The effect of targeted rheumatoid arthritis therapeutics on systemic inflammation and anemia: analysis of data from the CorEvitas RA registry.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effects of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), interleukin-6 receptor inhibitors (IL-6Ri), and Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) on hemoglobin (Hb) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in adults enrolled in CorEvitas (formerly Corrona), a large US rheumatoid arthritis (RA) registry. METHODS: Patients who initiated TNFi, IL-6Ri, or JAKi treatment during or after January 2010, had Hb and CRP measurements at baseline and 6-month follow-up (± 3 months) and had continued therapy at least until that follow-up, through March 2020, were included in the analysis. Changes in Hb and CRP were assessed at month 6. Abnormal Hb was defined as < 12 g/dL (women) or < 13 g/dL (men); abnormal CRP was ≥ 0.8 mg/dL. Differences in Hb and CRP levels were evaluated using multivariable regression. RESULTS: Of 2772 patients (TNFi, 65%; IL-6Ri, 17%; JAKi, 17%) evaluated, 1044 (38%) had abnormal Hb or CRP at initiation; an additional 252 (9%) had both abnormal Hb and CRP. At month 6, the IL-6Ri group had a greater Hb increase than the TNFi (mean difference in effect on Hb: 0.28 g/dL; 95% CI 0.19-0.38) and JAKi (mean difference in effect on Hb: 0.47 g/dL; 95% CI 0.35-0.58) groups, regardless of baseline Hb status (both p < 0.001). The CRP decrease at month 6 was greater with IL-6Ri compared with TNFi and JAKi, regardless of baseline CRP status (both p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These real-world results align with the mechanism of IL-6R inhibition and may inform treatment decisions for patients with RA.

Association between cycline antibiotic and development of pseudotumor cerebri syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Cycline antibiotics (CAs) are commonly used to treat acne, blepharitis, and dry eye syndrome. Prescribers or patients may hesitate to use Cas because they may increase the risk of pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTCS). OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess whether CA use is associated with an increased risk of PTCS or papilledema and whether the risk depends upon dosage or duration of CA intake. METHODS: We studied patients 12 to 65 years of age who were diagnosed with acne, blepharitis, or dry eye syndrome, who were enrolled in a nationwide managed care network between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2015, and who had no preexisting diagnosis of papilledema or PTCS. Multivariable Cox regression modeling was used to assess the risk of developing papilledema or PTCS from exposure to CAs. RESULTS: Among the 728,811 eligible enrollees (mean age, 34.7 years; 72% female), 42.0% filled ≥1 CA prescription. Of the 305,823 CA users, 170 (0.06%) were diagnosed with papilledema or PTCS. By comparison, of the 57.0% with no record of CA use, 121 (0.03%) were diagnosed with papilledema or PTCS (P < .0001). In the unadjusted model, every additional year of CA use was associated with a 70% (doxycycline: hazard ratio, 1.70 [95% confidence interval 0.98-2.97]; P = .06) or 91% (minocycline: hazard ratio, 1.91 [95% confidence interval 1.11-3.29]; P = .02) increased hazard of papilledema/PTCS relative to nonusers of CAs. After adjustment for confounders, the increased hazard of PTCS/papilledema with CA use was no longer statistically significant (P = .06, doxycycline; P = .08, minocycline). LIMITATIONS: This study relies on claims data, which lack clinical data. CONCLUSION: This study offers some evidence that CAs may increase the risk of PTCS/papilledema. However, after accounting for confounding factors in our multivariable models, we found no statistically significant association between CA use and the development of PTCS. Moreover, there was no dose-response effect whereby greater CA use was associated with a higher PTCS risk.

Geographic and Demographic Variation in Use of Ranibizumab Versus Bevacizumab for Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration in the United States.

