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Chen RI, Vanner EA, Chang TC. Effect of COVID-19 Shelter-In-Place Orders on Visual Outcomes of Ophthalmic Surgical Emergencies. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2024:1-8. [PMID: 39116396 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2024.2384067] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the outcomes of ophthalmic surgical emergencies during shelter-in-place (SIP) order with the corresponding period in 2019. METHODS This retrospective cohort study compared patients presenting to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (BPEI) emergency department (ED) who underwent urgent surgery during the SIP period (March 23-May 17, 2020), compared to the same weeks in 2019 (non-SIP). Main outcome measures included symptom-to-ED time, ED-to-surgical decision time, surgical decision-to-operating room (OR) time, ED-to-OR time, and postoperative follow-up time. Secondary outcome measures included travel distance, visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and number of glaucoma medications. RESULTS Seventy-six and 148 patients presented with ophthalmic surgical emergencies in the SIP and non-SIP study periods, respectively. Retinal detachment (RD), acute glaucoma, and open globe injury were the most common diagnoses in both periods. Symptom-to-ED and surgical decision-to-OR times were shorter during the SIP period. SIP patients had comparable preoperative VA but worse postoperative VA compared to non-SIP patients. During the SIP period, RD patients experienced postoperative VA reduction rather than improvement (+0.09 vs. -0.23 logMAR, p = 0.03); glaucoma patients were less likely to reach surgical decision within 24 h (OR 0.16 [95% CI 0.03-0.95]); and globe injuries had longer ED-to-surgical decision time and ED-to-OR time compared to the non-SIP period. Other outcomes were similar between both study periods. CONCLUSION There was reduced volume of ophthalmic surgical emergencies and worse postoperative vision during SIP compared to the non-SIP period, despite shorter symptom-to-ED and surgical decision-to-OR times suggesting minimal delays in seeking or receiving care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca I Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Vanner
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ta Chen Chang
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Son-Camey B, Rosado-Cerro I, Escámez-Fernández P, Liaño Sanz Diez de Ulzurrun G, Montejano-Milner R, Arruabarrena C. Long-term results of the treatment of patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration during the COVID-19 pandemic. ARCHIVOS DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE OFTALMOLOGIA 2024:S2173-5794(24)00134-8. [PMID: 39025232 DOI: 10.1016/j.oftale.2024.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To quantify the long-term impact (24 months) on the visual results and activity of neovascular lesions of COVID-19 confinement in patients with nAMD in our population. METHODS A retrospective observational study of patients with nAMD who attended consultation or were treated during the 3 months before confinement was carried out. RESULTS 144 patients (168 eyes) with nAMD were included, 51 of them (35.42%) came during confinement, and at 24 months the final cohort was 118 patients (133 eyes). The previous VA of 57.99 ± 23.68 letters decreased, clinically relevant and statistically significant, by an average of 6.87 (±16.84) and 7.89 (±19.58) at 12- and 24-months follow-up. This change differs significantly from the two-year vision change observed in the national database of pretreated patients. The median number of injections and consultations is lower in our group at 12 months, compared to the pre-pandemic national database, and tends to equalize at 24 months. We did not find differences in vision when we compared patients who attended consultations during confinement or in treatment intervals greater than 8 weeks (Tq8w). CONCLUSIONS The VA of patients with nAMD decreased significantly after confinement, probably due to the lower number of antiangiogenic injections and consultations during the first year, and did not recover during the second year despite the increase in the number of injections and visits close to those reported before confinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Son-Camey
- Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Madrid, Spain.
