Trabecular microbypass as replacement therapy in pharmacologically controlled open-angle glaucoma patients / Implante de by-pass trabecular como alternativa aos colírios em portadores de glaucoma de ângulo aberto controlados com tratamento clínico

ABSTRACT Purpose: To assess the outcomes of the trabecular bypass as replacement therapy for medications in pharmacologically controlled vs. pharmacologically uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma patients. Methods: This was a retrospective study of eyes treated with first- (iStent) or second-generation (iStent inject) trabecular bypass. Group 1 consisted of eyes with pharmacologically controlled intraocular pressure <18 mmHg and Group 2 consisted of eyes with pharmacologically controlled intraocular pressure ≥18 mmHg. The main outcomes measured were qualified (with or without medications) and unqualified or complete (without medications) success rates at different target intraocular pressures, mean reduction (%) in medication use, and proportion of medication-free eyes. Results: The mean age was 70.4 years in Group 1 (n=105) and 68.1 years in Group 2 (n=65). Qualified success rates for intraocular pressure <18 mmHg, intraocular pressure <15 mmHg, and intraocular pressure <12 mmHg were similar between the groups (Group 1: 96.2%, 88.6%, and 32.4%, respectively; Group 2: 93.8%, 78.5%, and 21.5%, respectively; all p>0.05). Complete success rates were significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2: for intraocular pressure <18 mmHg (76.2% vs. 47.7%), intraocular pressure <15 mmHg (73.3% vs. 40.0%), and intraocular pressure <12 mmHg (14.3% vs. 4.6%). The mean reduction in medication use was higher in Group 1 than in Group 2. At the end of follow-up, 79.0% of eyes in Group 1 and 47.7% of eyes in Group 2 became medication-free. Conclusions: Both groups showed high qualified success rates, but eyes with baseline pharmacologically controlled intraocular pressure <18 mmHg showed higher complete success rates and greater chances of achieving no need for medications.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados dos implantes de by-pass trabecular como terapia de substituição aos colírios em pacientes com glaucoma de ângulo aberto controlados com medicação vs. não controlados com medicação. Métodos: Este foi um estudo retrospectivo de olhos submetidos a cirurgia de implante de by-pass trabecular de primeira (iStent) ou segunda geração (iStent inject). O Grupo 1 consistiu em olhos com pressão intraocular medicada <18 mmHg e o Grupo 2 consistiu em olhos com pressão intraocular medicada ≥18 mmHg. Os principais desfechos foram as taxas de sucesso relativo (com ou sem medicamentos) e completo (sem medicamentos) em diferentes pressões intraoculares-alvo, redução média (%) no uso de medicamentos e proporção de olhos sem medicamentos. Resultados: A média de idade foi de 70,4 anos no Grupo 1 (n=105) e 68,1 anos no Grupo 2 (n=65). As taxas de sucesso relativo para pressão intraocular <18 mmHg, pressão intraocular <15 mmHg e pressão intraocular <12 mmHg foram semelhantes entre os grupos (Grupo 1: 96,2%, 88,6% e 32,4%, respectivamente; Grupo 2: 93,8%, 78,5% e 21,5%, respectivamente; todos p>0,05). As taxas de sucesso completo foram significativa mente maiores no Grupo 1 do que no Grupo 2: pressão intraocular <18 mmHg (76,2% vs. 47,7%); pressão intraocular <15 mmHg (73,3% vs. 40%); pressão intraocular <12 mmHg (14,3% vs. 4,6%). A redução média no uso de medicamentos foi maior no Grupo 1 do que no Grupo 2. Ao final do acompanhamento, 79,0% dos olhos do Grupo 1 e 47,7% dos olhos do Grupo 2 estavam livres medicamentos. Conclusões: Ambos os grupos mostraram altas taxas de sucesso relativo, mas olhos com pressão intraocular medicada pré-operatória <18 mmHg apresentaram taxas de sucesso completo mais elevadas, bem como maiores chances de se tornarem livres de medicamentos para glaucoma.