PURPOSE: To examine demographic and geographic variation in the use of ranibizumab and bevacizumab for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) among Medicare beneficiaries. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Using a 100% sample of Medicare claims data, we evaluated Medicare beneficiaries (N = 195 812) with an index claim for neovascular AMD between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2009, to determine whether beneficiaries first received ranibizumab or bevacizumab following initial diagnosis. RESULTS: The overall proportion of beneficiaries that first received ranibizumab for neovascular AMD was 35%, and varied significantly (0.9%-84.6%) across the 306 US hospital referral regions (median = 33%, interquartile range = 17%-49%). Based on hierarchical logistic regression models, the likelihood of receiving ranibizumab declined over time (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) comparing treatment in 2009 vs 2006 = 0.39, P < .001). After we controlled for year of treatment, black beneficiaries were 45% less likely to receive ranibizumab compared to non-blacks (P < .0001). Beneficiaries residing in urban areas (aOR vs isolated rural towns = 1.12, P < .001), in zip codes with higher median incomes, and in the New England and East South Central census regions (aOR vs Pacific census region = 5.57, P < .001; aOR = 3.58, P < .001, respectively) had increased odds of receiving ranibizumab. CONCLUSIONS: The odds of receiving bevacizumab vs ranibizumab as initial therapy for neovascular AMD among US Medicare beneficiaries varied substantially across geographic and demographic groups. Relatively fewer patients received ranibizumab for initial neovascular AMD treatment in 2009 vs 2006. Future research should study the drivers of variation in utilization of these interventions, the extent this variation indicates differential access to these agents, and whether treatment choice impacts patient outcomes.

Changing Initial Glaucoma Medical Therapy Increases Healthcare Resource Utilization.

PURPOSE: To determine the frequency and economic impact of changing initial glaucoma therapy for patients with newly diagnosed open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT). METHODS: This retrospective longitudinal cohort study identified individuals within a large managed care network in the United States, who were newly diagnosed with OAG or OHT from 2001 to 2012 and were prescribed either a topical beta blocker (BB) or a prostaglandin analog (PGA). Claims data were analyzed over the 12-month period following their index prescription to determine physician prescribing habits, healthcare resource utilization patterns, and sociodemographic factors which may have contributed to changing the initial treatment strategy. RESULTS: A total of 15,019 beneficiaries were identified with newly diagnosed OAG or OHT and whose index therapy was either a topical BB or PGA. Among these enrollees 80.9% were started on PGAs, while 19.1% were started on BBs. Of these beneficiaries, 29.2% of those started on PGAs and 39.5% of those started on BBs underwent a change in therapy within 12 months of their index prescription. Those in the topical BB treatment group had a 38% increased odds of changing glaucoma therapy relative to those started on PGAs (odds ratio [OR] 0.61, 95% CI:0.56-0.68). Patients who changed therapy required more frequent office visits (P < 0.0001) and incurred higher median eye care related charges (P < 0.0001) compared to those who remained on the index therapy unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Changing initial ocular hypotensive therapy is common. Individuals who undergo a change in therapy required more frequent face-to-face monitoring and incurred higher healthcare related costs. Identifying strategies capable of optimizing the process of initiating ocular hypotensive therapy are appealing and possess the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

Antibiotic Prescription Fills for Acute Conjunctivitis among Enrollees in a Large United States Managed Care Network.

PURPOSE: Antibiotics are seldom necessary to treat acute conjunctivitis. We assessed how frequently patients with newly diagnosed acute conjunctivitis fill prescriptions for topical antibiotics and factors associated with antibiotic prescription fills. DESIGN: Retrospective, observational cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 340 372 enrollees in a large nationwide United States managed care network with newly diagnosed acute conjunctivitis, from 2001 through 2014. METHODS: We identified all enrollees newly diagnosed with acute conjunctivitis, calculating the proportion filling 1 or more topical antibiotic prescription within 14 days of initial diagnosis. Multivariate logistic regression assessed sociodemographic, medical, and other factors associated with antibiotic prescription fills for acute conjunctivitis. Geographic variation in prescription fills also was studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for filling an antibiotic prescription for acute conjunctivitis. RESULTS: Among 340 372 enrollees with acute conjunctivitis, 198 462 (58%) filled ≥1 topical antibiotic prescriptions; 38 774 filled prescriptions for antibiotic-corticosteroid combination products. Compared with whites, blacks (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.86-0.92) and Latinos (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.81-0.86) had lower odds of filling antibiotic prescriptions. More affluent and educated enrollees had higher odds of filling antibiotic prescriptions compared with those with lesser affluence and education (P < 0.01 for all). Compared with persons initially diagnosed with acute conjunctivitis by ophthalmologists, enrollees had considerably higher odds of antibiotic prescription fills if first diagnosed by an optometrist (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.21-1.31), urgent care physician (OR, 3.29; 95% CI, 3.17-3.41), internist (OR, 2.79; 95% CI, 2.69-2.90), pediatrician (OR, 2.27; 95% CI, 2.13-2.43), or family practitioner (OR, 2.46; 95% CI, 2.37-2.55). Antibiotic prescription fills did not differ for persons with versus without risk factors for development of serious infections, such as contact lens wearers (P = 0.21) or patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection or AIDS (P = 0.60). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 60% of enrollees in this managed care network filled antibiotic prescriptions for acute conjunctivitis, and 1 of every 5 antibiotic users filled prescriptions for antibiotic-corticosteroids, which are contraindicated for acute conjunctivitis. These potentially harmful practices may prolong infection duration, may promote antibiotic resistance, and increase costs. Filling antibiotic prescriptions seems to be driven more by sociodemographic factors and type of provider diagnosing the enrollee than by medical indication.

