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Lim AWY, Leong CT, Salowi MA, Lim YMF, Wong WJ, Hwong WY. Trends in cataract surgery and healthcare system response during the COVID-19 lockdown in Malaysia: Lessons to be learned. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2024; 7:100469. [PMID: 38323125 PMCID: PMC10844644 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100469] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Elective surgeries were suspended during the national lockdown in March 2020 to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. We sought to evaluate the impact of the lockdown on cataract surgeries and suggest lessons for future outbreaks. Study design We conducted an interrupted time series analysis to examine rates of cataract surgery before and during the lockdown. Methods We used national cataract surgical data between 2015 and 2021 from the Malaysian Cataract Surgery Registry. Segmented regression with a seasonally adjusted Poisson model was used for the analysis. Stratified analyses were performed to establish whether the effect of the lockdown on cataract surgeries varied by hospital designation, type of cataract service, sex, and age groups. Results Cataract surgeries began falling in March 2020 at the onset of the lockdown, reached a trough in April 2020, and subsequently increased but never recovered to pre-lockdown levels. Cataract surgical rates in December 2021 were still 43 % below the expected surgical volume, equivalent to 2513 lost cataract surgeries. There was no evidence of a differential effect of the lockdown between COVID-19 designated and non-COVID-19 designated hospitals. The relative decrease in cataract surgical rates appears to have been greatest in outreach services and in people 40 years and older. Conclusions The lockdown caused an immediate reduction in cataract surgical rates to nearly half of its baseline rate. Despite its gradual recovery, further delays remain to be expected should there be no redistribution or increase in resources to support backlogs and incoming new cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Wei-Yin Lim
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Institute for Clinical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chin Tho Leong
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Institute for Clinical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Aziz Salowi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Selayang Hospital, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Yvonne Mei Fong Lim
- Centre for Clinical Care and Outcomes Research, Institute for Clinical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Wen Jun Wong
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Institute for Clinical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wen Yea Hwong
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Institute for Clinical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Wang Z, Zhang N, Lin P, Xing Y, Yang N. Recent advances in the treatment and delivery system of diabetic retinopathy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1347864. [PMID: 38425757 PMCID: PMC10902204 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1347864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a highly tissue-specific neurovascular complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus and is among the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Pathophysiological changes in DR encompass neurodegeneration, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Current treatments for DR, including anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, steroids, laser photocoagulation, and vitrectomy have limitations and adverse reactions, necessitating the exploration of novel treatment strategies. This review aims to summarize the current pathophysiology, therapeutic approaches, and available drug-delivery methods for treating DR, and discuss their respective development potentials. Recent research indicates the efficacy of novel receptor inhibitors and agonists, such as aldose reductase inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha agonists, and novel drugs in delaying DR. Furthermore, with continuous advancements in nanotechnology, a new form of drug delivery has been developed that can address certain limitations of clinical drug therapy, such as low solubility and poor penetration. This review serves as a theoretical foundation for future research on DR treatment. While highlighting promising therapeutic targets, it underscores the need for continuous exploration to enhance our understanding of DR pathogenesis. The limitations of current treatments and the potential for future advancements emphasize the importance of ongoing research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yiqiao Xing
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Kusenda P, Caprnda M, Gabrielova Z, Kukova N, Pavlovic S, Stefanickova J. Understanding Loss to Follow-Up in AMD Patients Receiving VEGF Inhibitor Therapy: Associated Factors and Underlying Reasons. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:400. [PMID: 38396439 PMCID: PMC10887977 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14040400] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), loss to follow-up (LTFU) leads to unplanned interruptions in therapy and the risk of visual loss. METHODS This retrospective and prospective case-control cohort study compared AMD patients with (LTFU YES) and without (LTFU NO) LTFU during anti-VEGF treatment over 12 years. LTFU was defined as missing any treatment or monitoring visits, or not scheduling follow-ups for six months. RESULTS Significant differences between LTFU NO (n = 298) and LTFU YES (n = 174) groups were age, treatment phase, baseline and final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), type of anti-VEGF drug, treatment switch, commuting distance, and escort during commuting. A multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the need for an escort during the commuting and treatment phase as the only significant difference. The four most common reasons for LTFU were general health worsening (21.8%), patient-missed appointments (16.7%), COVID-19-related issues (14.9%), and treatment dissatisfaction (8.6%). CONCLUSIONS The factors associated with increased LTFU rates were older age, inactive treatment phase, lower baseline and final BCVA, bevacizumab treatment, monotherapy, longer travelling distance, and commuting with an escort. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, only the escort during the commuting and treatment phases was significant. These findings could direct research to explore social support in treatment adherence and highlight the importance of treatment phases in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavol Kusenda
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital—St. Michael’s Hospital, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia; (P.K.); (Z.G.)
| | - Martin Caprnda
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, University Hospital Bratislava, 811 07 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Zuzana Gabrielova
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital—St. Michael’s Hospital, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia; (P.K.); (Z.G.)
| | | | - Samuel Pavlovic
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty Hospital Nitra, 950 01 Nitra, Slovakia;
| | - Jana Stefanickova
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 821 01 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Oftalmocentrum Betliarska Euromedix, 851 07 Bratislava, Slovakia
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4
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Okonkwo ON, Hassan AO, Bogunjoko T, Akinye A, Akanbi T, Agweye C. Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Intravitreal Antivascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injection Rates in Nigerians. JOURNAL OF THE WEST AFRICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS 2024; 14:48-53. [PMID: 38486642 PMCID: PMC10936880 DOI: 10.4103/jwas.jwas_53_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Aim To quantify the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the rate of intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections (IVI) in eye hospitals in Nigeria. Materials and Methods A retrospective, observational, comparative study. The IVIs given 12 months before (pre-COVID) and 12 months after the first announcement of the COVID-19 lockdown (COVID) in Nigeria in four hospitals were used as the sample for this study. All eyes were treatment naïve. We determined the total number of all anti-VEGF injections, the number given for each indication, and the number of each type of the three anti-VEGFs given. A comparison of the presenting vision in IVI eyes between the two eras and the visual outcome of the IVI treatment was made. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 22 to determine statistical significance. Results Male/female ratio, pre-COVID 63.4%/36.6% and COVID 58.6%/41.4% (P = 0.123). Age, pre-COVID 61.3 (SD 12.9) 9-95 years and COVID 57.5 (SD 16.4) 0.15-95 years. There was a 15.3% (81 eyes) reduction in the number of eyes between pre-COVID and COVID eras (528 and 447 eyes, respectively). Likewise, the number of IVIs reduced by 26% (221 IVIs) from 850 pre-COVID to 629 COVID, P = 0.005. A comparison of the proportion of eyes in the four clinic locations between the two eras was not statistically significant (P = 0.148). The commonest indication was proliferative diabetic retinopathy in both eras, 208 versus 178 eyes (323 versus 226 IVIs). Bevacizumab, Ranibizumab, and Aflibercept were given in the following proportions 60.2%, 22.3%, and 17.4% (pre-COVID) versus 60.2%, 31.5%, and 8.3% (COVID), P = 0.000. Presenting visual acuity was >6/60 in 67.4% of eyes (pre-COVID) versus 59.4% of eyes (COVID), P = 0.039. Vision improved in 51.3% of eyes (pre-COVID) versus 47.7% (COVID); there was no significant difference in visual outcome comparing both eras, P = 0.972. Conclusion COVID-19 significantly reduced the number of eyes and IVIs. Eyes had worse presenting visual acuity during the COVID era; however, treatment outcome was comparable between COVID and pre-COVID eras.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tayo Bogunjoko
