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Published on: March 12, 2016
Comparison of double-plate Molteno and Ahmed glaucoma valve in patients with advanced uncontrolled glaucoma
Ramesh S Ayyala1, David Zurakowski, R Monshizadeh
1Department of Ophthalmology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Background And Objective:
To compare double-plate Molteno (DPM) with the Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) in the treatment of eyes with complicated glaucoma.
Patients And Methods:
This matched, retrospective, case-control study was based on diagnosis, number of previous operations, and age. There were 30 patients in each group and only patients with a minimum of 6 months follow up were included. Double-plate Molteno or Ahmed glaucoma valve insertion was performed on each patient to control intractable glaucoma. Success was defined as IOP <22 mm Hg and >4 mm Hg on the last two visits, a decrease of no more than 2 lines in the visual acuity, and no additional surgical intervention to control IOP.
Results:
The Kaplan-Meier estimated probability of success at 12 and 24 months was 73% and 56% with DPM and 60% and 50% for AGV (P = 0.72). Mean IOP measured 13.36 +/- 5.2 mm Hg following DPM and 16.7 +/- 5.6 mm Hg following AGV at 12 months (P = 0.026) and 13.3 +/- 5.1 mm Hg with DPM and 19 +/- 5.8 mm Hg with AGV at 24 months (P = 0.009). Of the patients involved in the study, 83.5% exhibited hypertensive phase (HP) of AGV vs 43.5% of DPM (P = 0.04). AGV had a tendency to fail earlier (5 months +/- 7 following AGV vs 13 months +/- 13 following DPM, P = 0.07, t-test). Patients with either a second valve insertion or valve removal were 7/30 of AGV vs 1/30 in DPM (P = 0.05). Stent removal was needed by 10/30 DPM and 8/30 AGV had needling/5-FU.
Conclusions:
The percentage of patients free from failure was similar between the two groups at 36 months. DPM is associated with lower mean IOP in the long term compared to AGV.
Insights
Double-plate Molteno (DPM) and Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) showed similar long-term success rates for complicated glaucoma. DPM achieved lower intraocular pressure (IOP) over time compared to AGV.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Glaucoma Surgery
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Complicated glaucoma requires effective surgical intervention.
- Glaucoma drainage devices are crucial for managing intraocular pressure (IOP).
- Comparing device efficacy is vital for clinical decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of double-plate Molteno (DPM) versus Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) in treating complicated glaucoma.
- To evaluate long-term outcomes, including IOP control and surgical success rates.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective, matched case-control study included 30 patients per group (DPM vs. AGV).
- Inclusion criteria: diagnosis, prior surgeries, age, and a minimum 6-month follow-up.
- Success defined by IOP <22 mmHg, minimal visual acuity loss, and no further surgery.
Main Results:
- Kaplan-Meier success rates at 24 months were 56% (DPM) and 50% (AGV).
- Mean IOP was significantly lower with DPM at 12 months (13.36 mmHg) and 24 months (13.3 mmHg) compared to AGV (16.7 mmHg and 19 mmHg, respectively).
- Hypertensive phase occurred more frequently with AGV (83.5%) than DPM (43.5%).
Conclusions:
- Both DPM and AGV demonstrate comparable long-term success rates in managing complicated glaucoma.
- Double-plate Molteno implantation is associated with superior long-term intraocular pressure reduction compared to the Ahmed glaucoma valve.
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