Establishing a Regional Glaucoma Physician Collaborative to Improve Quality of Care.

PURPOSE: Improving adherence to practice guidelines can improve patient safety and quality of care. We sought to establish a regional glaucoma physician collaborative to evaluate and improve adherence to the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Primary Open-angle Glaucoma (POAG) Preferred Practice Pattern (PPP) guidelines. DESIGN: Prospective interventional study. METHODS: The collaborative consisted of 13 glaucoma specialists from 3 practices in Michigan. All consecutive POAG new patient visits were reviewed from each study site to determine physician adherence to the 13 major examination elements of the PPP. In phase 1 of the study, physician adherence rates for each of the recommended examination elements were combined and averaged for all groups. Averages for the collaborative were reported to each site, and each physician received his or her individual adherence rates. Physicians discussed strategies to improve overall adherence to the PPP. Adherence rates were collected in phase 2 to determine if feedback and sharing of strategies resulted in improved adherence. RESULTS: A total of 274 new POAG patient visits from phase 1 and 280 visits from phase 2 were reviewed. After accounting for multiple comparisons, overall improvement approached statistical significance for the evaluation of visual function (91.2% to 96.1%, P < .02) and target intraocular pressure determination (73.7% to 83.2%, P < .01). Improvement for other measures that had a high rate of adherence at baseline (eg, ocular history, pupil examination, and central corneal thickness measurement) was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to establish a regional glaucoma physician collaborative to improve standardization of care for patients with newly diagnosed POAG.

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Developing Idiopathic Macular Hole Among a Diverse Group of Patients Throughout the United States.

Importance: Idiopathic macular holes (MHs) are a cause of decreased vision among older Americans. A better understanding of risk factors for MH may help clarify the pathophysiologic factors of MH and identify potential new avenues for preventing and treating idiopathic MHs. Objective: To determine the incidence of and risk factors associated with the development of idiopathic MH requiring surgical repair with vitrectomy among a large group of managed care plan beneficiaries throughout the United States. Design, Setting, and Participants: A retrospective, longitudinal cohort study was conducted of all beneficiaries 40 years or older who were continuously enrolled for 3 or more years in a nationwide US managed care network between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2012, who had 2 or more visits to an eye care professional. The managed care network was queried starting in 2009, and data analysis was conducted from December 1, 2014, to August 15, 2016. Main Outcomes and Measures: Development of idiopathic MH requiring surgical repair with vitrectomy. Results: Of the 659 357 enrollees who met inclusion criteria (391 674 females and 267 683 males; mean [SD] age, 56.2 [9.2] years), 144 (0.02%) developed an MH requiring vitrectomy. After adjusting for confounding factors, females had a 64% increased risk of developing MH compared with males (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.11-2.43; P = .01), with the effect of sex varying across ages. Compared with white participants, Asian-American enrollees had a 177% increased risk of developing MH (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.27-6.02; P = .01). Conclusions and Relevance: In this large cohort, sex was confirmed to be associated with developing an MH requiring vitrectomy; the effect varies across ages differently for females vs males. These differences may be the basis for the underlying pathophysiologic factors contributing to the development of MH.

Telemedicine for ophthalmic consultation services: use of a portable device and layering information for graders.

