediatric patients with refractory glaucoma.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple major databases, including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews, Science Direct, China's National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the Wanfang database. We retrieved studies published before December 2022 that met the inclusion criteria, including clinical controlled trials (randomized controlled trials) and clinical noncontrolled trials (non-randomized controlled trials) on the use of Ahmed glaucoma valve in pediatric patients with refractory glaucoma. We performed a meta-analysis and systematic review. The efficacy measures included intraocular pressure, number of anti-glaucoma medications, visual acuity, and success rate. The safety measures were complications. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.0 software.

RESULTS

We identified 46 eligible studies: Compared with geographic location and study type, the Ahmed glaucoma valve showed a decrease in postoperative intraocular pressure and number of anti-glaucoma medications compared to preoperative levels in children with refractory glaucoma (P < 0.001). Compared with etiological, the Ahmed glaucoma valve showed a decrease in intraocular pressure after surgery compared to preoperative levels in children with refractory glaucoma (SMD: 14.57, 95% CI: 14.05-15.08, P < 0.00 1), and a decrease in postoperative number of anti-glaucoma medications compared to preoperative number of anti-glaucoma medications (SMD: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.37-1.54, P < 0.001). Compared with trabeculectomy revision surgery, there was no significant difference in the complete success rate between the two groups (SMD: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.52-1.39; P = 0.37).Overall, the postoperative intraocular pressure at the time of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation was lower than that at the time of trabeculectomy revision surgery (SMD: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.71-1.31, I2 = 99%, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses based on whether mitomycin C was use d or not. There was a statistically significant difference in intraocular pressure between Ahmed's glaucoma valve surgery and preoperative (SMD: 14.13, 95% CI: 13.47-14.80, P = 0.007). Comparison of cumulative complete success rates of Ahmed S2, S3, and Ahmed FP7, FP8 in Ahmed glaucoma valve surgery (SMD: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.38-1.45, I2 = 85%, P = 0.38). There is no statistical difference between the two groups. Choroidal effusion and anterior chamber hemorrhage are the two most common adverse events after Ahmed's glaucoma valve surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation has some effectiveness in reducing intraocular pressure in children with refractory glaucoma, but there are still many complications. Valve model may not be the key factor affecting the postoperative effectiveness and adverse reactions of refractory glaucoma in children.

Visual and surgical outcomes of childhood glaucoma following cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate frequency of surgery and post-treatment outcomes in glaucoma following cataract surgery (GFCS).

METHODS

The medical records of patients with GFCS were reviewed retrospectively. Lensectomy and glaucoma surgery details and final examination findings were collected. Inclusion criteria included history of lensectomy at <1 year of age, diagnosis of glaucoma, and at least 1 year of follow-up.

RESULTS

Of 169 eyes of 127 GFCS patients (66 male, 58 bilateral cases), 88 eyes (52%) of 73 (57%) patients underwent glaucoma surgery (median, 3.5 years of age at first glaucoma surgery; median of two glaucoma surgeries). At final follow-up (mean, 13.6 ± 7.0 years), eyes requiring glaucoma surgery had worse visual acuity (P = 0.01) and greater cup:disk ratio (P < 0.01). GFCS patients with history of bilateral congenital cataracts had better visual acuity in affected eyes than those with history of unilateral congenital cataract (P < 0.01). Angle surgery (n = 56), Baerveldt devices (n = 38), Ahmed valves (n = 19), and cycloablation (n = 21) showed 1-year survival rates between 64% and 75%. Baerveldt implants showed the highest 5- and 10-year survival rates, at 65% and 43%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

More than 50% of eyes with GFCS in our study cohort required at least one glaucoma surgery. Glaucoma surgery and history of unilateral cataract were associated with worse visual acuity outcomes.

Combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy for glaucoma after congenital cataract surgery: long-term results

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to report on the long-term (>5 years) results of surgery for glaucoma after congenital cataract surgery.