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Foundation Hospital, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Ayodele Akinye
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Foundation Hospital, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Toyin Akanbi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Foundation Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Chineze Agweye
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Cross River State, Nigeria
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Burgos-Blasco B, Vidal-Villegas B, Yap TE, Normando EM, Ameen S, Crawley L, Ahmed F, Bloom PA, Cordeiro MF. Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on glaucoma appointment scheduling in a tertiary hospital in London, UK. Eur J Ophthalmol 2024; 34:204-216. [PMID: 37097882 PMCID: PMC10130936 DOI: 10.1177/11206721231171704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the impact of the delay in patient appointments caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the triage system on the glaucomatous disease of patients in a London tertiary hospital. METHODS Observational retrospective study that randomly selected 200 glaucoma patients with more than 3 months of unintended delay for their post-COVID visit and other inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic information, clinical data, number of drugs, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), visual field (VF) mean deviation (MD), and global peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) thickness were obtained from the pre- and post-COVID visit. At the post-COVID visit, the clinical outcomes subjective clinical concern and change of treatment or need for surgery were also annotated. The variables were stratified by glaucoma severity (according to the MD into early, moderate and advanced) and by delay time (more and less than 12 months) and analysed using SPSS. RESULTS We included 121 eyes (from 71 patients). The median patient age was 74 years (interquartile range -IQR- 15), 54% were males and 52% Caucasians. Different glaucoma types and all glaucoma severities were included. When data was stratified for glaucoma severity, at the pre-COVID visit, significant differences in BCVA, CCT and IOP were observed and there were significantly higher values in the early glaucoma group. The median follow-up delay was 11 months (IQR 8), did not differ between the glaucoma severity groups and did not correlate to the glaucoma severity. At the post-COVID visit, significant differences in BCVA, IOP, and Global pRNFL thickness were observed between the glaucoma severity groups, as lower BCVA and higher IOP and pRNFL thickness were observed in the early glaucoma group. At the post-COVID visit there was cause for concern in 40 eyes: 5 were followed more closely, 22 had a change of treatment and 13 were booked for surgery (3 for cataract and 10 for glaucoma surgery). However, the number of eyes with causes for concern were similar between the glaucoma severity groups and there was no correlation between these clinical outcomes and the delay of the post-COVID visit. The number of topical hypotensive medications increased significantly after the post-COVID visit, higher number of medications were observed in the advanced glaucoma group. When differences of IOP, MD and pRNFL thickness between the pre and post-COVID visit, only the MD difference was significantly different between the glaucoma severity groups because it was higher in the severe group. When data was stratified for delay longer or shorter than 12 months, no differences were observed between the groups except at the pre-COVID visit, when the numbers of patients with MD deviation >-6 dB had longer delay time. When differences in IOP, MD and RNFL thickness were calculated, only the pRNFL thickness showed significant differences between the delay groups, because it was higher in the longer delay group. Finally, when paired analysis of the variables at the pre- and post-COVID visits, stratified by glaucoma severity and delay were conducted, although there were no significant differences in IOP in any group, the BCVA decreased significantly in the overall group and in the longer delay groups, the number of hypotensive drugs increased significantly overall and in the moderate and advanced glaucoma, the MD of the VF worsened significantly in the overall group and in the early glaucoma and longer delay groups and the pRNFL thickness decreased significantly in all groups. CONCLUSIONS We document that delayed care impacts negatively on the glaucomatous disease of our patients because at the post-COVID visit there were reasons for clinical concern in a third of eyes that resulted in change of treatment or surgery. However, these clinical consequences were not related to IOP, glaucoma severity or delay time and reflect that the triage methods implemented worked adequately. The most sensitive parameter to indicate progression in our sample was the pRNFL thickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Burgos-Blasco
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital
Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San
Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
- Imperial College Ophthalmology Research
Group (ICORG), Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Beatriz Vidal-Villegas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital
Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San
Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
- Imperial College Ophthalmology Research
Group (ICORG), Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Timothy E. Yap
- Imperial College Ophthalmology Research
Group (ICORG), Imperial College London, London, UK
- Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS
Trust, London, UK
| | - Eduardo M Normando
- Imperial College Ophthalmology Research
Group (ICORG), Imperial College London, London, UK
- Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS
Trust, London, UK
| | - Sally Ameen
- Imperial College Ophthalmology Research
Group (ICORG), Imperial College London, London, UK
- Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS
Trust, London, UK
| | - Laura Crawley
- Imperial College Ophthalmology Research
Group (ICORG), Imperial College London, London, UK
- Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS
Trust, London, UK
| | - Faisal Ahmed
- Imperial College Ophthalmology Research
Group (ICORG), Imperial College London, London, UK
- Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS
Trust, London, UK
| | - Philip A Bloom
- Imperial College Ophthalmology Research
Group (ICORG), Imperial College London, London, UK
- Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS
Trust, London, UK
| | - M Francesca Cordeiro
- Imperial College Ophthalmology Research
Group (ICORG), Imperial College London, London, UK
- Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS
Trust, London, UK
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6
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Angermann R, Franchi A, Frede K, Rettenwander J, Rettenwander T, Neyer J, Stattin M, Kralinger M, Zehetner C. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Quality of Care of Treatment-Naïve Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Receiving Intravitreal Aflibercept. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2023; 240:1246-1254. [PMID: 35445380 DOI: 10.1055/a-1830-0505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare the quality of care received by treatment-naïve patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) who received intravitreal aflibercept therapy before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with patients who received the same therapy during the pandemic. METHODS Data, including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) as the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) and anatomical outcomes at diagnosis and at each follow-up, was collected on 297 treatment-naïve patients who received intravitreal aflibercept. Therapy-naïve patients who started therapy at least 24 months prior to the first pandemic-related lockdown and were thus treated exclusively prior to the pandemic (n = 123) were compared with patients who started therapy within 12 months prior to the first lockdown and were thus treated during the pandemic (n = 174). Both groups were followed over a two-year period. RESULTS In patients treated before the COVID-19 pandemic, VA remained stable (0.58 ± 0.41 logMAR) compared to baseline (0.54 ± 0.34 logMAR; p = 0.228) until the end of the observation period. In patients treated during the COVID-19 pandemic, BCVA dropped below the baseline (0.56 ± 0.35 logMAR) within 24-month of follow-up (0.79 ± 0.43 logMAR; p = 0.010). Compared to the patients treated prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the latter group showed a significantly worse VA at the 6-month (p = 0.041), 12-month (p = 0.040), 18-month (p = 0.024), 21-month (p = 0.035), and 24-month (p = 0.004) follow-up. Additionally, the group treated during the COVID-19 pandemic received significantly fewer aflibercept injections (3,94 ± 1,9 vs. 3,30 ± 1,6; p = 0,007) and fewer follow-up examinations (2,71 ± 1,2 vs. 2,16 ± 0,9; p < 0,001) in the second year compared to the group that was treated before the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION We confirmed significantly worse VA outcomes in the group of nAMD patients treated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Impeded access to care could be attributed to the restrictions imposed owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Angermann
- Augenheilkunde und Optometrie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Österreich
- Augenheilkunde und Optometrie, Landesklinikum Mistelbach-Ganserndorf, Mistelbach, Österreich
| | - Alexander Franchi
- Augenheilkunde und Optometrie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Katharina Frede
- Augenheilkunde und Optometrie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Julia Rettenwander
- Augenheilkunde und Optometrie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Tanja Rettenwander
- Augenheilkunde und Optometrie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Julia Neyer
- Augenheilkunde und Optometrie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Martin Stattin
- Augenheilkunde und Optometrie, Wiener Gesundheitsverbund Klinik Landstraße, Wien, Österreich
| | - Martina Kralinger