Introduction We compared remote, image-based patient consultations to in-person consultations at emergency department and inpatient hospital settings. Methods Patients evaluated by the ophthalmic consultation services (gold standard) were imaged over a two-week period. A trained study coordinator took anterior segment photographs (AS) and posterior segment photographs (PS) with a portable camera (PictorPlus, Volk Optical, Cleveland, OH). Ophthalmologists (graders) determined photograph quality, presence of pathology, and their confidence in disease detection. At a separate session, graders reassessed photographs accompanied by a one-sentence summary of demographics and chief complaint (CHx). We computed accuracy and reliability statistics. Results We took AS photographs of 24 eyes of 15 patients and PS photographs of 39 eyes of 20 patients. The majority of images were rated as acceptable or excellent in quality (AS: 89-96%; PS: 70-75%). Graders detected AS pathology with 62-81% sensitivity based on photographs, increasing to 87-88% sensitivity with photographs plus CHx. Graders detected PS pathology with 79-86% sensitivity based on a photograph only, increasing to 100% sensitivity with photographs plus CHx. Discussion In this pilot study, there is evidence that portable ophthalmic imaging technologies could enable ophthalmologists to remotely evaluate anterior and posterior segment eye diseases with good sensitivity. The ophthalmologist could detect ocular pathology on photographs more accurately if they were provided brief clinical information.

A Two-Year Longitudinal Assessment of Ophthalmologists' Perceptions after Implementing an Electronic Health Record System.

OBJECTIVES: To understand the attitudes and perceptions of ophthalmologists toward an electronic health record (EHR) system, before and after its clinical implementation. METHODS: Ophthalmologists at a single large academic ophthalmology department were surveyed longitudinally before and after implementation of a new EHR system. The survey measured ophthalmologists' attitudes toward implementation of a new EHR. Questions focused on satisfaction, efficiency, and documentation. All attending physicians (between 56 and 61 at various time points) in the University of Michigan Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences were surveyed. We plotted positive responses to survey questions and assessed whether perceptions followed a J-curve with an initial decrease followed by an increase surpassing pre-implementation levels. RESULTS: Survey responses were received from 32 (52%) ophthalmologists pre-implementation, and 28 (46%) at 3 months, 35 (57%) at 7 months, 40 (71%) at 13 months and 39 (67%) at 24 months post-implementation. After EHR implementation respondents were more likely to express concerns about their ability to create high-quality documentation (p<0.01) and the impact of an electronic health record on meaningful patient interaction (p<0.01). Physicians did not report a significant change in the amount of time spent documenting outside of regular clinical work hours (p=0.54) or on their clinic efficiency and workflow (p=0.97). There was no significant change in overall job satisfaction during the study period (p=0.69). We did not observe a J-curve for any of the survey responses analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: As ophthalmology practices continue to transition to EHRs, adapting them to their specific culture and needs is important to maintain efficiency and user satisfaction. This study identifies areas of concern to ophthalmologists that may be addressed through education of physicians and customization of software as other practices move forward with EHR implementation.

Demographic, Systemic, and Ocular Factors Associated with Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy.

OBJECTIVE: Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a devastating ocular condition causing permanent vision loss. Little is known about risk factors for developing this disease. We assessed demographic, systemic, and ocular factors associated with NAION. DESIGN: Retrospective longitudinal cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Beneficiaries between 40 and 75 years old without NAION at baseline enrolled in a large U.S. managed care network. METHODS: Enrollees were monitored continuously for ≥2 years between 2001 and 2014 to identify those newly diagnosed with NAION (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD-9-CM] code 377.41). All persons were under ophthalmic surveillance and all cases had ≥1 confirmatory ICD-9-CM code for NAION during follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Multivariable Cox regression modeling was used to generate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to describe the statistical relationship between selected demographic characteristics, systemic and ocular conditions, and the hazard of developing NAION. RESULTS: Of 1 381 477 eligible enrollees, 977 (0.1%) developed NAION during a mean ± standard deviation (SD) follow-up of 7.8±3.1 years. The mean ± SD age for NAION cases at the index date was 64.0±9.2 years vs. 58.4±9.4 years for the remainder of the beneficiaries. After adjustment for confounding factors, each additional year older was associated with a 2% increased hazard of NAION (HR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.03). Female subjects had a 36% decreased hazard of developing NAION (HR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.55-0.74) compared with male subjects. Compared with whites, Latinos had a 46% decreased hazard of developing NAION (HR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.36-0.82), whereas African ancestry was not significantly associated with NAION (HR = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.72-1.15). Systemic diseases associated with NAION included hypertension (HR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.26-2.07) and hypercoagulable states (HR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.51-4.00). Although diabetes mellitus (DM) was not significantly associated with NAION compared with those without DM (P = 0.45), patients with end-organ involvement from DM had a 27% increased hazard of NAION relative to those with uncomplicated DM (HR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.01-1.59). Ocular diseases associated with NAION were age-related macular degeneration (HR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.08-1.54) and retinal vein occlusion (HR = 3.94; 95% CI: 3.11-4.99). CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified several modifiable risk factors that may be associated with NAION. Should future studies confirm these findings, they may offer opportunities to prevent or treat this debilitating condition.