DESIGN

Retrospective.

METHODS

A chart review was conducted of all children operated on for glaucoma after congenital cataract surgery in the Pediatric Ophthalmology Service of the Ophthalmology Department of Alexandria main University Hospital in Alexandria, Egypt, between 2005 and 2014 who completed 5 years of follow-up. Demographic, clinical, and operative data were retrieved from the medical records. Success was defined by stability and (or) reversal of optic nerve cupping in relation to presentation and, if this information was not available, by an intraocular pressure (IOP) less than the presenting IOP and less than 16 mm Hg with (true) or without (qualified) IOP-lowering therapy.

RESULTS

The records of 48 children were reviewed. Thirty-two eyes of 24 children had completed at least 5 years of follow-up and were included in the study. The mean age (±SD) of the study children was 11.6 ± 11.3 months (range, 3.2-52.0 months) at presentation, and the mean (±SD) follow-up was 105.5 ± 31.4 months (range, 60-156 months). Of 47 glaucoma surgical procedures in total, combined angle and filtering surgery with antimetabolite was the most common procedure performed (n = 30;63.8%). Annual success percentages from the fifth year onward to the thirteenth year were 69.6%, 68.8%, 77.8%, 50.0%, 71.4%, 60.0%, 50.0%, 83.3%, and 50.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery for glaucoma after congenital cataract surgery remains safe and successful for 13 years after surgery.

Ahmed and Baerveldt Glaucoma Drainage Devices in Childhood Glaucoma: A Meta-Analysis

PRCIS

The effectiveness of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) and Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) was comparable in the management of childhood glaucoma over the long term despite initial better success rate with BGI. There were higher tube block and retraction rates in the BGI group and higher tube exposure rates in the AGV group.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcomes and safety of AGV and BGI in childhood glaucoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a systematic literature review of publications from 1990 to 2022 in PubMed, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and google scholar for studies evaluating AGV and BGI in childhood glaucoma. Primary outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction and glaucoma medication reduction. The secondary outcome measures were the success rates and incidence of postoperative complications. We conducted a meta-analysis using a random effects model.

RESULTS

Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 1480 eyes were included. The mean IOP reduction was 15.08 mm Hg ( P < 0.00001) for AGV and 14.62 ( P < 0.00001) for the BGI group. The mean difference between pre and postoperative glaucoma medications was 1 ( P < 0.00001) fewer medications in the AGV group and 0.95 ( P < 0.0001) fewer medications in the BGI group. There was a lower success rate in the AGV versus BGI groups at 2 years [63% vs 83%, respectively ( P < 0.0001) and 3 years (43% vs 79%, respectively ( P < 0.0001)]; however, the success was higher for AGV at 5 years (63% vs 56% in the BGI group, P < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative complications was comparable in the AGV and BGI groups, with rates of 28% and 27%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The IOP and glaucoma medication reduction, success rates, and incidence of postoperative complications were comparable in Ahmed and Baerveldt groups. Most literature comes from retrospective low-quality studies on refractory childhood glaucoma. Further larger cohort studies are needed.

Ahmed to Baerveldt glaucoma drainage device exchange in pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus and few reports as to the surgical management of encapsulated Ahmed glaucoma drainage devices (GDD) which no longer control intraocular pressure (IOP), especially within the pediatric population. The purpose of this study was to report outcomes of exchanging the Ahmed GDD for a Baerveldt GDD in children with refractory glaucoma.

METHODS

Retrospective review of children (< 18yrs) who underwent removal of Ahmed FP7 and placement of Baerveldt 350 (2016-2021) with ≥ 3-month follow-up. Surgical success was defined as IOP 5-20 mmHg without additional IOP-lowering surgeries or visually devastating complications. Outcomes included change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and number of glaucoma medications.