- Augenheilkunde und Optometrie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Claus Zehetner
- Augenheilkunde und Optometrie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Österreich
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Mollan SP, Fu DJ, Chuo CY, Gannon JG, Lee WH, Hopkins JJ, Hughes C, Denniston AK, Keane PA, Cantrell R. Predicting the immediate impact of national lockdown on neovascular age-related macular degeneration and associated visual morbidity: an INSIGHT Health Data Research Hub for Eye Health report. Br J Ophthalmol 2023; 107:267-274. [PMID: 34518162 PMCID: PMC9887382 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2021-319383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Predicting the impact of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) service disruption on visual outcomes following national lockdown in the UK to contain SARS-CoV-2. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This retrospective cohort study includes deidentified data from 2229 UK patients from the INSIGHT Health Data Research digital hub. We forecasted the number of treatment-naïve nAMD patients requiring anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) initiation during UK lockdown (16 March 2020 through 31 July 2020) at Moorfields Eye Hospital (MEH) and University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB). Best-measured visual acuity (VA) changes without anti-VEGF therapy were predicted using post hoc analysis of Minimally Classic/Occult Trial of the Anti-VEGF Antibody Ranibizumab in the Treatment of Neovascular AMD trial sham-control arm data (n=238). RESULTS At our centres, 376 patients were predicted to require anti-VEGF initiation during lockdown (MEH: 325; UHB: 51). Without treatment, mean VA was projected to decline after 12 months. The proportion of eyes in the MEH cohort predicted to maintain the key positive visual outcome of ≥70 ETDRS letters (Snellen equivalent 6/12) fell from 25.5% at baseline to 5.8% at 12 months (UHB: 9.8%-7.8%). Similarly, eyes with VA <25 ETDRS letters (6/96) were predicted to increase from 4.3% to 14.2% at MEH (UHB: 5.9%-7.8%) after 12 months without treatment. CONCLUSIONS Here, we demonstrate how combining data from a recently founded national digital health data repository with historical industry-funded clinical trial data can enhance predictive modelling in nAMD. The demonstrated detrimental effects of prolonged treatment delay should incentivise healthcare providers to support nAMD patients accessing care in safe environments. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT00056836.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan P Mollan
- Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Dun Jack Fu
- Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | - Wen Hwa Lee
- Action Against Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Alastair K Denniston
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHSFT, Birmingham, UK
| | - Pearse A Keane
- Medical Retina, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy for Diabetic Macular Edema in Japan. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11226794. [PMID: 36431271 PMCID: PMC9696996 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11226794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy for diabetic macular edema (DME) improves visual acuity. However, repeated injections during routine outpatient visits are required to maintain this effect. The recent sudden global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had a major impact on daily life, including medical care, such as the provision of VEGF therapy. We retrospectively investigated the relationship between the number of anti-VEGF injections for DME and the number of new COVID-19-positive patients at 23 centers in Japan. We also surveyed ophthalmologists regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anti-VEGF therapy. In the third and fourth waves of the pandemic, when the number of infected patients increased, the number of injections significantly decreased. In the first, third, and fourth waves, the number of injections increased significantly during the last month of each wave. Approximately 60.9% of ophthalmologists reported that the number of injections decreased after the pandemic. Of the facilities, 52.2% extended the clinic visit intervals; however, there was no significant difference in the actual number of injections given between before and after the pandemic. Although the number of injections temporarily decreased, Japanese ophthalmologists maintained the total annual number of anti-VEGF injections for DME during the pandemic.
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9
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Im JHB, Jin YP, Chow R, Dharia RS, Yan P. Delayed anti-VEGF injections during the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in visual acuity in patients with three common retinal diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Surv Ophthalmol 2022; 67:1593-1602. [PMID: 35970234 PMCID: PMC9374495 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the regular injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) in patients with various retinal diseases globally. It is unclear to what extent delayed anti-VEGF injections have worsened patients’ visual acuity. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the impact of delayed anti-VEGF injections on the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), retinal vein occlusion (RVO), and diabetic macular edema (DME). We searched four computer databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus) from inception to January 5, 2022. Data were pooled using the random-effects model. Results were reported by less than 4 months and 4 months or longer for the time period between the first injection during the pandemic and the last pre-pandemic injection. All BCVA measures were converted to the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) for analyses. Among patients who received injections 4 months or longer apart, the mean difference in BCVA was 0.10 logMAR (or 5 ETDRS letters) (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06∼0.14) for nAMD patients, 0.01 logMAR (or∼ 1 ETDRS letter) (95% CI -0.25∼0.27) for RVO patients, and 0.03 logMAR (or ∼1 ETDRS letters) (95% CI -0.06∼0.11) for DME patients. These results suggest that patients with nAMD needing scheduled anti-VEGF injections may require priority treatment over those with RVO and DME in the event of disturbed anti-VEGF injections from COVID-19 lockdowns or similar scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H B Im
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ya-Ping Jin
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ronald Chow
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Riddhi Shah Dharia
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Peng Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Kensington Vision and Research Centre, Toronto, Canada.
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10
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Tang Y, Cheng Y, Wang S, Wang Y, Liu P, Wu H. Review: The Development of Risk Factors and Cytokines in Retinal Vein Occlusion. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:910600. [PMID: 35783660 PMCID: PMC9240302 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.910600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most prevalent retinal disease. Despite this, the pathogenic mechanisms and risk factors are not entirely clear. In this article, we review recent publications on the classification, pathogenesis, risk factors, ischemic changes, cytokines, and vital complications of RVO. Risk factors and cytokines are important for exploring the mechanisms and new treatment targets. Furthermore, risk factors are interrelated, making RVO mechanisms more complex. Cytokines act as powerful mediators of pathological conditions, such as inflammation, neovascularization, and macular edema. This review aims to summarize the updated knowledge on risk factors, cytokines of RVO and signaling in order to provide valuable insight on managing the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Tang
- Eye Center of Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Eye Center of Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Eye Center of Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yongjie Wang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Pengjia Liu
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Hong Wu
- Eye Center of Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Hong Wu
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11
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Kim JG, Kim YC, Kang KT. Impact of Delayed Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Therapy Due to the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic on the Prognosis of Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11092321. [PMID: 35566445 PMCID: PMC9100166 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study estimated the outcome of delayed intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease pandemic on the prognosis of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). This study retrospectively enrolled 57 nAMD patients whose intravitreal anti-VEGF injections were delayed for >2 weeks between February and June 2020. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield thickness (CST), and anatomical characteristics were evaluated before (baseline), on the day, and at 2, 4, and 6 months after the delayed injection, and risk factors were identified. The average injection interval before and after treatment delay was 3.05 ± 1.45 and 2.41 ± 1.46 months, respectively (p = 0.002). The CST at baseline and on the day of delayed injection was 227.82 ± 62.46 and 267.26 ± 77.74 µm, respectively (p < 0.001). The average BCVA decreased from 0.29 ± 0.29 logMAR (baseline) to 0.38 ± 0.31 logMAR (6 months) (p = 0.001). The maximum subretinal fluid (SRF) height increased from 84.32 ± 89.33 µm (baseline) to 121.38 ± 103.36 µm (6 months) (p = 0.027). A higher baseline maximum SRF height was associated with less SRF height deterioration 6 months later (p < 0.001). Delayed intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened BCVA and residual SRF in nAMD patients after a temporary recovery. The baseline SRF reduce the degree of SRF height deterioration.