| | - I Rosado-Cerro
- Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Madrid, Spain
| | - P Escámez-Fernández
- Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - R Montejano-Milner
- Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Madrid, Spain; Clínica Oftalmológica Novovisión, Madrid, Spain
| | - C Arruabarrena
- Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Madrid, Spain; Clínica Oftalmológica Novovisión, Madrid, Spain
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Rothaus K, Kintzinger K, Heimes-Bussmann B, Faatz H, Lommatzsch AP. Impact of the COVID 19 Pandemic on Treatment of nAMD via a Portal-Based Collaboration. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2024; 241:837-844. [PMID: 35926516 DOI: 10.1055/a-1806-2474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Under the influence of the COVID 19 pandemic and the lockdown in Germany, there were significantly fewer consultations in almost all medical disciplines. Especially given the need for consistent treatment and follow-up of nAMD patients, this can have far-reaching consequences for visual function, especially in elderly patients. METHODS In a retrospective analysis of nAMD patients, the number of visits (IVI or follow-up), OCTs or IVIs performed and the mean worst visual acuity for the period before and after the first COVID 19-associated lockdown were compared in a portal-based collaboration of 50 eye care practices. Patients were treated according to the pro re nata (PRN) regimen that included intravitreal injection of VEGF inhibitors based on activity criteria in the OCT follow-up. RESULTS A total of 34,660 visits from 55 months were included in the analysis. Before lockdown (16 March 2020), an average of 81.8% ± 2.1% of patients were regularly checked or treated (every 4 to 5 weeks). With the onset of lockdown, the proportion of patients receiving optimum treatment dropped to 64.0%. Initially, the proportion of OCT follow-ups decreased from 48.4% to 30.9% and, with a delay, the proportion of injections decreased from 57.5% to 45.8%. This was also reflected in the number of OCT follow-ups: 15.5 before, 11.4 during and 17.2 after lockdown (p < 0.001). In 29% of cases, an individual worsening of visual acuity by more than 0.1 logMAR after the end of the lockdown compared to before the lockdown could be observed. On average, mean visual acuity decreased significantly by 0.054 logMAR (p < 10-11). This significant impairment was not reversed again during the remaining observation period, although the number of visits, OCT examinations and IVIs in the following 12 months were at the pre-lockdown level. CONCLUSIONS The pandemic-related lockdown resulted in unintended treatment breaks in nAMD patients receiving IVI therapy. The decrease in visits as well as in IVIs caused a loss of visual function in the observed cohort. The consistent treatment regimen of nAMD patients was resumed shortly after the lockdown with an immediate normalization of the number of OCT examinations and IVIs. However, a permanent loss of visual function was observed, and this did not improve within a year after the lockdown. This finding highlights the importance of better case management, leading to improved patient adherence in the event of further waves of COVID or other pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Rothaus
- Retinologie, Augenzentrum am St. Franziskus-Hospital, Münster, Deutschland
| | | | | | - Henrik Faatz
- Retinologie, Augenzentrum am St. Franziskus-Hospital, Münster, Deutschland
| | - Albrecht Peter Lommatzsch
- Retinologie, Augenzentrum am St. Franziskus-Hospital, Münster, Deutschland
- Universitätsaugenklinik, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Deutschland
- Achim Wessing Institut für Ophthalmologische Diagnostik, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Deutschland
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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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5
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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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6
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Nguyen AH, Davoudi S, Dong K, Bains A, Ness S, Subramanian ML, Siegel NH, Chen X. Socioeconomic Disparities in Patients Receiving Intravitreal Injections for Age-Related Macular Degeneration Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF VITREORETINAL DISEASES 2023; 7:376-381. [PMID: 37701269 PMCID: PMC10311364 DOI: 10.1177/24741264231173771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: To determine the effects of socioeconomic factors on visit adherence and the resultant visual outcomes for patients receiving intravitreal injections for neovascular age-related macular degeneration during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, medical records were reviewed to collect appointment attendance, age, sex, self-reported race/ethnicity, primary language, marital status, insurance, distance from clinic, and Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a measure of socioeconomic disadvantage. Multivariate regression models were created to determine differences in socioeconomic factors between individuals who attended (show group) and those who did not attend (no-show group) appointments. Results: The study enrolled 126 patients in the show group and 115 in the no-show group. On univariate analysis, nonadherence was significantly higher in non-White patients than in White patients (P = .04), urban sites than in suburban sites (P = 1.7 × 10-4), and non-English-speaking patients than in English-speaking patients (P = 4.0 × 10-3). The associations remained significant in multivariate analysis for non-English-speaking patients (P = .03) and urban-site patients (P = .01) after adjusting for age, sex, self-reported race/ethnicity, primary language, marital status, insurance, distance from clinic, site of visit, and ADI. At 6 months and 1 year, a 1-, 2-, and 3-line vision loss was significantly higher in the no-show group than in the show group on univariate and multivariate analysis after adjusting for age, sex, race, lens status, and presence of glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Conclusions: Non-English-speaking patients and urban-based patients were less likely to present for intravitreal injection appointments during the initial peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This disparity translated to worse vision outcomes at 6 months and 1 year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh H. Nguyen
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston MA, USA
| | - Samaneh Davoudi
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston MA, USA
| | - Kaylin Dong
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ashank Bains
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven Ness