Trabecular microbypass as replacement therapy in pharmacologically controlled open-angle glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE: To assess the outcomes of the trabecular bypass as replacement therapy for medications in pharmacologically controlled vs. pharmacologically uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of eyes treated with first- (iStent) or second-generation (iStent inject) trabecular bypass. Group 1 consisted of eyes with pharmacologically controlled intraocular pressure <18 mmHg and Group 2 consisted of eyes with pharmacologically controlled intraocular pressure ≥18 mmHg. The main outcomes measured were qualified (with or without medications) and unqualified or complete (without medications) success rates at different target intraocular pressures, mean reduction (%) in medication use, and proportion of medication-free eyes. RESULTS: The mean age was 70.4 years in Group 1 (n=105) and 68.1 years in Group 2 (n=65). Qualified success rates for intraocular pressure <18 mmHg, intraocular pressure <15 mmHg, and intraocular pressure <12 mmHg were similar between the groups (Group 1: 96.2%, 88.6%, and 32.4%, respectively; Group 2: 93.8%, 78.5%, and 21.5%, respectively; all p>0.05). Complete success rates were significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2: for intraocular pressure <18 mmHg (76.2% vs. 47.7%), intraocular pressure <15 mmHg (73.3% vs. 40.0%), and intraocular pressure <12 mmHg (14.3% vs. 4.6%). The mean reduction in medication use was higher in Group 1 than in Group 2. At the end of follow-up, 79.0% of eyes in Group 1 and 47.7% of eyes in Group 2 became medication-free. CONCLUSIONS: Both groups showed high qualified success rates, but eyes with baseline pharmacologically controlled intraocular pressure <18 mmHg showed higher complete success rates and greater chances of achieving no need for medications.

Custo-utilidade do tratamento primário não farmacológico do glaucoma de ângulo aberto / Cost-utility of primary non-pharmacological treatment of open-angle glaucoma

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto econômico de iniciar o tratamento do glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto com estratégias não farmacológicas nos centros de referência para o tratamento do glaucoma no Sistema Único de Saúde. Métodos: A população foi oriunda de uma coorte hipotética de pacientes aos 60 anos de idade, portadores de glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto inicial. A estratégia 1 se baseou apenas em uso de colírios. As estratégias 2 e 3 tiveram como tratamento inicial a trabeculoplastia seletiva a laser. Na estratégia 2, após a falência do laser, foi realizado o implante de dispositivo trabecular (iStent inject®), seguido de uso de colírios. A estratégia 3 iniciou-se com o tratamento medicamentoso logo após a falência do laser. O modelo desenvolvido foi o de Markov. Foi usada a razão de custo-utilidade incremental como medida de desfecho. Resultados: As estratégias 2 e 3 geraram ganho de qualidade de vida e foram dominantes em relação à estratégia 1, sendo mais efetivas e baratas. Porém a relação custo-efetividade da estratégia 2 sofreu um impacto significativo, de acordo com a idade de entrada no modelo. Conclusão: As estratégias não farmacológicas do glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto inicial foram custo-efetivas sob a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde em um horizonte da expectativa de vida da população.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the economic impact of starting the treatment of primary open angle glaucoma with non-pharmacological strategies within the scope of reference centers for the treatment of glaucoma in the Unified Health System. Methods: The population of this study comes from a hypothetical cohort of patients aged 60 years with initial primary open angle glaucoma. The reference strategy (strategy 1) is based only on the use of eye drops, following the guidelines of the clinical protocol of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Strategies 2 and 3 have the same initial treatment, with selective laser trabeculoplasty. In strategy 2, after laser failure, a trabecular device (iStent inject®) is implanted, followed by the use of eye drops as needed, and in strategy 3, it starts with the drug treatment right after the failure of the laser. The model developed for the cost-utility analysis was the Markov model. The incremental cost-utility ratio was used as an outcome measure. Results: Strategies 2 and 3 generated a gain in quality of life and were dominant over strategy 1, being at the same time more effective and less costly in relation to clinical treatment. The two non-pharmacological strategies (2 and 3) proved to be cost-effective; however, the cost-effectiveness of strategy 2 suffers a significant impact according to the age of entry into the model. Conclusion: It is concluded that the initial non-pharmacological treatment strategies of the initial primary open angle glaucoma are cost-effective from the perspective of the Unified Health System in a horizon of the life expectancy of the population.

Percepção dos cuidados e atenção com a saúde ocular da população brasileira / Perception of care and attention with the eye health of the Brazilian population