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12
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Jiang B, Gao L, Dong S, Hou Q, Sun M, Zhang J, Yu H, Zhang Z, Sun D. The Influence of COVID-19 on the Stability of Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Different Treatment Regimens. Adv Ther 2022; 39:1568-1581. [PMID: 34817809 PMCID: PMC8611250 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-021-01993-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Introduction To explore the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the stability of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) receiving the treat and extend (T&E) or the pro re nata (PRN) treatment regimen and to identify indicators that may predict the disease stability of nAMD. Methods This is a retrospective study of patients with nAMD treated at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University whose treatment schedule was interrupted at least once between 1 February and 31 May 2020. The demographic and clinical characteristics, including the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography (OCT) features, subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), interval between the last injection and the beginning of the pandemic, and the number of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections, were analyzed. Results A total of 209 stable patients with nAMD (122 eyes received the T&E regimen; 87 eyes received the PRN regimen) were identified. Compared to those who received the PRN regimen, the patients who received the T&E regimen were more stable during the first visit after COVID-19 (53.3% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.004), the BCVA was significantly better (58.5 letters vs. 56 letters, P = 0.006), and the CRT fluctuated only slightly (15 μm vs. 35 μm, P = 0.001). Furthermore, a multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that stable patients with nAMD with type 1 choroidal neovascularization (CNV) (OR 2.493 [95% CI 1.179–5.272], compared with type 2 CNV; P = 0.017; OR 2.912 [95% CI 1.133–7.485], compared with retinal angiomatous proliferation; P = 0.026) or with pigment epithelial detachment (PED) were more likely to remain stable when treatment was interrupted (OR 0.392 [95% CI 0.181–0.852], compared with no PED; P = 0.018). Conclusion Compared to patients who received the PRN treatment regimen, stable patients with nAMD who received the T&E treatment regimen could better maintain stability when the treatments were suddenly interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, patients with type 1 CNV or patients with PED were more likely to remain stable. At present, the COVID-19 pandemic is becoming increasingly normalized, and the T&E regimen can become a more advanced treatment option for patients undergoing therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Jiang
- Ophthalmology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Lin Gao
- Ophthalmology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Su Dong
- Ophthalmology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qingxue Hou
- Ophthalmology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Minghao Sun
- Ophthalmology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jingjie Zhang
- Ophthalmology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Haotian Yu
- Ophthalmology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zhongyu Zhang
- Ophthalmology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Dawei Sun
- Ophthalmology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China.
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13
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Montesel A, Gigon A, Giacuzzo C, Mantel I, Eandi CM. TREATMENT DEFERRAL DURING COVID-19 LOCKDOWN: Functional and Anatomical Impact on Patients With Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Retina 2022; 42:634-642. [PMID: 34907122 PMCID: PMC8946588 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000003369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the visual and anatomical impact of intravitreal injection treatment deferral because of the COVID-19 lockdown on patients affected by neovascular age-related macular degeneration. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 314 patients (394 eyes) who were scheduled to receive the impact of intravitreal injections during the Swiss lockdown. We compared patients who continued to receive scheduled impact of intravitreal treatment without clinical consultation (Group Continue ‟C"; n = 215) and patients for whom the impact of intravitreal treatment was completely deferred (Group Stop, ‟S"; n = 179). Functional and anatomical parameters were collected at four time points before and after the lockdown. RESULTS In Group C, the visual acuity at baseline and after the lockdown did not differ significantly. In Group S, the visual acuity deteriorated significantly compared with baseline and then improved slightly after the resumption of treatment, but it did not recover to baseline values. The mean central subfield thickness remained stable in Group C, whereas it increased in Group S and then returned to prelockdown values after the resumption of treatment. CONCLUSION An "injection-only" approach was effective in managing patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration during the pandemic lockdown, whereas patients who deferred their scheduled treatment showed partially irreversible deterioration of visual function. We recommend treatment continuation in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration during a lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Montesel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland; and
| | - Anthony Gigon
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland; and
| | - Clarice Giacuzzo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland; and
| | - Irmela Mantel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland; and
| | - Chiara M. Eandi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland; and
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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14
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Zarranz-Ventura J, Nguyen V, Creuzot-Garcher C, Verbraak F, O Toole L, Invernizzi A, Viola F, Squirrel D, Barthelmes D, Gillies MC. INTERNATIONAL IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC LOCKDOWN ON INTRAVITREAL THERAPY OUTCOMES: Fight Retinal Blindness Registry. Retina 2022; 42:616-627. [PMID: 34907129 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000003368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns on the outcomes of eyes treated for neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion in eight countries. METHODS A multicenter international database study of 5,782 eyes (4,708 patients) receiving intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor injections before, during, and after national lockdowns. The baseline visit was defined as the last visit within 3 months before lockdown, and prelockdown and postlockdown periods were defined as 6 months before and after the lockdown date. RESULTS Eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (n = 4,649) lost vision in all countries in proportion to the reduced number of injections. The mean visual acuity change postlockdown ranged from -0.4 to -3.8 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution letters, and the median number of injections/visits decreased from 4-5/4-7 to 2-4/2-4 postlockdown. The diabetic macular edema (n = 654) and retinal vein occlusion (n = 479) eyes' mean visual acuity change ranged from -2.8 to +1.7 letters and -1.6 to +0.1 letters, and the median number of injections/visits decreased from 2.5-5/4-6 to 1-3/2-4 and from 3-5.5/4-5 to 1-3.5/2-3.5, respectively. The 6-month dropout rates postlockdown were 20% for neovascular age-related macular degeneration, 27% for diabetic macular edema, and 28% for retinal vein occlusion. CONCLUSION This international study provides estimates of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on intravitreal therapy and suggests that prioritizing neovascular age-related macular degeneration eyes seems appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Zarranz-Ventura
- Institut Clínic of Ophthalmology (ICOF), Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vuong Nguyen
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Frank Verbraak
- Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Alessandro Invernizzi
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Eye Clínic, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science "L. Sacco", Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Viola
- Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - David Squirrel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Greenlane Clinical Centre and District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand; and
| | - Daniel Barthelmes
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mark C Gillies
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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15