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston MA, USA
| | - Manju L. Subramanian
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston MA, USA
| | - Nicole H. Siegel
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston MA, USA
| | - Xuejing Chen
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston MA, USA
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7
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Fairbanks AM, Husain D. Controversies and Disparities in the Management of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Semin Ophthalmol 2023; 38:134-142. [PMID: 36602457 DOI: 10.1080/08820538.2022.2152705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness in patients aged 50 years and older. Prior to the 21st century, there were no effective treatments for this devastating disease. However, the last 20 years have heralded the development of treatments for both the nonexudative and exudative forms. The invention of AREDS vitamin supplements and anti-VEGF therapies forever changed the treatment of dry and wet age-related macular degeneration, respectively. The rapid adoption and expansion of these vision preserving treatments has created controversy regarding their cost, burden of administration, development, and use of new technologies, genetic considerations, and observed societal disparities. Many of these controversies and disparities persist today and will require further research to resolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Fairbanks
- Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Deeba Husain
- Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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8
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Mazzuca D, Demarinis G, Della Corte M, Caputo F, Caruso A, Pallocci M, Marsella LT, Tatti F, Pintor ES, Mangoni L, Piccoli G, Carnevali A, Vaccaro S, Scorcia V, Peiretti E, Nobile C, Gratteri N, Giannaccare G. Intravitreal Injection Planning during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Study of Two Tertiary University Centers in Italy. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11030287. [PMID: 36766862 PMCID: PMC9914727 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11030287] [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: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has hampered the optimum management of retinal diseases. This study examined the impact of the pandemic on the intravitreal-injection practice in two academic centers in Italy along with the related medico-legal implications. A retrospective analysis of electronic medical records from 16 March 2020 to 14 March 2021 at the ophthalmological departments of University of Cagliari (SGD) and University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro (UMG) was conducted. The data collected between 16 March 2020 and 14 June 2020 (lockdown), 15 June 2020 and 13 September 2020 (unlock), and 14 September 2020 and 14 March 2021 (second wave) were compared with those of the same period of the previous year. Weekly data on the administered drug and the number and type of treated disease were collected and analyzed. During the lockdown, a drop of 59% at SGD (p < 0.00001) and 77% at UMG (p < 0.00001) in intravitreal injections was found. In the first year of the pandemic, the reduction in injections was approximately of 27% (p < 0.0008) and 38% (p < 0.0001) at SGD and UMG, respectively. The COVID-19-related containment measures and the health resources redistribution have led to a delay in the treatment of chronic diseases of the retina, prioritizing the undeferrable ones. The lack of management guidelines has conceived relevant ethical and medico-legal issues that need to be considered in future measures planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Mazzuca
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University ‘Magna Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Demarinis
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Eye Clinic, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 48, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marcello Della Corte
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University ‘Magna Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Fiorella Caputo
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University ‘Magna Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonello Caruso
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University ‘Magna Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Margherita Pallocci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via dell’Archiginnasio, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tonino Marsella
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via dell’Archiginnasio, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Tatti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Eye Clinic, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 48, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Emanuele Siotto Pintor
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Eye Clinic, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 48, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mangoni
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Eye Clinic, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 48, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gabriele Piccoli
- Department of Ophthalmology, University ‘Magna Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Adriano Carnevali
- Department of Ophthalmology, University ‘Magna Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Sabrina Vaccaro
- Department of Ophthalmology, University ‘Magna Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Scorcia
- Department of Ophthalmology, University ‘Magna Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Enrico Peiretti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Eye Clinic, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 48, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carmelo Nobile
- Department of Health Sciences, University ‘Magna Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Nicola Gratteri
- Department of Law, University ‘Magna Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannaccare
- Department of Ophthalmology, University ‘Magna Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3317186201
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9
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Chakravarthy U, Armendariz BG, Fauser S. 15 years of anti-VEGF treatment for nAMD: success or failure or something in between? Eye (Lond) 2022; 36:2232-2233. [PMID: 35752715 PMCID: PMC9674845 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-022-02153-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Usha Chakravarthy
- Centre for Public Health, Institute of Clinical Science, Royal Victoria Hospital, Queens University of Belfast, Belfast, BT12 6BA, UK.