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a percepção e as atitudes da população brasileira a respeito dos cuidados e da atenção com a saúde ocular. Métodos Realizou-se um estudo transversal. A amostra foi aleatória e calculada para ser representativa da população brasileira. A coleta dos dados foi feita por empresa especializada em levantamentos populacionais, por meio de contato telefônico, por equipe treinada. O questionário foi estruturado com perguntas objetivas sobre os hábitos com a saúde ocular dos entrevistados. Todas as entrevistas foram gravadas e revisadas. Resultados A população de estudo foi de 2.132 pessoas. O perfil da amostra foi semelhante ao da população brasileira. Entre os entrevistados, 11,4% nunca tinham ido ao oftalmologista, 35% só o procuravam quando havia algum sintoma ocular ou visual, e 29,5% foram ao oftalmologista há mais de 2 anos. Pouco mais da metade dos entrevistados (55,8%) declarou ter algum problema de visão, e a miopia foi autodeclarada por quase metade dos entrevistados (43,2%), com proporção ainda maior nos jovens e naqueles com maior escolaridade. Dos entrevistados, 11,0% relataram já ter comprado óculos de grau sem prescrição médica, e 9,8% faziam ou já tinham feito uso de colírios sem prescrição médica, com proporção mais elevada nos autodeclarados indígenas e naqueles com menor escolaridade. Catarata e glaucoma apareceram como os problemas visuais mais frequentes na população acima de 50 anos. O tabagismo foi o principal fator de risco para o autodeclarado problema visual. Conclusão Obteve-se, nesta pesquisa, um retrato dos hábitos com relação à saúde ocular da população brasileira, que aponta para uma realidade em que parte dos brasileiros nunca foi ao oftalmologista e fazia uso de óculos e colírios sem a devida prescrição médica. Identificaram-se, ainda, os grupos populacionais mais propensos para problemas visuais e as populações mais vulneráveis e com maior dificuldade de acesso ao oftalmologista.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the perception and attitudes of the Brazilian population regarding eye health care. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out. The sample was random and calculated to be representative of the Brazilian population. Data collection was carried out by a specialized company, through telephone calls, by trained staff. The questionnaire was structured with objective questions about the eye health habits of the interviewees. All interviews were recorded and reviewed. Results The study population was 2132 people. The sample profile was similar to that of the Brazilian population. Among those interviewed, 11.4% had never been to an ophthalmologist, 35% only went to see one when facing an eye or visual symptom, and 29.5% had been to an ophthalmologist for more than 2 years. Just over half of the interviewees (55.8%) declared that they had a vision problem and myopia was self-declared by almost half of the interviewees (43.2%), with an even higher proportion among young people and those with higher education. Of those interviewed, 11.0% reported having already purchased prescription glasses without a medical prescription and 9.8% use or have used eye drops without a medical prescription, with a higher proportion among self-declared indigenous people and those with less education. Cataracts and glaucoma appeared as the most frequent visual problems in the population over 50 years old. Smoking was the main risk factor for self-declared visual problems. Conclusion In this research, we obtained a portrait of the eye health habits and attitudes of the Brazilian population, which points to a reality in which a great number of Brazilians have never been to the ophthalmologist and used glasses and eye drops without a proper medical prescription. The population groups most prone to visual problems and the most vulnerable populations with greater difficulty in accessing the ophthalmologist were also identified.

Custo-efetividade do uso do dispositivo de by-pass trabecular (iStent® Trabecular MicroBypass) associado a cirurgia de catarata para o tratamento conjunto do glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto e da catarata sob a perspectiva do Sistema de Saúde Suplementar no Brasil / Cost-effectiveness of using the trabecular by-pass device (iStent® Trabecular Micro-Bypass) combined with cataract surgery for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma and cataract from the Supplementary Health System perspective in Brazil

Objetivo: Avaliar se a incorporação do implante trabecular iStent® Trabecular Micro-Bypass é custo- -efetiva para o tratamento do glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto (GPAA) em pacientes que serão submetidos a cirurgia de catarata sob a perspectiva do Sistema de Saúde Suplementar no Brasil. Métodos: Foi elaborado um modelo analítico de Markov, cujos custos foram obtidos a partir da perspectiva da saúde suplementar brasileira (custos médicos diretos). A efetividade foi medida em "anos de vida livres de progressão (PFLY)". O horizonte temporal foi a expectativa de vida média da população brasileira. Os dados foram obtidos por meio da revisão e da análise crítica da literatura. O caso base foi: portadores de GPAA e catarata submetidos a cirurgia de catarata isolada e manutenção do uso de colírios antiglaucomatosos. Testou-se se a incorporação do iStent® Trabecular Micro-Bypass nesse cenário seria custo-efetiva. A medida de desfecho foi a razão de custo-efetividade incremental (RCEI: R$/PFLY). Realizou-se análise de sensibilidade univariada e probabilística para testar a robustez do modelo. Resultados: A incorporação do iStent® Trabecular Micro-Bypass gera um aumento dos custos inicialmente, mas melhora o controle da doença, tornando o glaucoma estável por mais tempo e diminuindo os custos futuros relacionados à progressão da doença. A RCEI foi de R$ 5.491,99/PFLY. O modelo mostrou-se robusto nas análises de sensibilidade. Conclusão: Esta análise sugere que a incorporação do implante iStent® Trabecular Micro-Bypass combinado com a cirurgia de catarata seria custo-efetiva para o tratamento conjunto da catarata e do GPAA no cenário da saúde suplementar no Brasil.