Hospitalization after Cataract Surgery in a Nationwide Managed-Care Population.

PURPOSE: Little is known regarding the extent by which patients undergoing outpatient cataract surgery are at risk for postoperative hospitalization. We sought to determine the percentage of patients undergoing cataract surgery who were subsequently hospitalized, the patient characteristics associated with postoperative hospitalization, and the reasons for hospitalization. METHODS: We identified all beneficiaries of a large U.S. managed care network age ≥40 years old who underwent ≥1 cataract surgery from 2001-2011. All enrollees who required inpatient hospitalization within 7, 14, 30, and 90 days following initial cataract surgery and the reasons for hospitalization were determined. Logistic regression was performed to assess factors that significantly impacted the odds of requiring postoperative hospitalization. RESULTS: Among the 64,981 patients who underwent cataract surgery, rates of hospitalization within 7, 14, 30, and 90 days were 0.3%, 0.5%, 1.3% and 4.2%, respectively. Among the 10,674 patients who had no major preexisting medical comorbidities, 0.1% were hospitalized within 7 days. The odds of hospitalization increased by 35% (OR = 1.35 [CI, 1.23-1.48]) with the presence of each additional comorbidity and by 14% with each additional hospitalization in the 3 years prior to cataract surgery (OR = 1.14 [CI, 1.10-1,18]). Those who were hospitalized in the 30 days prior to cataract surgery had 524% increased odds of being hospitalized within 7 days after cataract surgery (OR = 6.24, [CI, 3.37-11.57]) compared to those with no record of preoperative hospitalization. Postoperative hospitalizations were most commonly due to cardiovascular conditions, comprising over 25% of primary diagnoses associated with hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of hospitalization after cataract surgery is low, and is very low among those with no major preexisting medical comorbidities. Opportunities may exist to limit comprehensive preoperative evaluation and testing to those who have serious pre-existing medical comorbidities.

Impact of diagnosing diabetic complications on future hemoglobin A1c levels.

AIM: To assess how hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values might change following the diagnosis of the first complication from diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: Using a nationwide, longitudinal managed care network claims database (2001-2011), we identified patients with DM who experienced an initial diabetes-related complication. A paired t-test was used to compare average HbA1c levels before the initial complication was first diagnosed to average HbA1c levels following the diagnosis of the complication. RESULTS: 518 enrollees met study inclusion criteria. Patients with suboptimally controlled DM (defined as HbA1c>7% (53 mmol/mol)) prior to the diagnosis of their first diabetic complication demonstrated a clinically significant reduction in average HbA1c following the diagnosis of their first complication (mean pre-complication HbA1c=8.5 ± 1.5% (69 ± 17 mmol/mol) vs. mean post-complication HbA1c=7.9 ± 1.7% (63 ± 18 mmol/mol) (p<0.0001)). CONCLUSION: Enrollees with suboptimally controlled DM may achieve better glycemic control following the diagnosis of a complication from DM. The results from this study, if confirmed in prospective studies, may provide a rationale for the earlier detection of complications from DM to facilitate improved glycemic control among patients with DM.

Geographic Variation in the Rate and Timing of Cataract Surgery Among US Communities.