| | - Beatriz G Armendariz
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sascha Fauser
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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10
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Angermann R, Franchi A, Frede K, Stöckl V, Palme C, Kralinger M, Zehetner C. Long-term persistence with aflibercept therapy among treatment-naïve patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration in a universal health care system: a retrospective study. BMC Ophthalmol 2022; 22:372. [PMID: 36123657 PMCID: PMC9483893 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-022-02593-7] [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: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to analyse the persistence rates of treatment-naïve patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) who received intravitreal aflibercept therapy in a universal health care system. Methods In this single-centre retrospective cohort study, we audited data of 918 treatment-naïve patients who received exclusively intravitreal aflibercept therapy for nAMD between September 2015 and May 2021. The primary outcome measures were the rates of treatment nonpersistence (gap in ophthalmological care > 6 months) and long-term nonpersistence (> 12 months). Results The rates of nonpersistence and long-term nonpersistence were 12.3% and 3.4% after one year; 22.4% and 9.5% after two years; and 38.3% and 19.3% after five years, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that older age (p = 0.045), male sex (p = 0.039), requirement for caretakers or ambulance (p = 0.001), and low visual acuity of the study eye (p = 0.010) or fellow eye (p = 0.029) were independent risk factors for long-term nonpersistence. Patients aged > 80 and > 85 years (p = 0.013 and p = 0.022, respectively) had more than twice the risk for being nonpersistent to therapy within two years of follow-up compared with younger patients. Male patients (p = 0.033), patients requiring a caretaker (p = 0.038), and patients living > 60 km from the clinic (p = 0.029) had a 2 × higher risk of being persistently nonpersistent to therapy. Conclusions Patients with nAMD who were treated with aflibercept had lower nonpersistence rates than those reported in current literature. Multiple independent risk factors were correlated with long-term nonpersistence, early nonpersistence, or complete loss to follow-up. Considering the possible consequences of reduced compliance, further strategies are urgently needed for patients at risk of nonpersistence to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Angermann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Ophthalmology, Landesklinikum Mistelbach/Gänserndorf, Lichtensteinstraße 67, 2130, Mistelbach, Austria
| | - Alexander Franchi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Katharina Frede
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Victoria Stöckl
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christoph Palme
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martina Kralinger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Claus Zehetner
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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11
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Rego-Lorca D, Valverde-Megías A, Fernández-Vigo JI, Oribio-Quinto C, Murciano-Cespedosa A, Sánchez-Quirós J, Donate-López J, García-Feijóo J. Long-Term Consequences of COVID-19 Lockdown in Neovascular AMD Patients in Spain: Structural and Functional Outcomes after 1 Year of Standard Follow-Up and Treatment. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11175063. [PMID: 36078993 PMCID: PMC9457226 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11175063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical care have been extensively analyzed. Specifically, in ophthalmology practice, patients suffering age-related macular degeneration (AMD) represent one of the most affected subgroups. After reporting the acute consequences of treatment suspension in neovascular AMD, we have now evaluated these same 242 patients (270 eyes) to assess if prior functional and anatomical situations can be restored after twelve months of regular follow-up and treatment. We compared data from visits before COVID-19 outbreak and the first visit after lockdown with data obtained in subsequent visits, until one year of follow-up was achieved. For each patient, rate of visual loss per year before COVID-19 pandemic, considered “natural history of treated AMD”, was calculated. This rate of visual loss significantly increased during the lockdown period and now, after twelve months of regular follow-up, is still higher than before COVID outbreak (3.1 vs. 1.6 ETDRS letters/year, p < 0.01). Percentage of OCT images showing active disease is now lower than before the lockdown period (51% vs. 65.3%, p = 0.0017). Although anatomic deterioration, regarding signs of active disease, can be apparently fully restored, our results suggest that functional consequences of temporary anti-VEGF treatment suspension are not entirely reversible after 12 months of treatment, as BCVA remains lower and visual loss rate is still higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rego-Lorca
- Department of Ophthalmology, San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Alicia Valverde-Megías