Objective: To evaluate whether the incorporation of the iStent® Trabecular Micro-Bypass implant is cost-effective for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in patients undergoing cataract surgery from the perspective of the supplementary healthcare system in Brazil. Methods: An analytical Markov model was developed and costs were obtained from the Brazilian supplementary health perspective (direct medical costs). Effectiveness was measured in "progression free life years (PFLY)". The time horizon was the average life expectancy of the Brazilian population. Data were obtained through review and critical analysis of the literature. The base case was: glaucomatous patients with cataract who underwent isolated cataract surgery and continued use of antiglaucomatous eye drops. We tested whether incorporating iStent® Trabecular Micro-Bypass in this scenario would be cost effective. The outcome measure was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER: R$/PFLY). We performed univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of the model. Results: Incorporating the iStent® Trabecular Micro-Bypass increases initial costs but improves disease control, making glaucoma stable longer and reducing future costs due to disease progression. The ICER was R$ 5,491.99/PFLY. The model was robust in sensitivity analyses. Conclusion: This analysis suggests that the incorporation of the iStent® Trabecular Micro-Bypass combined with cataract surgery would be cost-effective for joint cataract and POAG treatment in the supplementary health setting in Brazil.

One-Year Comparative Evaluation of iStent or iStent inject Implantation Combined with Cataract Surgery in a Single Center.

INTRODUCTION: This retrospective consecutive case series assessed 12-month effectiveness and safety of iStent® or iStent inject® trabecular micro-bypass implants with cataract surgery in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in a real-world clinical setting. METHODS: Effectiveness outcomes consisted of intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction; glaucoma medication reduction; proportions of eyes achieving IOP < 18, < 15, or < 12 mmHg; and proportional analysis of medication usage. Safety outcomes included adverse events, secondary surgeries, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). RESULTS: This evaluation included 58 eyes with OAG (35 iStent, 23 iStent inject), with 96.6% of eyes having mild or moderate glaucoma. Diagnoses included primary open-angle glaucoma (the majority; 72.4%), pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, and pigmentary glaucoma. Baseline mean IOP and medications were statistically comparable between groups: 16.1 ± 3.6 mmHg on a mean of 1.8 ± 0.8 medications in the iStent group, and 16.2 ± 3.1 mmHg on a mean of 1.7 ± 0.8 medications in the iStent inject group. Twelve months after stent-cataract surgery, mean IOP was significantly lower in the iStent inject group than in the iStent group (13.1 mmHg vs. 15.4 mmHg, respectively; p < 0.001), and the percent reduction in IOP from baseline was significantly greater in iStent inject eyes than in iStent eyes (19.1% vs. 4.3% reduction, respectively; p < 0.001). At 12 months postoperative, significantly greater proportions of iStent inject eyes than iStent eyes achieved IOP < 18 mmHg (100% vs. 80.0% of eyes, respectively; p = 0.035), IOP < 15 mmHg (73.9% vs. 34.3% of eyes, respectively; p = 0.003), and IOP < 12 mmHg (26.1% vs. 0% of eyes, respectively; p = 0.002). Meanwhile, both groups achieved significant medication reductions at 12 months vs. baseline (94.1% reduction in iStent inject eyes, p < 0.0001; and 72.2% reduction in iStent eyes, p < 0.0001), with the percent reduction being significantly greater in iStent inject eyes than in iStent eyes (p = 0.023). At 12 months, mean number of medications was significantly lower in iStent inject eyes than iStent eyes (0.1 vs. 0.5 medications, respectively; p = 0.021), and significantly more iStent inject eyes (95.7%) than iStent eyes (71.4%) were off medications entirely (p = 0.021). A similarly high safety profile was observed in both groups. CONCLUSION: iStent or iStent inject implantation with cataract surgery resulted in substantial and safe reductions in IOP and medications through 12 months postoperative. Consistent with prior observations, greater efficacy was observed with iStent inject than with iStent. FUNDING: The Rapid Service Fees were funded by Glaukos Corporation.

Avaliação econômica do glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto / Economic evaluation of primary open-angle glaucoma