IMPORTANCE: Previous studies using data from the 1980s found relatively little geographic variation in cataract surgery rates across the United States. We do not know whether similar patterns hold true today, nor do we know the patient- and community-level factors that might explain any recent geographic variations in the rate and timing of cataract surgery. OBJECTIVE: To assess the extent of geographic variation in patient age at initial cataract surgery and the age-standardized cataract surgery rate in a large group of insured US patients with cataracts. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective cross-sectional study of 1 050 815 beneficiaries older than 40 years of age with cataracts who were enrolled in a nationwide managed-care network during the period from 2001 to 2011. The data analysis was started in 2014 and refined in 2015. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Median age at initial cataract extraction, age-standardized cataract surgery rate, and time from initial diagnosis to first surgery for patients with cataracts were compared among 306 US communities. Multivariable regression modeling generated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs identifying factors associated with patients' likelihood of undergoing cataract surgery. RESULTS: A total of 243 104 patients with cataracts (23.1%) underwent 1 or more surgical procedures (55.1% were female patients). Communities with the youngest and oldest patients at initial surgery differed in age by nearly 20 years (59.9-60.1 years in Lansing, Michigan, and Aurora, Illinois, vs 77.0-79.6 years in Marquette, Michigan; Rochester, New York; and Binghamton, New York). The highest age-standardized cataract surgery rate (37.3% in Lake Charles, Louisiana) was 5-fold higher than the lowest (7.5% in Honolulu, Hawaii). The median time from initial cataract diagnosis to date of first surgery ranged from 17 days (Victoria, Texas) to 367 days (Yakima, Washington). Compared with white patients, black patients had a 15% decreased hazard of surgery (HR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.83-0.87]), while Latino patients (HR, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.05-1.10]) and Asian patients (HR, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.05-1.12]) had an increased hazard. For every 1° higher latitude, the hazard of surgery decreased by 1% (HR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.98-0.99]). For every additional optometrist per 100 000 enrollees in a community, the hazard of surgery increased 0.1% (HR, 1.001 [95% CI, 1.001-1.001]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In recent years, patient age at first cataract surgery and the age-standardized surgery rate have varied considerably among some US communities. Future research should explore the extent to which such variations may affect patient outcomes.

Rates of Vitrectomy among Enrollees in a United States Managed Care Network, 2001-2012.

PURPOSE: To determine whether vitrectomy surgery rates have changed over the past decade and factors affecting the odds of undergoing this procedure. DESIGN: Retrospective, longitudinal cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: All enrollees 21 years of age or older between 2001 and 2012 in a United States managed care network. METHODS: Claims data from a managed care network were analyzed to identify all enrollees who underwent 1 vitrectomy or more each year from 2001 through 2012. Rates of vitrectomy per 1000 enrollees were computed each year from 2001 through 2012 for the entire group and separately for patients with and without diabetes mellitus. Multivariate logistic regression assessed factors affecting the odds of undergoing vitrectomy surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Annual rates of vitrectomy surgery from 2001 through 2012 and odds ratios (ORs) of undergoing a vitrectomy with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Among the 11 161 907 eligible enrollees, 40 892 (0.4%) underwent vitrectomy over the 12-year period. The average age of those undergoing vitrectomy was 57±13 years. Overall vitrectomy rates increased 31% from 2001 to 2012 (from 1.47 to 1.92 per 1000 patients). During this same period, the vitrectomy rate among persons with diabetes mellitus decreased by 43% (from 5.84 to 3.31 per 1000 patients with diabetes). Women had 24% decreased odds of undergoing vitrectomy (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-0.79). The odds of undergoing a vitrectomy were 17% greater for black persons (adjusted OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.07-1.27) and 7% higher for persons with diabetes (adjusted OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.14). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, we observed an increase in the vitrectomy rates per 1000 enrollees in this large managed care network over the course of the past decade. However, among persons with diabetes mellitus, vitrectomy rates declined substantially over this period. These changes may be explained, in part, by advances in surgical instrumentation and imaging methods to detect retinal diseases changing indications for surgery, improvements in diabetes care, and alternative treatment options for managing retinal conditions. These results may be useful for future planning of manpower needs and highlight the need for aggressive prevention of complications in black persons with diabetes.

The Effects of Diabetic Retinopathy and Pan-Retinal Photocoagulation on Photoreceptor Cell Function as Assessed by Dark Adaptometry.