- Department of Ophthalmology, San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Ignacio Fernández-Vigo
- Department of Ophthalmology, San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro Internacional de Oftalmología Avanzada, 28010 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Oribio-Quinto
- Department of Ophthalmology, San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Murciano-Cespedosa
- Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Modeling, Data Analysis and Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Neurocomputing and Neurorobotics Research Group, Complutense University, 28037 Madrid, Spain
- Brain Plasticity Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Julia Sánchez-Quirós
- Department of Ophthalmology, San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Donate-López
- Department of Ophthalmology, San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Julián García-Feijóo
- Department of Ophthalmology, San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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12
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Dunford S, Brooke J. Effects of social isolation and restrictions on older people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurs Older People 2022; 34:20-26. [PMID: 35582820 DOI: 10.7748/nop.2022.e1400] [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] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older people's health is vulnerable to the effects of long-term changes to everyday life and their recovery from ill health can be delayed by the deconditioning effects of isolation. Social isolation can increase the likelihood of loneliness in older people, which has negative implications for their mental and physical health. AIM To explore the effects of social isolation and social distancing on older people in the Republic of Ireland during and following the government-enforced lockdown in the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHOD This study involved a convenience sample of four participants from the Republic of Ireland. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and audio-recorded with each participant over six sessions, two weeks apart, between 6 April 2020 and 7 July 2020. Transcripts were analysed using content analysis of longitudinal data to identify themes. FINDINGS Three themes were identified: the effect on health and mental well-being; commitment to restrictions; and concern about the non-adherence of others. CONCLUSION Participants committed fully to 'cocooning' and other government restrictions, sometimes to the detriment of their health. Healthcare professionals need to be mindful of potential post-pandemic deconditioning in older people resulting from adherence to government restrictions and lingering anxieties about returning to normality after prolonged isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Dunford
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, England
| | - Joanne Brooke
- Health and Related Research, Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, England
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13
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Szegedi S, Ebner C, Miháltz K, Wachter T, Vécsei-Marlovits PV. Long-term impact of delayed follow-up due to COVID-19 lockdown on patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. BMC Ophthalmol 2022; 22:228. [PMID: 35596203 PMCID: PMC9122252 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-022-02453-4] [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: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020 outpatient care of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients was severely reduced due to lockdown. Missed visits are known to be detrimental to patients in need of continued anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) intravitreal injections (IVIs). The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of a month-long pause of regular visits and anti-VEGF IVIs in nAMD patients. METHODS A retrospective study was performed. Patients were treated in a pro re nata ("as needed") scheme. Distance (logMAR) and near (logRAD) visual acuity (VA), optical coherence tomography, delay between planned and actual visit date and the indication for IVI were assessed for 3 continous visits in the 6 months before lockdown (V-3, -2, -1) and the 2 visits after lockdown (V0, V + 1). For analysis of long-term impact, records for visits 1 years before and after lockdown (V-3, V + 2) were gathered. RESULTS We included 166 patients (120 female, 46 male) with a median (range) age of 80.88 (59.8-99.36) years. Compared to V-1, distance VA was significantly worse at both V0 (0.27 ± 0.21 vs 0.31 ± 0.23 logMAR, p < 0.001) and V + 1 (0.27 ± 0.21 vs 0.30 ± 0.23 logMAR, p = 0.021). Near VA was significantly worse at both V0 (0.31 ± 0.21 vs 0.34 ± 0.22 logRAD, p = 0.037) and V + 1 (0.31 ± 0.21 vs 0.34 ± 0.22 logRAD, p = 0.02). Visit delay (VD) at V0 was significantly longer than at V + 1 (30.81 ± 20.44 vs 2.02 ± 6.79 days, p < 0.0001). Linear regression analysis showed a significant association between visit delay and a reduction of near VA between V-1 and V + 1 (p = 0.0223). There was a significant loss of distance VA (p = 0.02) in the year after the