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a relação custo-utilidade do tratamento inicial com laser ou medicamentos do glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto (GPAA) no Brasil, considerando de um lado os custos totais e de outro lado o impacto na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Métodos: O estudo foi realizado com base em um modelo de Markov, onde uma coorte teórica de portadores de GPAA em estágio inicial foi gerada. Os parâmetros usados no modelo foram obtidos na literatura e incluíram: custos médicos diretos (consultas, exames, tratamento); custos não médicos diretos (gasto com hospedagem, transporte, alimentação, acompanhante); custos indiretos (relacionados à incapacidade para o trabalho); valores de utilidade (qualidade de vida medida em QALY - quality-adjusted life year); e probabilidade de transição entre os estágios de saúde. Três estratégias de tratamento foram testadas no modelo: (1) sem tratamento; (2) tratamento inicial com colírios; (3) tratamento inicial com trabeculoplastia a laser. A medida de desfecho foi a razão de custo-utilidade incremental (RCUI). A robustez do modelo foi testada através de análise de sensibilidade. Resultados: As estratégias (2) e (3) de tratamento inicial do GPAA geraram ganhos em qualidade de vida em relação à (1) no Brasil. Iniciar o tratamento com laser gerou ganho médio de 1 QALY, enquanto que com medicamentos propiciou um ganho de 2 QALYs em média. Dentre as três estratégias testadas, a estratégia (2) foi a custo-efetiva e foi dominante sobre as demais, pois foi ao mesmo tempo a mais barata e a mais efetiva. Conclusão: Tanto a trabeculoplastia a laser quanto os medicamentos como tratamentos primários do GPAA inicial geraram ganhos significativos de qualidade de vida. A estratégia de se iniciar o tratamento com medicações foi custo-efetiva, quando se considera os custos totais. A alternativa de tratamento inicial através de trabeculoplastia a laser não foi custo-efetiva.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the cost-utility relation of the initial treatment with laser or primary open-angle glaucoma medications (PLA) in Brazil, considering on the one hand the total costs and on the other side the impact on patients' quality of life. Methods: The study was performed based on a Markov model, where a theoretical cohort of early-stage GPAA carriers was generated. The parameters used in the model were obtained in the literature and included: direct medical costs (consultations, examinations, treatment); direct non-medical costs (accommodation, transportation, meals, companions); indirect costs (related to incapacity for work); utility values (quality of life measured in QALY - quality-adjusted life year); and probability of transition between stages of health. Three treatment strategies were tested in the model: (1) without treatment; (2) initial treatment with eye drops; (3) initial treatment with laser trabeculoplasty. The measure of outcome was the incremental cost-utility ratio (RCUI). The robustness of the model was tested through sensitivity analysis. Results: The strategies (2) and (3) of the initial treatment of POAG generated gains in quality of life in relation to (1) in Brazil. Initiating the laser treatment generated an average gain of 1 QALY, whereas with medication it gave a gain of 2 QALYs on average. Among the three strategies tested, strategy (2) was cost-effective and was dominant over the other strategies, since it was at the same time the cheapest and the most effective strategy. Conclusion: Both laser trabeculoplasty and medications as primary treatments of early-stage POAG have generated significant gains in quality of life. The strategy of starting treatment with medications was cost-effective, whereas laser trabeculoplasty strategy was not cost-effective, when non-medical costs (direct and indirect) are included.

Custos não médicos diretos e indiretos relacionados ao glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto no Brasil / Non-medical direct and indirect costs related to primary open-angle glaucoma in Brazil

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar os custos não médicos diretos e indiretos em uma população de pacientes portadores de glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto (GPAA) em tratamento no Brasil. Métodos: A pesquisa dos custos neste estudo transversal foi realizada através de entrevista a uma população de pacientes portadores de GPAA em acompanhamento em um centro de referência para o tratamento do glaucoma na cidade de Juiz de Fora - MG. Para avaliação dos custos não médicos diretos, as seguintes variáveis foram investigadas: gasto com transporte, hospedagem, alimentação e acompanhante para cada consulta. Já na análise dos custos indiretos, avaliou-se: recebimento ou não de benefício social por causa do glaucoma (aposentadoria ou auxílio-doença) e qual o valor anual e perda de dias trabalhados pelo paciente e/ou pelo acompanhante. Os valores médios anuais foram calculados para todo o grupo e para cada estágio evolutivo do glaucoma. Resultados: Setenta e sete pacientes foram incluídos nesta análise (GPAA inicial: 26,0%; GPAA moderado: 24,7% e GPAA avançado: 49,3%). A média do custo não médico direto foi (em reais): 587,47; 660,52 e 708,54 para os glaucomas iniciais, moderados e avançados, respectivamente. Já a média do custo indireto foi: 20.156,75 (GPAA inicial); 26.988,16 (moderado) e 27.263,82 (avançado). Conclusão: Os custos não médicos diretos e indiretos relacionados ao GPAA no Brasil foram identificados. Os custos indiretos são superiores aos custos não médicos diretos e ambos tendem a aumentar com o avanço da doença.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify direct and indirect non-medical costs in a population of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) receiving treatment in Brazil. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we obtained the costs through an interview with a population of patients with POAG at a glaucoma referral clinic in the city of Juiz de Fora - MG. In order to assess the direct non-medical costs, we investigated the following variables transportation expenses, lodging expenses, food and companion expenses for each visit. In the indirect costs analysis, we assessed the following variables: whether or not social benefits were received because of glaucoma (retirement or sickness benefit) and the annual value and loss of days worked by the patient and/or the companion. We calculated the mean annual values for the whole group and for each glaucoma stage. Results: Seventy-seven patients were included in this analysis (initial POAG: 26.0%, moderate POAG: 24.7% and advanced POAG 49.3%). The mean non-medical direct cost was (in reais): 587.47; 660.52 and 708.54 for the initial, moderate and advanced glaucomas, respectively. The mean indirect cost was: 20,156.75 (initial POAG); 26,988.16 (moderate POAG) and 27,263.82 (advanced POAG). Conclusion: We identified the direct and indirect non-medical costs related to POAG in Brazil. Indirect costs are higher than non-medical direct costs and both tend to increase with disease progression.