PURPOSE: The pathophysiology of vision loss in persons with diabetic retinopathy (DR) is complex and incompletely defined. We hypothesized that retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and rod and cone photoreceptor dysfunction, as measured by dark adaptometry, would increase with severity of DR, and that pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) would exacerbate this dysfunction. METHODS: Dark adaptation (DA) was measured in subjects with diabetes mellitus and healthy controls. Dark adaptation was measured at 5° superior to the fovea following a flash bleach, and the data were analyzed to yield cone and rod sensitivity curves. Retinal layer thicknesses were quantified using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). RESULTS: The sample consisted of 23 controls and 73 diabetic subjects. Subjects with moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) exhibited significant impairment of rod recovery rate compared with control subjects (P = 0.04). Cone sensitivity was impaired in subjects with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) (type 1 diabetes mellitus [T1DM]: P = 0.0047; type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]: P < 0.001). Subjects with untreated PDR compared with subjects treated with PRP exhibited similar rod recovery rates and cone sensitivities. Thinner RPE as assessed by OCT was associated with slower rod recovery and lower cone sensitivity, and thinner photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment layer was associated with lower cone sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that RPE and photoreceptor cell dysfunction, as assessed by cone sensitivity level and rod- and RPE-mediated dark adaptation, progresses with worsening DR, and rod recovery dysfunction occurs earlier than cone dysfunction. Function was preserved following PRP. The findings suggest multiple defects in retinoid function and provide potential points to improve visual function in persons with PDR.

Geographic Variation in the Use of Diagnostic Testing of Patients with Newly Diagnosed Open-Angle Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To determine the extent of geographic variation in the proportion of patients with newly diagnosed open-angle glaucoma (OAG) undergoing visual field (VF) testing, fundus photography (FP), and other ocular imaging (OOI) among patients residing in different US communities. DESIGN: Retrospective, longitudinal cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: All enrollees with newly diagnosed OAG enrolled in a managed care network between 2001 and 2014. METHODS: We identified all persons in the plan with incident OAG residing in 201 communities across the United States. All communities contributed ≥20 enrollees. The proportion of enrollees undergoing ≥1 VF test, FP, OOI, and no testing of any type in the 2 years after first OAG diagnosis was determined for each community, and comparisons were made to assess the extent of variation in use of diagnostic testing among patients residing in the different communities. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Receipt of VF testing, FP, OOI, or none of these tests in the 2 years after initial OAG diagnosis. RESULTS: Of the 56675 enrollees with newly diagnosed OAG, the mean proportion of patients undergoing VF testing within 2 years of initial diagnosis was 74%±7%, ranging from as low as 51% in Rochester, Minnesota, to as high as 95% in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The mean proportion undergoing OOI was 63%±10% and varied from 34% in Palm Springs/Rancho Mira, California, to 85% in Charleston, South Carolina. The mean proportion receiving FP was 26%±10% and ranged from as low as 3% in Fresno, California, to as high as 57% in Harlingen, Texas. The proportion undergoing no glaucoma testing ranged from 0% in Binghamton, New York, to as high as 35% in 2 other communities. CONCLUSIONS: In many US communities, a high proportion of patients are undergoing testing according to established practice guidelines. However, in several communities, less than 60% of patients with newly diagnosed OAG are undergoing VF testing in the 2 years after initial OAG diagnosis, and in a few communities >1 in 4 patients have no record of glaucoma diagnostic testing of any type. Additional research is needed to understand factors driving this variation in practice patterns and its impact on patient outcomes.

The Association Between Sociodemographic Factors, Common Systemic Diseases, and Keratoconus: An Analysis of a Nationwide Heath Care Claims Database.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether an association exists between common systemic diseases, sociodemographic factors, and keratoconus (KCN) among a large, diverse group of insured individuals in the United States. DESIGN: Retrospective longitudinal cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Sixteen thousand fifty-three patients with KCN were matched 1:1 with persons without KCN. METHODS: Persons with KCN were identified using billing codes and matched by age, gender, and overall health with a control group with no record of KCN. Multivariable logistic regression assessed whether sociodemographic factors and certain systemic diseases affected the odds of KCN. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of receiving a KCN diagnosis. RESULTS: After adjustment for confounders, black persons had 57% higher odds (adjusted OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.38-1.79; P < 0.001) and Latino persons had 43% higher odds (adjusted OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.26-1.62; P < 0.001) of being diagnosed with KCN compared with whites. Asians had 39% reduced odds (adjusted OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.50-0.75; P < 0.001) of being diagnosed with KCN compared with whites. Patients with uncomplicated diabetes mellitus (DM) had 20% lower odds of KCN (adjusted OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.71-0.90; P = 0.002), and patients with DM complicated by end-organ damage had 52% lower odds of having KCN (adjusted OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.40-0.58; P < 0.001) compared with those without DM. Persons with collagen vascular disease had 35% lower odds of KCN (adjusted OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.47-0.91; P = 0.01). Other conditions found to have increased odds of KCN included sleep apnea (adjusted OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.00-1.27; P = 0.05), asthma (adjusted OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.17-1.47; P < 0.001), and Down syndrome (adjusted OR, 6.22; 95% CI, 2.08-18.66; P < 0.001). There was no association between KCN and allergic rhinitis, mitral valve disorder, aortic aneurysm, or depression (P > 0.1 for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians caring for persons with KCN should inquire about breathing or sleeping and, when appropriate, refer patients for evaluation for sleep apnea or asthma. Patients with DM have lower risk of KCN, potentially because of corneal glycosylation.