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Hanhart J, Wiener R, Totah H, Gelman E, Weill Y, Abulafia A, Zadok D. Effects of delay in anti-vascular endothelial growth factor intravitreal injections for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 260:1907-1914. [PMID: 35013800 PMCID: PMC8747863 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-021-05505-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess the impact of COVID-19-related delay in intravitreal injection timing on macular structure and visual acuity (VA) among patients treated for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD). Methods We reviewed demographic and clinical data and macular ocular computerized tomographic images of 34 patients (48 eyes, group A) who did not follow their injection schedule during the first wave of COVID-19 and compared them to 46 patients (71 eyes, group B) who did. Functional worsening was defined as a loss of at least 0.1 in decimal VA. Anatomic worsening was defined as new or increased subretinal/intraretinal fluids or new hemorrhage. Results The planned mean ± standard deviation intervals between the intravitreal injections were 5.7 ± 2.7 weeks for group A and 5.5 ± 2.4 weeks for group B (P = 0.60). The actual intervals were 13.6 ± 6.8 (7.9 ± 5.2 weeks’ delay) and 5.3 ± 2.4 weeks (no delay), respectively (P < 0.001). The best corrected visual acuity worsened in 23 group A eyes (47.9%) and in 6 group B eyes (8.5%) (odds ratio [OR] 9.97, P < 0.001). Anatomic features indicative of nvAMD worsening were detected in 31 group A eyes (64.6%) and in 16 group B eyes (22.5%) (OR 5.73, P < 0.001). A new macular hemorrhage was observed in 4 group A eyes (8.3%) and in no group B eyes (P = 0.09). Conclusion Delay in timely retinal care during the COVID-19 restrictions period resulted in short-term negative outcomes, including macular bleeding, in nvAMD patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00417-021-05505-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Hanhart
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Affiliated to the Hebrew University, 12 Shmuel Bait St., 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Rony Wiener
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Affiliated to the Hebrew University, 12 Shmuel Bait St., 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hashem Totah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Affiliated to the Hebrew University, 12 Shmuel Bait St., 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Evgeny Gelman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Affiliated to the Hebrew University, 12 Shmuel Bait St., 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yishay Weill
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Affiliated to the Hebrew University, 12 Shmuel Bait St., 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adi Abulafia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Affiliated to the Hebrew University, 12 Shmuel Bait St., 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - David Zadok
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Affiliated to the Hebrew University, 12 Shmuel Bait St., 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
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16
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Das AV, Narayanan R, Rani PK. Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Presentation of Patients With Diabetic Retinopathy in a Multitier Ophthalmology Network in India. Cureus 2021; 13:e19148. [PMID: 34873499 PMCID: PMC8631499 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe the demographics and clinical profile of patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) presenting during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown and unlock phases in India. METHODS This hospital-based cross-sectional study included patients presenting from March 25, 2019, to March 31, 2021. All patients who presented with DR were included as cases. The data were collected using an electronic medical record system. RESULTS In total, 88,012 patients diagnosed with retinal diseases were presented to the network and included for analysis. There were 21,271 (24%) DR patients during the study period and the majority were men (71%) from the urban area (45%). An increasing number of patients with proliferative DR (56%), sight-threatening DR (79%), need for vitreoretinal procedures (31%), and intravitreal injections (19%) were seen during the lockdown (phase one-four). There was a significant increase in the number of patients with blindness in pre-lockdown (20%), lockdown (32%), and post-lockdown (26%). Patterns of sight-threatening DR and blindness were similar in both fresh and follow-up patients. CONCLUSION The presentation of DR patients in hospital is evolving because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The footfalls of patients during the unlock (phase 1-10) regained to two-thirds of the pre-COVID-19 level. There was an increase in patients with sight-threatening DR and the need for vitreoretinal surgery and intravitreal injections during the lockdown (phase 1-4).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony V Das
- Department of eyeSmart Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and AEye, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, IND
| | - Raja Narayanan
- Department of Vitreoretinal Diseases, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, IND
| | - Padmaja K Rani
- Department of Vitreoretinal Diseases/Tele-Ophthalmology, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, IND
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17
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Stattin M, Haas AM, Ahmed D, Graf A, Krepler K, Ansari-Shahrezaei S. Evaluation of a calculation model to estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on visual acuity in neovascular AMD. Eur J Ophthalmol 2021; 32:2312-2318. [PMID: 34726553 PMCID: PMC9294617 DOI: 10.1177/11206721211052389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Purpose A model was calculated during the first Austrian coronavirus disease-2019
(COVID-19) pandemic lockdown to estimate the effect of a short-term
treatment interruption due to healthcare restrictions on visual acuity (VA)
in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). The model was
compared to the real-life outcomes before treatment re-started. Methods Retrospective data-collection of 142 eyes in 142 patients receiving repeated
intravitreal injections with anti-VEGF at a retina unit in Vienna in a
personalized pro-re-nata regimen prior to the COVID-19 associated lockdown,
when treatment was deferred between March 16 and May 4, 2020. During the
lockdown, the preliminary data was integrated into pre-existing formulae
based on the natural course of the disease in untreated eyes in the long
term. Patients were re-scheduled and treated after gradually opening
operating rooms. The calculation model was compared to the effective VA
change. Results The model calculated an overall VA loss of 3.5 ± 0.8 letters early treatment
diabetes retinopathy study (ETDRS) (p < 0.001 [95%
CI:3.3;3.6]) on average compared to 2.5 ± 6 letters ETDRS
(p < 0.001 [95% CI:1.5;3.5]) as measured with a mean
treatment delay of 61 ± 14 days after previously scheduled appointments. The
total difference between the model exercise and the real-life outcomes
accounted for 1 ± 5.9 letters ETDRS (p = 0.051 [95% CI:
0.1;1.9]). Conclusion The herein presented calculation model might not be suitable to estimate the
effective VA loss correctly over time, although untreated eyes and eyes
under therapy show similarities after short-term treatment interruption.
However, this study demonstrated the potentially negative impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on patients compromised by nAMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Stattin
- Karl Landsteiner Institute for Retinal Research and Imaging, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Ophthalmology, Rudolf Foundation Hospital, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anna-Maria Haas
- Karl Landsteiner Institute for Retinal Research and Imaging, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Ophthalmology, Rudolf Foundation Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Ahmed
- Karl Landsteiner Institute for Retinal Research and Imaging, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Ophthalmology, Rudolf Foundation Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Graf
- Center for Medical Statistic, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, 27271Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Krepler
- Karl Landsteiner Institute for Retinal Research and Imaging, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Ophthalmology, Rudolf Foundation Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Siamak Ansari-Shahrezaei
- Karl Landsteiner Institute for Retinal Research and Imaging, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Ophthalmology, Rudolf Foundation Hospital, Vienna, Austria.,Medical School, Sigmund Freud University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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18
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The effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the attendance and clinical outcomes of patients with ophthalmic disease: A mini-review. Metabol Open 2021; 12:100131. [PMID: 34604730 PMCID: PMC8474871 DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2021.100131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 was followed by a rapid spread leading to its declaration as a pandemic in a short time. The transmission through aerosols and direct contact with infected individuals forced the application of strict safety protocols and rearrangements in the activities of different healthcare systems around the world. Ophthalmology healthcare workers are highly exposed to viral infection and therefore adjustments were made to ensure the safety of patients and health providers by performing only urgent treatments. The suspension and delay in regular follow-up visits and the lower number of patients recorded during the lockdown period due to restrictions and patient anxiety led to severe consequences in the clinical and anatomical outcome affecting the overall prognosis. The current review aims to summarize the effect of the lockdown policies in the number and profile of patients that attended the ophthalmology clinics from different countries and analyze the effect of the pandemic in terms of vision and patient functionality. The effects of the pandemic included a reduction in the number of appointments, cancellations of non-emergency conditions and delays of surgical interventions. These had a negative effect in terms of visual outcomes.