Intermediate Results of iStent or iStent inject Implantation Combined with Cataract Surgery in a Real-World Setting: A Longitudinal Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: In this real-world, retrospective, comparative study we evaluated 6-month performance and safety in consecutive eyes following implantation of the iStent® or iStent inject® trabecular micro-bypass device with concomitant cataract surgery. METHODS: Performance outcomes included intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction; glaucoma medication reduction; proportions of eyes achieving an IOP of < 18, < 16, < 14, or < 12 mmHg; and proportions of eyes on 0, 1, 2, or ≥ 3 medications. Safety outcomes included adverse events, secondary surgeries, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). RESULTS: A total of 73 eyes with open-angle glaucoma and cataract were included in the study; of these, 38 eyes were implanted with the iStent device and 35 were implanted with the iStent inject device. The two groups of patients had similar baseline characteristics, with the exception of mean age and medication burden (both higher in patients receiving the iStent inject device); over 90% of eyes in both groups had early glaucoma. At 6 months after surgery, mean IOP had fallen from 16.5 ± 3.9 to 13.9 ± 2.3 mmHg in eyes with the iStent implant (p < 0.001), and from 17.3 ± 3.0 to 12.7 ± 1.8 mmHg in those with the iStent inject implant (p < 0.001). This reduction was significantly greater in the iStent inject eyes than in the iStent eyes (26.6 vs. 15.8%) (p = 0.005). Significantly more eyes receiving the iStent inject device compared to the iStent device achieved an IOP of < 18 mmHg at 6 months post surgery (100 vs. 86.8%) (p = 0.033). Average medication usage was reduced from 1.8 to 0.4 medications in iStent eyes (p < 0.001) and from 2.3 to 0.4 medications in iStent inject eyes (p < 0.001). Over 70% of eyes in both groups became medication-free by 6 months post implantation. Adverse events in iStent eyes were mild and resulted in no sequelae; two iStent eyes underwent non-penetrating deep sclerectomy during follow-up. No complications or secondary surgeries were noted in iStent inject eyes. All eyes in both groups maintained or showed improved BCVA versus baseline. CONCLUSION: Significant and safe IOP and medication reductions were observed after iStent or iStent inject implantation with concomitant cataract surgery. Trends toward greater effectiveness and fewer adverse events were observed with the iStent inject device compared with the iStent device. FUNDING: Article processing charges were provided by Glaukos Corporation.

Maximizing cost-effectiveness by adjusting treatment strategy according to glaucoma severity.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to determine the most cost-effective strategy for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in Brazil, from the payer's perspective (Brazilian Public Health System) in the setting of the Glaucoma Referral Centers. METHODS: Study design was a cost-effectiveness analysis of different treatment strategies for POAG. We developed 3 Markov models (one for each glaucoma stage: early, moderate and advanced), using a hypothetical cohort of POAG patients, from the perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) and a horizon of the average life expectancy of the Brazilian population. Different strategies were tested according to disease severity. For early glaucoma, we compared observation, laser and medications. For moderate glaucoma, medications, laser and surgery. For advanced glaucoma, medications and surgery. Main outcome measures were ICER (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio), medical direct costs and QALY (quality-adjusted life year). RESULTS: In early glaucoma, both laser and medical treatment were cost-effective (ICERs of initial laser and initial medical treatment over observation only, were R$ 2,811.39/QALY and R$ 3,450.47/QALY). Compared to observation strategy, the two alternatives have provided significant gains in quality of life. In moderate glaucoma population, medical treatment presented the highest costs among treatment strategies. Both laser and surgery were highly cost-effective in this group. For advanced glaucoma, both tested strategies were cost-effective. Starting age had a great impact on results in all studied groups. Initiating glaucoma therapy using laser or surgery were more cost-effective, the younger the patient. CONCLUSION: All tested treatment strategies for glaucoma provided real gains in quality of life and were cost-effective. However, according to the disease severity, not all strategies provided the same cost-effectiveness profile. Based on our findings, there should be a preferred strategy for each glaucoma stage, according to a cost-effectiveness ratio ranking.