Baerveldt 250 mm2 Glaucoma Drainage Devices in Eyes With Preexisting Scleral Buckles.

PURPOSE: To evaluate eyes with preexisting scleral buckles (SBs) that underwent placement of a 250 mm Baerveldt glaucoma drainage device (GDD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Records of all patients with a preexisting SB who underwent 250 mm Baerveldt GDD placement at the Kellogg Eye Center between January 1, 2005 and September 30, 2012 were reviewed. Outcome measures included visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and number of glaucoma medications prescribed. RESULTS: Seventeen eyes of 17 patients were analyzed. Mean follow-up was 23.9 months. Twelve eyes (70.6%) achieved successful control of IOP (<22 mm Hg, not requiring additional IOP reduction procedures, and no devastating complications). Preoperatively, mean IOP was 25.5 mm Hg, mean number of glaucoma medications was 3.5, and mean logMAR VA was 1.1 (Snellen equivalent 20/200). At 1 and 2 years postoperatively, mean IOP was 9.2 and 8.8 mm Hg (P<0.001), and mean number of glaucoma medications was 0.9 and 0.3 (P<0.001), respectively. There were no statistically significant changes in logMAR VA at 1 and 2 years postoperatively (P=0.45 and 0.99, respectively). Complications included conjunctival dehiscence (4 eyes, 24%), wound leak (2 eyes, 12%), tube and plate exposure requiring removal of drainage device (2 eyes, 12%), phthisis (2 eyes, 12%), and hemorrhagic choroidal detachment (1 eye, 6%). CONCLUSIONS: In eyes with preexisting SBs, the Baerveldt 250 mm GDD effectively lowers IOP and reduces the number of glaucoma medications. Complications related to conjunctival dehiscence are not uncommon in these eyes with significantly scarred conjunctiva.

Regular examinations for toxic maculopathy in long-term chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine users.

IMPORTANCE: According to evidence-based, expert recommendations, long-term users of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine sulfate should undergo regular visits to eye care providers and diagnostic testing to check for maculopathy. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) taking chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine are regularly visiting eye care providers and being screened for maculopathy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Patients with RA or SLE who were continuously enrolled in a particular managed care network for at least 5 years between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2011, were studied. Patients' amount of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine use in the 5 years since the initial RA or SLE diagnosis was calculated, along with their number of eye care visits and diagnostic tests for maculopathy. Those at high risk for maculopathy were identified. Logistic regression was performed to assess potential factors associated with regular eye care visits (annual visits in ≥3 of 5 years) among chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine users, including those at highest risk for maculopathy. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Among chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine users and those at high risk for toxic maculopathy, the proportions with regular eye care visits and diagnostic testing, as well as the likelihood of regular eye care visits. RESULTS: Among 18 051 beneficiaries with RA or SLE, 6339 (35.1%) had at least 1 record of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine use, and 1409 (7.8%) had used chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine for at least 4 years. Among those at high risk for maculopathy, 27.9% lacked regular eye care visits, 6.1% had no visits to eye care providers, and 34.5% had no diagnostic testing for maculopathy during the 5-year period. Among high-risk patients, each additional month of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine use was associated with a 2.0% increased likelihood of regular eye care (adjusted odds ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03). High-risk patients whose SLE or RA was managed by rheumatologists had a 77.4% increased likelihood of regular eye care (adjusted odds ratio, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.27-2.47) relative to other patients. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this insured population, many patients at high risk for maculopathy associated with the use of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine are not undergoing routine monitoring for this serious adverse effect. Future studies should explore factors contributing to suboptimal adherence to expert guidelines and the potential effect on patients' vision-related outcomes.