lockdown period (n = 125) compared to the year before. Loss of reading acuity was not significantly increased (p = 0.3). One year post lockdown, there was no correlation between VA change and visit delay after lockdown (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In nAMD patients whose visits and treatment were paused for a month during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, we found a loss of VA immediately after lockdown, which persisted during follow-up despite re-established anti-VEGF treatment. In the short term, length of delay was predictive for loss of reading VA. The comparison of development of VA during the year before and after the lockdown showed a progression of nAMD related VA loss which may have been accelerated by the disruption of regular visits and treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION This article does not report the outcome of a health care intervention. This retrospective study was therefore not registered in a clinical trials database.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Szegedi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinic Hietzing, Vienna Healthcare Group, Vienna, Austria. .,Karl Landsteiner Institute for Process Optimisation and Quality Management in Cataract Surgery, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Christian Ebner
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinic Hietzing, Vienna Healthcare Group, Vienna, Austria.,Karl Landsteiner Institute for Process Optimisation and Quality Management in Cataract Surgery, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kata Miháltz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinic Hietzing, Vienna Healthcare Group, Vienna, Austria.,Karl Landsteiner Institute for Process Optimisation and Quality Management in Cataract Surgery, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tobias Wachter
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinic Hietzing, Vienna Healthcare Group, Vienna, Austria.,Karl Landsteiner Institute for Process Optimisation and Quality Management in Cataract Surgery, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pia Veronika Vécsei-Marlovits
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinic Hietzing, Vienna Healthcare Group, Vienna, Austria.,Karl Landsteiner Institute for Process Optimisation and Quality Management in Cataract Surgery, Vienna, Austria
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14
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Hypothetical Switch of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: An ARIES Post Hoc Analysis. Ophthalmol Ther 2022; 11:613-627. [PMID: 35066801 PMCID: PMC8784022 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-021-00448-w] [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: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Switching to an alternative anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agent has been suggested for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) who have a suboptimal response to initial therapy. However, post hoc analyses of some studies have shown that continuation of initial anti-VEGF therapy is, in many cases, associated with stable visual outcomes or gradual gains. Methods This ARIES (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02581891) post hoc analysis describes outcomes in patients with treatment-naïve nAMD receiving treat-and-extend intravitreal aflibercept (IVT-AFL) for 104 weeks, who were identified as meeting criteria for an early hypothetical switch. Patients were categorized retrospectively according to six criteria (presence of central intraretinal and/or subretinal fluid at week 8 or 24, with/without a next planned treatment interval ≤ 8 weeks, and with/without gains in best-corrected visual acuity [BCVA] ≤ 5 letters [with absolute BCVA < 70 letters]). Results Hypothetical switch criteria were largely met due to the presence of central subretinal fluid rather than intraretinal fluid. Depending on the criterion, 8–46% of patients were considered to be hypothetical switchers. BCVA outcomes were not worse in the hypothetical switchers, irrespective of criteria. Using criteria of intraretinal/subretinal fluid at week 24 and a next planned treatment interval ≤ 8 weeks, mean changes in BCVA (letters) from baseline in hypothetical switchers and non-switchers were: + 6.1 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.4, 8.8) and + 6.6 (95% CI 4.7, 8.6), respectively, at week 24; + 8.2 (95% CI 5.0, 11.3) and + 7.5 (95% CI 5.3, 9.7), respectively, at week 52; and + 5.7 (95% CI 1.3, 10.1) and + 3.4 (95% CI 0.1, 6.7), respectively, at week 104. Conclusions In newly diagnosed nAMD, there appears little rationale for early switching from IVT-AFL since, with continuous proactive treatment, comparable visual gains can be achieved by patients meeting hypothetical switch criteria compared with those who initially respond well on a treat-and-extend regimen. However, further prospective studies are needed. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02581891. Video Summary Video summary of the ARIES Post Hoc Analysis “Hypothetical Switch of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration” (MP4 54283 KB)
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40123-021-00448-w.
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