Custo-efetividade no glaucoma. Conceitos, resultados e perspectiva atual / Cost-effectiveness in glaucoma. Concepts, results and current perspective

RESUMO O glaucoma é a principal causa de cegueira irreversível no Brasil. Sua prevalência e incidência tendem a aumentar significativamente no futuro, principalmente devido ao aumento da população e ao seu envelhecimento. A escassez de recursos para a saúde associada ao aumento da disponibilidade e dos custos das tecnologias em saúde exige uma análise parametrizada destas tecnologias e uma alocação eficiente dos recursos. Os estudos de custo-efetividade e custo-utilidade são importantes, pois permitem uma comparação entre diferentes alternativas tanto em termos de seus custos quanto de seus resultados. Para isto, modelos matemáticos (como modelagem de Markov) são comumente utilizados como método de análise. Existem na literatura muitas evidências de custoefetividade e custo-utilidade no glaucoma, inclusive no Brasil. Este artigo se propõe a revisar de maneira prática os conceitos de avaliação econômica em saúde, os tipos de estudos econômicos em saúde, bem como os resultados dos estudos de custo-efetividade e custo-utilidade na área de glaucoma na literatura.

ABSTRACT Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in Brazil. Its prevalence and incidence tend to increase significantly in the future, mainly due to the population increase and aging. The scarcity of health care resources and the increasing costs in health require a balanced analysis of health interventions and an efficient allocation of resources. The cost-effectiveness and cost-utility studies are important because they allow a comparison between different alternatives in terms of both their costs and their results. For this purpose, mathematical modeling (such as Markov modeling) is commonly used as the analytical method. The literature, including in Brazil, has plenty of evidence of cost-effectiveness and cost-utility in glaucoma. This article aims to review in a practical way the concepts of economic evaluation in health, describe the different types of health economic studies, as well as the results of cost-effectiveness and cost-utility studies in glaucoma in the literature.

Custo-utilidade do tratamento do glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto no Brasil / Cost-utility of primary open-angle glaucoma in Brazil

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar a estratégia mais custo-efetiva para o tratamento do glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto em fase inicial, comparando-se as seguintes alternativas: observação, tratamento clínico ou tratamento com laser. Métodos: Por meio de um modelo de Markov, sob a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e um horizonte da expectativa de vida média da população brasileira. Comparou-se a razão de custo-utilidade incremental (ICUR) entre 3 alternativas de tratamento, assim como seus custos e o ganho em qualidade de vida, medido em QALY (Quality-adjusted life years). Resultados: A ICUR do tratamento inicial com laser e do tratamento inicial com colírios, em relação a não tratar foi de R$ 2.811,39/QALY e R$ 3.450,47/QALY, respectivamente. Ambas as estratégias foram custo-efetivas, com uma discreta vantagem para o tratamento a laser. Esta diferença diminui ainda mais quando se aumenta a idade de entrada no modelo. As duas alternativas propiciaram ganhos significativos de qualidade de vida (em torno de 2,5 QALYs para o tratamento com laser e de 5,0 QALYs para o tratamento com colírios). Conclusão: Tanto o tratamento primário com trabeculoplastia a laser quanto com medicações foram custo-efetivos e proporcionaram ganhos reais de qualidade de vida quando comparados com o não tratamento do GPAA.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the most cost-effective strategy for the treatment of early-stage primary open-angle glaucoma, by comparing the following alternatives: observation, medical therapy or laser treatment. Methods: Using a Markov model, from the perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) and a horizon of the average life expectancy of the Brazilian population, we compared the incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) among the three treatment alternatives, as well as their costs and the gain in quality of life as measured in QALYs (Quality-adjusted life years). Results: The ICUR of initial laser treatment and initial medical treatment over observation only, was R$ 2,811.39/QALY and R$ 3,450.47/QALY, respectively. Both strategies were cost-effective, with a slight advantage for the laser treatment. This difference decreases further when increasing age into the model. The two alternatives have provided significant gains in quality of life (around 2.5 QALYs for the laser treatment and 5.0 QALYs for treatment with eye drops). Conclusion: Both primary treatments, with laser trabeculoplasty as well as with medications, were cost-effective and provided real gains in quality of life when compared with no treatment of POAG.

Percepção do paciente portador de glaucoma e os diferentes tipos de tratamento (clínico versus cirúrgico) / Patient’s perception on glaucoma and different types of treatment (medical versus surgical treatment)