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19
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide. Although screening and early treatment guidelines for DR have significantly reduced the disease burden, restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic have changed real-world practice patterns in the management of DR. This review summarizes evolving guidelines and outcomes of the treatment of DR in the setting of the pandemic. RECENT FINDINGS Intravitreal injections for DR have decreased significantly globally during the pandemic, ranging from approximately 30 to nearly 100% reduction, compared to corresponding timepoints in 2019. Most studies on functional outcomes show a decrease in visual acuity on delayed follow-up. Changing practice patterns in the management of DR has led to fewer intravitreal injections and overall reduction in visual acuity on follow-up. As COVID variants emerge, it will be necessary to continue evaluating practice guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishrat Ahmed
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Maumenee 726, Baltimore, MD 21287 USA
| | - T. Y. Alvin Liu
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Maumenee 726, Baltimore, MD 21287 USA
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20
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Ashrafzadeh S, Gundlach BS, Tsui I. The Impact of Non-Ophthalmic Factors on Intravitreal Injections During the COVID-19 Lockdown. Clin Ophthalmol 2021; 15:3661-3668. [PMID: 34483654 PMCID: PMC8409597 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s314840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Early on in the COVID-19 pandemic, it was difficult to know what factors would affect patient and physician decision-making regarding ophthalmic care utilization. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of non-ophthalmic factors on patient decision-making to receive intravitreal injections during the COVID-19 lockdown. Patients and Methods Data on patients who had intravitreal injection appointments at a tertiary care Veterans Health Administration clinic during a seven-week period (March 19, 2020-May 8, 2020) of the COVID-19 outbreak in Los Angeles County were collected and compared to patients who had intravitreal injection appointments during the same time period in 2019. Demographic characteristics, injection diagnoses, visual acuities, body mass indices, co-morbidities, and psychiatric conditions of patients and clinic volumes were tabulated and compared between the two time periods. Results There were 86 patients in the injection clinic in 2020 compared to 176 patients in 2019. The mean age and gender of patients in the injection clinic did not differ between 2019 and 2020. Compared to 2019, the number of patients who identified as Hispanic or Latino remained nearly the same, but the number of patients who identified as White, Black, or Asian or Pacific Islander decreased by nearly half. In 2020, a greater proportion of patients came to the injection clinic for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (56.5% vs 39.3%, p=0.017), but a decreased proportion of patients diagnosed with a heart condition (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.33, 0.96), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21, 0.91), or asthma (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01, 0.70) came to the injection clinic. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with behavioral changes in eyecare utilization influenced by race and systemic co-morbidities. These data can be used to design and implement strategies to address disparities in essential ophthalmic care among vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Ashrafzadeh
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bradley S Gundlach
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Irena Tsui
- Ophthalmology Department, West Los Angeles Veterans Health Administration, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Retina Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Doheny Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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21
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Scorcia V, Giannaccare G, Gatti V, Vaccaro S, Piccoli G, Villì A, Toro MD, Yu AC, Iovino C, Simonelli F, Carnevali A. Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant in Patients Who Did Not Complete Anti-VEGF Loading Dose During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Retrospective Observational Study. Ophthalmol Ther 2021; 10:1015-1024. [PMID: 34482532 PMCID: PMC8418689 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-021-00395-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To compare the functional and anatomic outcomes between eyes in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) who underwent a complete anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) loading dose with aflibercept and those who were switched to dexamethasone intravitreal (DEX) implant after an incomplete anti-VEGF treatment regimen during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS This was a retrospective and comparative study conducted on patients with DME. Main outcome measures were mean change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) from baseline to month 4. RESULTS Forty-three eyes (23 eyes in the anti-VEGF group and 20 eyes in the DEX group) were included. Mean BCVA significantly improved from 37.7 ± 25.3 and 35.7 ± 22.0 letters at baseline to 45.4 (23.9) (mean adjusted BCVA improvement 7.6 ± 20.8 letters, p = 0.033) and 46.1 ± 26.0 (mean adjusted BCVA improvement 10.6 ± 15.9 letters, p = 0.049) at month 4 in the anti-VEGF and DEX groups, respectively, with no significant differences between study groups (mean adjusted BCVA difference 2.8 letters, 95% CI - 9.4 to 14.9 letters, p = 0.648). There were no statistically significant differences in the proportion of eyes that achieved a BCVA improvement of ≥ 5, ≥ 10, and ≥ 15 letters between groups. CRT was significantly reduced from baseline to month 4 in both DEX (mean adjusted CRT reduction 167.3 ± 148.2 µm, p = 0.012) and anti-VEGF groups (mean adjusted CRT reduction 109.9 ± 181.9 µm, p < 0.001), with no differences between them (mean adjusted CRT difference 56.1 µm, 95% CI - 46.0 to 158.2 µm, p = 0.273). Of 20 eyes in the DEX group, 16 (80.0%) and 9 (45.0%) eyes achieved a CRT reduction of ≥ 20% from baseline at 2 months and at 4 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our results seem to suggest that DEX implant can significantly improve both functional and anatomic clinical outcomes in patients who were unable to complete anti-VEGF loading dose during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Scorcia
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Magna Graecia of Cantazaro, Viale Europa, Loc. Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannaccare
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Magna Graecia of Cantazaro, Viale Europa, Loc. Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy
| | - Valentina Gatti
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Magna Graecia of Cantazaro, Viale Europa, Loc. Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy
| | - Sabrina Vaccaro
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Magna Graecia of Cantazaro, Viale Europa, Loc. Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy
| | - Gabriele Piccoli
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Magna Graecia of Cantazaro, Viale Europa, Loc. Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy
| | - Annarita Villì
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Magna Graecia of Cantazaro, Viale Europa, Loc. Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy
| | - Mario Damiano Toro
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, 9081, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Angeli Christy Yu
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Claudio Iovino
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Eye Clinic, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli School of Medicine and Surgery, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Eye Clinic, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli School of Medicine and Surgery, Naples, Italy
| | - Adriano Carnevali
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Magna Graecia of Cantazaro, Viale Europa, Loc. Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy.