RESULTS

Twelve eyes of 10 patients underwent superotemporal Ahmed FP7 to Baerveldt 350 GDD exchange at 8.8 ± 3.6 years. Time to Ahmed failure was 2.7 ± 1.9 years with 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of 83% with a 95% CI[48,95], 33% with a 95% CI[10, 59], and 8% with a 95% CI[0, 30]. At final follow-up (2.5 ± 1.8 years), success rate for Baerveldt 350 GDDs was 75% (9 of 12 eyes) with 1 and 3-yr survival rates of 100% and 71% with 95% CI[25,92], respectively. IOP (24.1 ± 2.9 vs. 14.9 ± 3.1 mmHg) and number of glaucoma medications (3.7 ± 0.7 vs. 2.7 ± 1.1) were significantly decreased (p < 0.004). BCVA remained stable. Two eyes required cycloablation and 1 eye developed a retinal detachment.

CONCLUSIONS

Ahmed removal with Baerveldt placement can improve IOP control with fewer medications in cases of refractory pediatric glaucoma. However, more eyes with greater follow-up are required to determine long-term outcomes.

Influence of different primary surgical techniques on long-term intraocular pressure and medication in glaucoma after congenital cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To assess long-time results of primary surgical treatment in children with glaucoma after congenital cataract surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 37 eyes from 35 children with glaucoma after congenital cataract surgery, who underwent surgery between 2011 and 2021 at the Childhood Glaucoma Center, University Medical Center Mainz, Germany. Only children, who received a primary glaucoma surgery in our clinic within the given time (n = 25) and had at least one-year follow-up (n = 21), were included in the further analysis. The mean follow-up time was 40.4±35.1 months. The primary outcome was the mean reduction in IOP (in mmHg) from baseline to follow-up visits after the surgery, measured with Perkins tonometry.

RESULTS

8 patients (38%) were treated with probe trabeculotomy (probe TO), 6 (29%) with 360° catheter-assisted trabeculotomy (360° TO) and 7 (33%) with cyclodestructive procedures. IOP was significantly reduced after probe TO and 360° TO after 2 years, from 26.9 mmHg to 17.4 mmHg (p<0.01) and 25.2 mmHg to 14.1 mmHg (p<0.02), respectively. There was no significant IOP reduction after cyclodestructive procedures after 2 years. Both, probe TO and 360° TO led descriptively to eye drops reduction after 2 years, from 2.0 to 0.7 and 3.2 to 1.1. The reduction was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

In glaucoma after congenital cataract surgery, both trabeculotomy techniques, lead to good reduction of IOP after 2 years. There is a need for a prospective study with comparison to the use of glaucoma drainage implants.

A Comprehensive Review of Pediatric Glaucoma Following Cataract Surgery and Progress in Treatment

Glaucoma following cataract surgery (GFCS) remains a serious postoperative complication of pediatric cataract surgery. Various risk factors, including age at lensectomy, intraocular lens implantation, posterior capsule status, associated ocular/systemic anomaly, additional intraocular surgery, and a family history of congenital cataract and GFCS, have been reported. However, the optimal surgical approach remains unclear. This review evaluates the diagnostic criteria, classification, risk factors, mechanism, and surgical management, especially the efficacy of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, in GFCS, and aims to propose an optimal clinical management strategy for GFCS. The results of our review indicate that ab interno trabeculotomy (goniotomy) may be the most appropriate first-line treatment for GFCS.

Ologen augmentation of Ahmed valves in pediatric glaucomas

BACKGROUND

We previously showed that Ologen increased success and survival rates of Ahmed glaucoma devices in a small number of children. The current study analyzed the same surgical technique in an expanded cohort.

METHODS

Retrospective interventional case series of children who underwent Ologen augmentation of Ahmed glaucoma device (OAGD) from 2018 to 2021 with ≥6 months' postoperative follow-up. Complete success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) of 5-20 mm Hg without glaucoma medications or additional IOP-lowering surgeries. Complete or qualified success was defined as above, except that IOP control was maintained with or without glaucoma medications.

