[Multicenter Ozurdex® assessment for diabetic macular edema: MOZART study]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Pharmacology

Context:

• Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a leading cause of vision loss in diabetic patients.
• Intravitreal injections are a common treatment for DME, but recurrence is frequent.
• Evaluating new treatment modalities for DME is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose:

• To assess the efficacy and safety of a 0.7mg dexamethasone intravitreal implant in patients with visual impairment due to DME.
• To monitor changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT).
• To evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP) and cataract progression as safety parameters.

Summary:

• A retrospective, multicenter study included 74 patients with DME followed for at least 6 months.
• The dexamethasone implant resulted in significant CRT reduction (239μm at 2 months, 135μm at 6 months) and BCVA improvement (8.5 letters at 2 months, 7.6 letters at 6 months).
• Naive patients and those with lower baseline CRT showed better visual outcomes. Ocular hypertension occurred in 13.4% of patients but was manageable.

Impact:

• Dexamethasone implants offer both anatomical and functional benefits for DME treatment.
• Early treatment and patient selection (naive, lower CRT) may optimize recovery.
• The treatment has a favorable safety profile, with manageable side effects, making it a promising option for DME.
• Adapted patient follow-up is recommended due to the implant's half-life.