Baseline intraocular pressure: an independent risk factor in severe steroid-induced ocular hypertension after intravitreal dexamethasone implant

PURPOSE

To evaluate the baseline intraocular pressure (IOP)-related risk of severe steroid-induced ocular hypertension (SIOH). We hypothesized that the incidence and severity of SIOH may differ according to baseline IOP in patients who received intravitreal dexamethasone implants.

METHODS

A total of 889 eyes treated with intravitreal dexamethasone implants and a baseline IOP of ≤ 23 mmHg were enrolled. Enrolled patients were divided into two groups: the steroid-responders (127 eyes) and the non-steroid-responders (762 eyes). The steroid-responders group was subdivided into post-injection IOP of ≥ 25, > 30, or > 35 mmHg or IOP elevation of ≥ 10 mmHg over the baseline value. The odds ratio of SIOH was calculated using univariable logistic regression analysis, and significant variables were analyzed with a multivariable model. IOP was measured before (baseline IOP) and after dexamethasone implant injection at 1 week and 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

Although baseline IOP was significantly associated with the development of SIOH in logistic regression analysis, the results from the subgroup analysis differed. In the group with IOP elevation of ≥ 10 mmHg over the baseline, SIOH was not significantly associated with baseline IOP, but it was significantly related to higher baseline IOP in the severe SIOH group (IOP > 30 and > 35 mmHg).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher baseline IOP is a risk factor for severe SIOH. Clinicians should be aware of the risk of SIOH when administering steroids intravitreally to patients with high baseline IOP (IOP > 19 mmHg).

Preserflo Microshunt Surgery for Ocular Hypertension following Intravitreal Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant Removal: A Case Report

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is now a well-known condition for which a number of treatments have been shown to be effective. Intraocular corticosteroids are part of this therapeutic arsenal but are sometimes responsible for ocular hypertension. We describe here the case of a 60-year-old man with a history of bilateral DME who received an intravitreal injection of 190 µg fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) (ILUVIEN^®, Alimera Sciences, Alpharetta, GA, USA) who presented a persistent ocular hypertension in one eye despite FAc removal by pars plana vitrectomy and was successfully managed by Preserflo^® microshunt surgery.

Demographic and clinical features of pediatric uveitis and scleritis at a tertiary referral center in China

Background

To analyse demographic, clinical features, treatment and therapeutic outcomes of pediatric uveitis and scleritis patients.

Subjects

The clinical records of pediatric uveitis and scleritis cases between January 2012 and December 2020 at a tertiary uveitis service center in Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital (TMUEH) were reviewed.

Results

In total, 209 patients (337 eyes) were included, 49.3% were male. The median onset age was 9.0 (IQR, 7.0–12.0) years. Chronic uveitis and scleritis accounted for 86.1%. Panuveitis (29.2%), anterior uveitis(29.2%), and intermediate uveitis (22.0%) were the most common presentations. The most common diagnoses were idiopathic (71.3%), JIA (8.1%), and infectious uveitis (4.8%). At baseline, 40.7% patients received oral corticosteroid therapy; during follow-up, corticosteroids (66.0%), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (61.2%), and biologic agents (35.4%) were the mainstay. Posterior synechia (26.1%) and cataracts (25.5%) were the most common complications. In acute cases, the median best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.99 (IQR, 0.5–1.0) at baseline and 0 (IQR, 0–0) at last follow-up; in chronic cases, the median BCVA improved from 1.09 (IQR, 0.5–2.0) to 0.27 (IQR, 0–0.5), with anterior chamber cell grade significantly declining. Ten eyes underwent cataract surgery during regular follow-up and achieved satisfactory long-term visual outcomes and decreased burden of immunosuppressants. The incidence of steroid-induced ocular hypertension was 41.0%, and children with frequent instillation of eyedrops were at high risk.

Conclusions

Most cases were of chronic uveitis and scleritis requiring long-term systemic immunosuppressive therapies in pediatric uveitis and scleritis in China. Good management of complications is important for long-term prognosis.

Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy in post penetrating keratoplasty steroid-induced ocular hypertension

PURPOSE

Steroid-induced ocular hypertension (OHTN) after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) may cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve and graft failure. The purpose of this study is to report the first case of a post PKP patient with poorly controlled IOP, successfully treated with Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) goniotomy in both eyes.