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22
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review highlights indications and evidence on laser therapy in the management of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. Particular focus is placed upon the benefits and limitations of conventional laser photocoagulation versus more modern laser photocoagulation techniques, as well as the role of laser photocoagulation in treatment of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema with the frequent utilization of pharmacologic, including anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), therapy. RECENT FINDINGS Laser photocoagulation remains the gold-standard therapy for the effective, definitive treatment of PDR, and also is highly effective in the management of DME. However, numerous recent studies have demonstrated the clinical efficacy and improved functional and anatomic outcomes of combination therapy with pharmacologic treatment. Continuing innovations in laser technology and improved understanding of laser-retinal interactions and pathophysiology demonstrate that laser therapy will continue to play a critical role in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema for many years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley A. Everett
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 USA
| | - Yannis M. Paulus
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 USA
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23
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Bulut MN, Sönmez HS, Gökçe G, Ağaçkesen A, Bulut K, Hacısalihoğlu A, Arsan A, Şimşek Ş. The impact of delayed anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment for retinal diseases during the COVID-19 lockdown. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2021; 35:102449. [PMID: 34314862 PMCID: PMC8305215 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the clinical status of treatment-naive patients who had to delay 3-dose loading anti-VEGF (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor) injections during the COVID-19 lockdown, and to evaluate the effect of the delayed visual acuity treatment on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) parameters. METHOD A total of 55 eyes of 46 patients who were received in the study period participated in this retrospective study, including 28 patients (37 eyes) with diabetic macular edema (DME), 11 patients (11 eyes) with retinal vein occlusion (RVO), and 7 patients (7 eyes) with wet age-related macular degeneration (wet-AMD). The patients were diagnosed with DME, RVO, or wet-AMD in February 2020 and had planned 3-dose loading injections in March, April, and May 2020, but could not be injected due to the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS From the patients' initial examination in February 2020, the mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.72 ± 59 logMAR. After the patients' lockdown visit in July 2020, the mean BCVA was 0.76 ± 64 logMAR. BCVA was stable in 11 eyes, decreased in 12 eyes, and increased in 14 eyes for patients with DME. BCVA was stable in 6, decreased in 3, and increased in 2 eyes for patients with RVO, and it was stable in 4 eyes and decreased in 3 eyes for patients with wet-AMD. CONCLUSION We concluded that 6-month delay in treatment of DME patients with non-proliferative DRP had no adverse effect on the visual acuity. However, the loading dose in wet-AMD and RVO patients should be applied as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed Nurullah Bulut
- University of Health Sciences Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital, Eye Department, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Hatice Selen Sönmez
- University of Health Sciences Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital, Eye Department, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gizem Gökçe
- University of Health Sciences Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital, Eye Department, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Anıl Ağaçkesen
- University of Health Sciences Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital, Eye Department, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kezban Bulut
- University of Health Sciences Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital, Eye Department, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aynur Hacısalihoğlu
- University of Health Sciences Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital, Eye Department, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aysu Arsan
- University of Health Sciences Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital, Eye Department, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Şaban Şimşek
- University of Health Sciences Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital, Eye Department, Istanbul, Turkey
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24
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Weng CC, Lin TY, Yang YP, Hsiao YJ, Lin TW, Lai WY, Lin YY, Chou YB, Lin TC, Chiou SH, Hwang DK, Chen SJ. Modifications of intravitreal injections in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. J Chin Med Assoc 2021; 84:827-832. [PMID: 34292208 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption to the normal operation of the healthcare system. On a worldwide scale, hospitals suspended nonurgent surgeries and outpatient visits to downsize clinical loadings to redistribute manpower to counteract the pandemic's impact. So far, there is no evidence-based guideline defining a clear line between urgent and nonurgent indications of intravitreal injections (IVI). Herein, we aimed to summarize IVI algorithm modifications and discuss the patient prioritization according to medical needs in the hostile environment in the COVID crisis. Assessing current literature, we found that neovascular age-related macular degeneration is considered the utmost priority among conditions that require IVI. Other conditions assigned with a high priority include monocular or quasi-monocular patients (only one eye > 20/40), neovascular glaucoma, and new patients with significant vision loss. Although patients with central retinal vein occlusion and proliferative diabetic retinopathy are not advised to delay treatments, we found no consistent evidence that correlated with a worse outcome. Diabetic macular edema and branch retinal vein occlusion patients undertaking treatment delay should be regularly followed up every 2 to 3 months. Serving as the principle of management behind the algorithm modifications, the reduction of both patient visit and IVI therapy counts should be reckoned together with the risk of permanent visual loss and COVID infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Chi Weng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ting-Yi Lin
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Ping Yang
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Jer Hsiao
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tzu-Wei Lin
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wei-Yi Lai
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Ying Lin
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Bai Chou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tai-Chi Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shih-Hwa Chiou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - De-Kuang Hwang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shih-Jen Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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25
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Stattin M, Ahmed D, Graf A, Haas AM, Kickinger S, Jacob M, Krepler K, Ansari-Shahrezaei S. The Effect of Treatment Discontinuation During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Visual Acuity in Exudative Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: 1-Year Results. Ophthalmol Ther 2021; 10:935-945. [PMID: 34374028 PMCID: PMC8351565 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-021-00381-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction To evaluate the effect of a 9-week treatment deferral due to healthcare restrictions caused by Austria’s first governmental lockdown associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on visual acuity (VA) in eyes compromised by exudative neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) after 1 year. Methods Retrospective data collection of 98 eyes (98 patients) with a treatment discontinuation at a tertiary eye care center (Clinic Landstraße, Vienna Healthcare Group, Austria) between March 16 and May 4, 2020. Prior to the lockdown, patients received multiple intravitreal injections (IVI) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor with a personalized treatment interval for 3 years on average and at least three IVI after the lockdown. Results When the treatment interval doubled to 117.6 ± 31.4 days in spring 2020, patients lost 2.2 ± 4.6 ETDRS letters (p = 0.002) on average before reinitiating therapy. In total, 4.1 ± 8.1 letters (p < 0.0001) were lost despite continuous individual re-treatment over the course of the next year. In a univariate analysis, the extended interval time remained statistically significant (p < 0.0001), indicating a larger VA reduction within intervals with increasing interval time in days. Conclusion The short-term treatment interruption had a persistent negative impact on the VA course of eyes under therapy after 1 year. Continuous therapy independent of the underlying treatment regimen remains of utmost importance in exudative nAMD. Our data should create awareness to regulators regarding future decisions despite the global pandemic. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40123-021-00381-y. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of legal blindness in developed countries. Wet AMD refers to the existence of new vessel growth in the macular, the part of the retina with the highest concentration of photoreceptors and hence the best visual acuity. The gold standard therapy of wet AMD consists of repeated injections of an antibody against new vessel formation into the eye to stabilize the disease. The sudden break of a treatment regimen for an individual person has never been investigated as it is ethically not acceptable. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its associated lockdown led to an emerging situation in spring, 2020. We were forced by governmental restrictions to minimize contact with the most vulnerable patient cohort—the elderly. As an initial consequence, the Medical Retina Unit of Department of Ophthalmology (Clinic Landstraße, Vienna Healthcare Group, Austria) postponed appointments of patients with only one eye afflicted by wet AMD. This study examined the effect of a short-term treatment deferral caused by the first national COVID-19 lockdown in eyes of patients with ongoing therapy of wet AMD in Austria. The break led to a persistent visual loss despite re-treatment, which was still evident after 1 year. Our findings provide further support for an adequate and permanent therapy of wet AMD and regard intravitreal injections as urgent standard of care. It should be taken into consideration by authorities in future pandemic planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Stattin
- Karl Landsteiner Institute for Retinal Research and Imaging, Vienna, Austria.,Medical Retina Unit, Clinic Landstraße, Department of Ophthalmology, Vienna Healthcare Group, Juchgasse 25, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Ahmed
- Karl Landsteiner Institute for Retinal Research and Imaging, Vienna, Austria.,Medical Retina Unit, Clinic Landstraße, Department of Ophthalmology, Vienna Healthcare Group, Juchgasse 25, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Graf
- Center for Medical Statistic, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna-Maria Haas
- Karl Landsteiner Institute for Retinal Research and Imaging, Vienna, Austria.,Medical Retina Unit, Clinic Landstraße, Department of Ophthalmology, Vienna Healthcare Group, Juchgasse 25, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Kickinger
- Karl Landsteiner Institute for Retinal Research and Imaging, Vienna, Austria.,Medical Retina Unit, Clinic Landstraße, Department of Ophthalmology, Vienna Healthcare Group, Juchgasse 25, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Jacob
- Karl Landsteiner Institute for Retinal Research and Imaging, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Krepler
- Karl Landsteiner Institute for Retinal Research and Imaging, Vienna, Austria.,Medical Retina Unit, Clinic Landstraße, Department of Ophthalmology, Vienna Healthcare Group, Juchgasse 25, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Siamak Ansari-Shahrezaei
- Karl Landsteiner Institute for Retinal Research and Imaging, Vienna, Austria. .,Medical Retina Unit, Clinic Landstraße, Department of Ophthalmology, Vienna Healthcare Group, Juchgasse 25, 1030, Vienna, Austria. .,Medical School, Sigmund Freud University Vienna, Campus Prater Freudplatz 3, 1020, Vienna, Austria. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 1, 8036, Graz, Austria.