RESULTS

A total of 26 eyes of 18 patients underwent OAGD at a median age of 2.0 years. Diagnoses included primary congenital glaucoma (5 eyes) and glaucoma secondary to nonacquired ocular anomalies (9 eyes), nonacquired systemic anomalies (8 eyes), and acquired conditions (4 eyes). Seventeen eyes had ≥1 prior eye surgery (average, 1.6 ± 0.9 surgeries per eye). Preoperative IOP was 29.4 ± 9.9 mm Hg on an average of 2.7 ± 1.0 glaucoma medications. At final follow-up (1.3 ± 1.0 years; median 1.0), IOP (13.4 ± 4.7 mm Hg) and number of glaucoma medications (0.3 ± 0.7, median 0) were significantly decreased (P < 0.0001). Complete success was achieved in 77% of eyes (20/26); Kaplan Meier analysis showed 1- and 3-year survival rates of 82% (95% CI, 59-93) and 60% (95% CI, 25-83), respectively. Complete or qualified success was achieved in 100% of eyes (26/26) at final follow-up. There were no visually devastating complications.

CONCLUSIONS

OAGD showed a high rate of success defined by decreased IOP and medication dependency in our study cohort of pediatric glaucoma patients.

Outcomes of Baerveldt Glaucoma Drainage Devices in Pediatric Eyes

PRCIS

In children, Baerveldt implants showed 84% success at 1 year, but decreased to 32% at 8 years. Age, race, and glaucoma type were not risk factors for failure. Concurrent intraocular surgery was associated with complications.

PURPOSE

Evaluate success and risk factors for failure and complications of Baerveldt glaucoma implants in children.

METHODS

Retrospective case series of children who underwent Baerveldt implant placement (2012-2019 by single surgeon) with ≥1 year follow-up. Ocular examination and surgical details were collected. Failure defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) <5 mm Hg or >21 mm Hg for 2 consecutive visits, need for IOP related surgery, or visually significant complication.

RESULTS

One hundred-six eyes of 76 patients underwent 110 Baerveldt placement at median 6.4 years. Baerveldt placement was combined with additional procedures in 49% with vitrectomy most common (30%). Success of first Baerveldt (per patient) was 64% at final follow-up (median 4.7 y). One-, 5-, and 8-year survival rates were 84%, 60%, and 32%, respectively. There was no difference (P=0.97) in survival between first Baerveldt and all Baerveldt surgeries. Failure of first Baerveldt was not associated with sex, age, ethnicity, prior IOP-lowering surgery, concurrent intraocular surgery, or glaucoma type. Complications occurred in 14% and were associated with concurrent surgery. Twenty-six percent required additional IOP-lowering surgery. At final follow-up, IOP and glaucoma medications were significantly decreased (P<0.0001). Eyes underwent an average of 3.8±2.3 ocular surgeries and 3.0±2.0 glaucoma surgeries.

CONCLUSIONS

Baerveldt implants showed good success initially, but survival rates declined over time. No risk factors for failure of first implanted Baerveldt were identified. Concurrent surgery was associated with complications. Majority of eyes required multiple surgeries to achieve IOP control and preserve vision.

Management of Childhood Glaucoma Following Cataract Surgery

Glaucoma remains a frequent serious complication following cataract surgery in children. The optimal approach to management for 'glaucoma following cataract surgery' (GFCS), one of the paediatric glaucoma subtypes, is an ongoing debate. This review evaluates the various management options available and aims to propose a clinical management strategy for GFCS cases. A literature search was conducted in four large databases (Cochrane, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science), from 1995 up to December 2021. Thirty-nine studies-presenting (1) eyes with GFCS; a disease entity as defined by the Childhood Glaucoma Research Network Classification, (2) data on treatment outcomes, and (3) follow-up data of at least 6 months-were included. Included papers report on GFCS treated with angle surgery, trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage device implantation (GDD), and cyclodestructive procedures. Medical therapy is the first-line treatment in GFCS, possibly to bridge time to surgery. Multiple surgical procedures are often required to adequately control GFCS. Angle surgery (360 degree) may be considered before proceeding to GDD implantation, since this technique offers good results and is less invasive. Literature suggests that GDD implantation gives the best chance for long-term IOP control in childhood GFCS and some studies put this technique forward as a good choice for primary surgery. Cyclodestruction seems to be effective in some cases with uncontrolled IOP. Trabeculectomy should be avoided, especially in children under the age of one year and children that are left aphakic. The authors provide a flowchart to guide the management of individual GFCS cases.

Outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in pediatric glaucoma

BACKGROUND: In many types of pediatric glaucoma, there is no clear algorithm for surgical management. In these situations, the procedure of choice can be the implantation of various types of drainage devices. AIM: To evaluate the outcomes of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve implantation in refractory pediatric glaucoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The treatment results of 52 children (67 eyes) aged 1 month 17 years (6.6 0.6 years) with unsuccessfully operated primary congenital glaucoma, with glaucoma associated with congenital anomalies of the eyeball, with secondary glaucoma were analyzed. The surgery was considered to be effective when stable intraocular pressure (IOP) was achieved, there were no complications, and no need for repeated interventions. RESULTS: The effect of surgery was maintained for 6 months in 97% of patients, but after 1, 2 and 3 years it decreased to 91.8%, 82%, and 73.9%, respectively, and to 42.8% after 7 years. Postoperative complications included filtering bleb encapsulation (25.3%), iris retraction to the tube with pupil dislocation (4.5%); ciliochoroidal detachment (4.5%); cataract (3.0%), conjunctival erosion with tube eruption (4.5%), endophthalmitis (1.5%), retinal detachment (6.0%), tube retraction (1.5%), hyphema (3.0%). The risk factors for an unfavorable outcome of the procedure were: an increase in the anteroposterior axis of the eyeball length by 20% or more compared to the age norm, IOP at the time of the surgery higher than 32 mm Hg, as well as previous antiglaucoma filtering procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The implantation of the drainage device Ahmed Glaucoma Valve is indicated for refractory pediatric glaucoma in case of ineffectiveness of previous surgeries. However, it is necessary to take into account the decrease in the effectiveness of the device over time, which, combined with the possibility of complications, requires long-term follow-up of patients.

Outcomes and surgical management of persistent fetal vasculature

Objective

To analyse outcomes in different forms of persistent fetal vasculature (PFV).

Methods and analysis

Retrospective cohort study at a university-based practice of children presenting with PFV between 2011 and 2020. Exclusion criteria was surgical management outside of our institution and follow-up less than 1 month. Wilcoxon and Student’s t-tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Forty-six eyes of 45 patients presented with PFV at 16.7±31.3 (median 2.8) months old with 32.6±29.8 (median 22.5) months of follow-up. Types of PFV included: mild combined anterior-posterior (23 eyes, 50%), severe combined anterior-posterior (18 eyes, 39%), severe anterior (3 eyes, 7%), mild anterior (1 eye, 2%) and posterior (1 eye, 2%). Thirty-two eyes (70%) underwent PFV surgical correction; lensectomy (13 mild combined), vitrectomy (3 mild combined), sequential lensectomy then vitrectomy (3 severe combined), combined lensectomy-vitrectomy (11 severe anterior or severe combined), laser retinopexy (1 mild combined). Five eyes required additional vitrectomy surgery for retinal detachment, fold or cyclitic membrane. Nine eyes developed glaucoma, six requiring Intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering surgery. At final follow-up, 32 eyes had at least form vision and 6 eyes were aversive to light. Eight eyes, all which were severe combined, and four that did not undergo PFV surgery, were unable to detect light due to phthisis bulbi (7) and optic nerve hypoplasia (1).

Conclusions

Classification of PFV is important in determining surgical approach with severe cases often requiring both lensectomy and vitrectomy for optimal anatomic and functional outcomes.