OBSERVATIONS

The patient was a 62-year old male with prior PKP in both eyes for lattice corneal degeneration. After an uncomplicated phacoemulsification in the left eye, his IOP increased to 32 mmHg on maximum tolerated IOP lowering therapy, including oral acetazolamide. This patient was dependent on scleral contact lenses for his irregular astigmatism post PKP to achieve his best-corrected visual acuity. Thus, we needed to consider a conjunctival sparing procedure and decided to proceed with performing a KDB goniotomy in the left eye. At 29 months follow up the visual acuity (VA) remained at 20/20 and IOP 13 mmHg on dorzolamide/timolol combination drop. A year following, his right eye also required KDB goniotomy combined with cataract surgery to treat his cataract and elevated IOP of 28 mm Hg. At 18 months post KDB goniotomy, the right eye VA was 20/50 and IOP 13 mmHg on dorzolamide/timolol combination drop.

CONCLUSIONS

This case demonstrates KDB goniotomy may be a good surgical alternative for post PKP steroid-induced OHTN or glaucoma, especially in patients requiring scleral contact lens for their visual rehabilitation.

Long-term outcomes after intravitreal dexamethasone treatment in steroid responders

AIMS

Intravitreal steroid implants have emerged as an adjunctive therapy in diabetic macular edema (DME) in patients refractory to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents. However, the use of these agents in patients with a prior history of steroid-induced ocular hypertension is limited. The present study aimed to analyze long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) response to the dexamethasone implant in patients with DME and a history of steroid-induced increase in IOP.

METHODS

In a multicenter retrospective review, 17 eyes with DME and a history of steroid-induced increase in IOP to > 21 mmHg were treated with the dexamethasone implant and followed for 18 months. Patients with a history of vitrectomy of vitreoretinal interface pathology were excluded. The primary outcomes were the change in IOP and use of IOP-lowering agents.

RESULTS

Among the study population (17 eyes), there was no significant change in mean IOP from baseline through 18 months (15.9 ± 2.0-14.6 ± 2.8 mmHg; p = 0.18). The number of patients requiring IOP-lowering agents rose from 5 at baseline to 14 at 18 months (p = 0.0049). None of the study eyes required surgical treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Though dexamethasone does predictably lead to an increase in IOP, this adverse effect was effectively managed with topical treatment. The present study suggests that the intravitreal dexamethasone implant may be considered in patients with DME and a history of steroid-induced ocular hypertension who have exhausted first-line treatments.

Elevated Intraocular Pressure After Intravitreal Steroid Injection in Diabetic Macular Edema: Monitoring and Management

INTRODUCTION

With the increasing use of intravitreal administration of corticosteroids in macular edema, steroid-induced intraocular pressure (IOP) rise is becoming an emergent issue. However, for patients in whom intravitreal steroids are indicated, there are no specific recommendations for IOP monitoring and management after intravitreal administration of corticosteroids.

METHOD

An expert panel of European ophthalmologists reviewed evidence on corticosteroid-induced IOP elevation. The objective of the panel was to propose an algorithm based on available literature and their own experience for the monitoring and management of corticosteroid-induced IOP elevation, with a focus on diabetic patients.

RESULTS

Data from trials including diabetic patients with a rise of IOP after intravitreal steroid administration indicate that IOP-lowering medical treatment is sufficient for a large majority of patients; only a small percentage underwent laser trabeculoplasty or filtering filtration surgery. A 2-step algorithm is proposed that is based on the basal value of IOP and evidence for glaucoma. The first step is a risk stratification before treatment. Patients normotensive at baseline (IOP ≤ 21 mmHg), do not require additional baseline diagnostic tests. However, patients with baseline ocular hypertension (OHT) (IOP > 21 mmHg) should undergo baseline imaging and visual field testing. The second step describes monitoring and treatment after steroid administration. During follow-up, patients developing OHT should have baseline and periodical imaging and visual field testing; IOP-lowering treatment is proposed only if IOP is >25 mmHg or if diagnostic tests suggest developing glaucoma.

CONCLUSION

The management and follow-up of OHT following intravitreal corticosteroid injection is similar to that of primary OHT. If OHT develops, IOP is controlled in a large proportion of patients with standard IOP treatments. The present algorithm was developed to assist ophthalmologists with guiding principles in the management of corticosteroid-induced IOP elevation.

FUNDING

Alimera Sciences Limited.