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26
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Torre E, Colombo GL, Di Matteo S, Martinotti C, Valentino MC, Rebora A, Cecoli F, Monti E, Galimberti M, Di Bartolo P, Gaggioli G, Bruno GM. Economic Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Italian NHS: Focus on Diabetes Mellitus. CLINICOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2021; 13:503-518. [PMID: 34163191 PMCID: PMC8213950 DOI: 10.2147/ceor.s313577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In Italy, the adoption of a total lockdown has generated almost total suspension of outpatient visits except for emergencies. Even after lockdown, the pandemic fear created additional barriers to access the health services. The aim of our study is to evaluate the economic impact of the lockdown for COVID-19 on public health in Italy, focusing on its effects on diabetic population. Materials and Methods We analyzed the impact of the lockdown on excess mortality and morbidity in the Italian diabetic population during 2020. The analysis was divided into several steps: a quantification of specialist visit reduction, the calculation of excess mortality in the diabetic population, the economic evaluation of the slowdown in the use of innovative diabetic therapies. Furthermore, the impact of the lockdown on the reduction of procedures and follow-up visits in diabetic population was evaluated. The overall impact of the pandemic and lockdown effects on costs and quality of life was then calculated. Results During 2020, a drop of 28% in patient access has been observed. Diabetic patients recorded a twice higher mortality value compared to general population (20.4% vs 10.2%). The analysis of market data revealed a slowdown in consumption of new antidiabetic therapies (−14%, 27% vs 41%). We estimated an expense of €26.6 million for NHS and a loss of 257 utilities in diabetic population due to the missed benefits related to slowdown in innovative antidiabetic drugs use and non-optimal follow-up and control of diabetes complications. In simulation scenarios, we also estimated an overall expenditure ranging from €38.7 to 94.0 million and a loss of 294–836 utilities. Conclusion Diabetic population paid a high tribute to pandemic and lockdown, both in terms of number of deaths and burden of diabetic complications, together with an overall deterioration of quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Torre
- Endocrinology Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases Unit - ASL3, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Sergio Di Matteo
- S.A.V.E. Studi Analisi Valutazioni Economiche S.r.l., Health Economics & Outcomes Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Martinotti
- S.A.V.E. Studi Analisi Valutazioni Economiche S.r.l., Health Economics & Outcomes Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Valentino
- S.A.V.E. Studi Analisi Valutazioni Economiche S.r.l., Health Economics & Outcomes Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Rebora
- Endocrinology Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases Unit - ASL3, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Cecoli
- Endocrinology Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases Unit - ASL3, Genoa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Monti
- Endocrinology Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases Unit - ASL3, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Di Bartolo
- Diabetes Center of Ravenna, Romagna Diabetes Clinical Network, Romagna Local Health Authority, Ravenna, Italy
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27
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Yang KB, Liu L, Feng H, Li J, Liu ZL, Liu HN, Zhang H. Outcomes of Eyes Lost to Follow-Up in Patients with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Who are Receiving Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2021; 17:489-496. [PMID: 34079270 PMCID: PMC8165207 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s303248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To evaluate the anatomic and functional outcomes in eyes of patients with macular edema (ME) caused by central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) who were lost to follow-up (LTFU) for more than 6 months following treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy and to determine the predictive factors of visual prognosis in these patients. Methods This study was conducted as a retrospective, case series investigation. Patients whose eyes were receiving intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment for CRVO-ME, with the next follow-up visit occurring more than 6 months following treatment were identified. Baseline disease characteristics (at the last visit before being LTFU), cause and duration of treatment interruption, and the resulting disease progression, complications, and outcomes were assessed. Baseline characteristics predictive of visual outcome were also analyzed. Results This study included a total of 17 eyes of 17 patients. The mean duration of being LTFU was 7.8 ± 2.1 months. On the return visit after being LTFU, 7 of 17 eyes (41.2%) developed neovascular complications. Despite treatment, 12 eyes (70.1%) lost ≥3 best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) lines, with 2 eyes (11.8%) developing a final BCVA of hand motion or more severe. At the final visit, the mean logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) BCVA deteriorated significantly compared to before being LTFU (P < 0.001). The increasing duration of being LTFU is associated with a deterioration of visual acuity prognosis. Conclusion In CRVO-ME patients who are receiving anti-VEGF therapy, unintentional treatment interruptions can cause visually disastrous consequences, including irreversible blindness. Patients who were LTFU for a long period should be strongly warned about their poor visual prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Bo Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China.,Department of Public Service, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhe-Li Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - He-Nan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
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28
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Chatziralli I, Dimitriou E, Kazantzis D, Machairoudia G, Theodossiadis G, Theodossiadis P. Effect of COVID-19-Associated Lockdown on Patients With Diabetic Retinopathy. Cureus 2021; 13:e14831. [PMID: 34094782 PMCID: PMC8173491 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.14831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related lockdown in the management of patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), including diabetic macular edema (DME), in a tertiary reference center in Greece. Methods In this retrospective study, we first compared the number of patients who were diagnosed with DR or DME in our clinic during the period of the lockdown and during the same period of the previous year. In addition, we included consecutive patients with DR or DME, who were followed up and treated regularly in our clinic and their appointments deferred due to lockdown, so as to compare the visual acuity, fundoscopy, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings prior to and post lockdown. Results During the lockdown period, there was a statistically significant decrease in patients with DR and DME as compared to the same period in the previous year. Regarding patients with previously diagnosed DME, there was a statistically significant worsening in their visual acuity and central retinal thickness after lockdown as compared to the last visit before lockdown (p<0.001 for both comparisons). Concerning patients diagnosed with DR and without DME before lockdown, 30% of patients with severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NDPR) and 8.3% of patients with quiescent proliferative DR (PDR) progressed to active PDR while four out of 107 patients (3.7%) developed DME during the lockdown. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that only the time interval between the last visit before lockdown and the first visit after the lockdown was associated with the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) change (p=0.017). Conclusions The COVID-19-related lockdown was related to the postponement in patient care, which resulted in significantly worse visual acuity outcomes in patients with DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irini Chatziralli
- 2nd Department of Ophthalmology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, GRC
| | - Eleni Dimitriou
- 2nd Department of Ophthalmology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | - Dimitrios Kazantzis
- 2nd Department of Ophthalmology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | - Genovefa Machairoudia
- 2nd Department of Ophthalmology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | - Georgios Theodossiadis
- 2nd Department of Ophthalmology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | - Panagiotis Theodossiadis
- 2nd Department of Ophthalmology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, GRC
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