Objetivo: Identificar a percepção dos pacientes sobre o significado de ser portador de glaucoma e a percepção que tem sobre o tratamento clínico ou cirúrgico. Métodos: Para a coleta dos dados utilizou-se a pesquisa qualitativa através da estratégia de grupos focais realizados com pacientes em tratamento clínico (grupo 1) e pacientes submetidos à cirurgia antiglaucomatosa (grupo 2). A análise e a interpretação dos resultados foram feitas pela técnica da análise de conteúdo. Resultados: O medo da cegueira e a desinformação sobre a doença foram os aspectos negativos mais encontrados com relação a ser portador de glaucoma. O grupo cirúrgico preferiu a situação atual quando comparada à necessidade do uso de medicação. Verificou-se que tanto o glaucoma quanto o seu tratamento impactaram profundamente esses pacientes e que, embora a preocupação com a doença ainda persista, os pacientes operados demonstraram apresentar menos impacto no seu cotidiano. Foram determinantes para a aceitação da indicação da cirurgia a falta de controle da doença e a confiança no médico, sendo esta última considerada um fator primordial nos dois grupos pesquisados, o que aponta para sua importância, independente da decisão tomada pelo paciente na convivência com sua doença. Conclusão: Identificaram-se os aspectos negativos mais relevantes com relação ao glaucoma e ao seu tratamento. A confiança na correta indicação do tipo de tratamento, clínico ou cirúrgico, e uma relação sólida entre o paciente e o médico são os fatores determinantes para uma maior tranquilidade dos pacientes em tratamento de glaucoma (clínico ou cirúrgico).

Objective: To identify the meaning and impact on their quality of life of having glaucoma and to understand the patients’ perception on the different types of treatment (medical or surgical). Methods: Through a qualitative research, focus groups were conducted with patients in clinical treatment (group 1) and patients who underwent glaucoma surgery in both eyes and were without medication (group 2). The responses were analyzed using the technique of content analysis. Results: Fear of blindness and lack of information about the disease were the most cited issues in relation to how it is like to having glaucoma. Medication costs, impact of drops on patients’ daily lives and the side effects were the main points discussed in relation to medical treatment. All patients in the surgical group preferred the current situation (without medication) when compared to the need for chronic use of medication. In the two groups, both glaucoma and its treatment had a profound impact on people, not only from a psychological standpoint, but also affecting their daily lives. Patients operated on for glaucoma appear to have less impact on their daily lives, but the concern about the disease persists. Conclusion: We identified the most significant negative aspects of glaucoma and its treatment from patients’ perspectives. Confidence in the correct indication of the type of treatment, clinical or surgical, and a solid relationship between the patient the doctor are determining factors for extra peace of mind of patients being treated for glaucoma.

Nível de conhecimento sobre glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto entre os estudantes de medicina / Knowledge about primary open angle glaucoma among medical students

Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento dos alunos de graduação do curso de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora em relação ao glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto. Métodos: Neste estudo transversal, aplicou-se aos alunos dos 5º e 6º ano um questionário contendo 11 questões referentes a epidemiologia, fatores de risco, sintomas, diagnóstico, tratamento, consequências do glaucoma e por último se consideram os conhecimentos adquiridos na universidade como suficientes. Características dos alunos (idade, sexo, especialidade pretendida) foram identificadas. Resultados: Entre os estudantes, 52,9% eram mulheres. A origem genética da doença foi identificada por 22,5%. Quase a metade (46,1%) não sabia que o glaucoma na maioria das vezes é assintomático. Aproximadamente 1 em cada 3 alunos não sabia que a cegueira do glaucoma era irreversível. A grande maioria (91,2%) identificou corretamente que a tonometria era um exame importante na avaliação do glaucoma e que o tratamento poderia ser clínico (70,6%) ou cirúrgico (71,6%). Porém, poucos alunos deram a real importância para os exames de fundoscopia (35,3%) e campimetria (28,7%). Quase a totalidade (95,1%) dos entrevistados considerou o próprio conhecimento como insuficiente. Conclusão: A maioria dos entrevistados acha que o conhecimento sobre glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto adquirido na graduação é insuficiente. Tal desconhecimento pode levar a oportunidades de diagnóstico perdidas e gerar consequências graves tanto do ponto de vista individual (cegueira) quanto do ponto de vista coletivo (impacto para o sistema de saúde e sociedade). .

Objective: To assess the knowledge of primary open-angle glaucoma among medical students from Federal University of Juiz de Fora. Methods: In this cross sectional study, we conducted a survey among students attending the last two years of Medical School. The questionnaire consisted in 11 questions about epidemiology, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and primary openangle glaucoma (POAG) consequences. The students were also asked if they considered their knowledge about POAG sufficient. Students’ characteristics (age, sex and intended area of specialization) were identified. Results: Women comprised 52.9% of the students. Only 22.5% identified POAG as having a genetic origin. Almost half of them (46.1%) did not know that POAG is asymptomatic and 1 out of 3 students did not know that glaucoma blindness is irreversible. The great majority (91.2%) correctly identified tonometry as an important tool for diagnosis and that glaucoma can be treated through medications (70.6%) or surgery (71.6%). However, few students identified fundoscopy (35.3%) and perimetry (28.7%) as important tools for glaucoma assessment. Almost everyone (95.1%) considered their knowledge insufficient. Conclusion: The majority of the participants believe that their knowledge of POAG is insufficient. This gap can lead to some serious consequences from both individual (blindness) and collective (negative impact in health system and society) perspectives. .