Retrospective, observational study in patients receiving a dexamethasone intravitreal implant 0.7 mg for macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion

Ophthalmologica. 2015;233(1):18-26. doi: 10.1159/000368840. Epub 2014 Dec 5.

Abstract

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate the re-injection interval, efficacy and safety of dexamethasone (DEX) intravitreal implant 0.7 mg in the treatment of macular oedema (ME) due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in Germany in 2009-2012.

Methods: Retrospective, multicentre, anonymised observational study of data collected from the first DEX implant 0.7 mg injection through 3-6 months following the last injection. Data were included if the patient was >18 years old, had a diagnosis of ME secondary to branch or central RVO, and received at least 2 DEX implant 0.7 mg injections during routine practice.

Results: Data from 87 patients were analysed. Mean time to re-injection between first and second treatments was 5.03 months in the total RVO population, and 5.46 and 4.52 months for the branch and central RVO subpopulations, respectively. An intraocular pressure increase of >25 mm Hg was recorded in 20% of patients, and 34% of patients began treatment with anti-glaucoma medication, but surgery was not needed for this condition.

Conclusions: DEX implant 0.7 mg was found to be well tolerated and effective with repeat treatments in clinical practice.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Dexamethasone / administration & dosage*
  • Dexamethasone / adverse effects
  • Drug Implants
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage*
  • Glucocorticoids / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure / drug effects
  • Intravitreal Injections
  • Macular Edema / drug therapy*
  • Macular Edema / etiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion / complications*
  • Retreatment
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Visual Acuity / physiology

Substances

  • Drug Implants
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Dexamethasone