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Outcomes of Silicone Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation in Refractory Pediatric Glaucoma
Sirisha Senthil1, Kiranmaye Turaga1, Hasnat A Mohammed2
1VST Glaucoma Center.
Insights
Silicone Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implantation effectively manages refractory pediatric glaucoma, showing high success rates in both primary congenital glaucoma and secondary pediatric glaucoma cases. Previous intraocular surgeries increase the risk of failure.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Glaucoma Management
Background:
- Refractory pediatric glaucoma presents significant management challenges.
- Glaucoma valve implantation is a surgical option for complex cases.
- Outcomes in pediatric populations require specific evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Silicone Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implantation.
- To assess AGV outcomes in children with refractory pediatric glaucoma.
- To compare results between primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and secondary pediatric glaucoma (SPG).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 65 eyes from 53 children (≤16 years) undergoing AGV implantation (2007-2015).
- Inclusion criteria: follow-up ≥6 months.
- Success defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) between 5-21 mmHg; failure as repeat surgery or vision loss.
Main Results:
- Overall success probability was 88% at 1 year, maintained up to 4 years.
- Success rates were 91% for PCG and 83% for SPG (P=0.49).
- Number of prior intraocular surgeries (HR 2.24) was a significant risk factor for failure (P=0.01). Tube-related complications occurred in 16%.
Conclusions:
- Silicone Ahmed Glaucoma Valve implantation demonstrates a good success rate in refractory pediatric glaucoma.
- Outcomes and complication rates were comparable between PCG and SPG.
- The number of prior intraocular surgeries is a critical risk factor for AGV failure in pediatric patients.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of Silicone Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implantation in the management of refractory pediatric glaucoma.
Methods:
Between 2007 and 2015, 76 eyes of 64 children aged 16 years or younger underwent AGV implantation. We included 65 eyes of 53 children with follow up ≥6 months; 24 eyes had primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and 41 eyes had secondary pediatric glaucoma (SPG). Success was defined as IOP>5 and ≤21 mm Hg with or without topical antiglaucoma medications; considered failure, when repeat glaucoma surgery was need or loss of light perception. Primary outcome measure was success of AGV in refractory pediatric glaucomas and secondary outcome measure was comparison of outcomes in PCG and SPG.
Results:
The median age at AGV implantation was 3 years (interquartile range, 2, 12), and median follow up was 27 months (15, 39). The overall cumulative success probability was 88% [95% confidence interval (CI), 76%-94%] at 1 year and was maintained up to 4 years. The success probability in PCG was 91% (80.8%-100%), and SPG was 83% (72%-96%) at 1 year and 4 years (P=0.49). Among the preoperative factors, number of previous intraocular surgeries (hazard ratio of 2.24; 95% CI, 1.14-4.37, was significantly associated with failure; P=0.01). Tube-related complications (16%) were similar in both the groups. One eye in each group had sight-threatening complication.
Conclusions:
AGV implantation had good success rate in refractory pediatric glaucoma. The success rates were similar in PCG and SPG as were the complications. Number of prior intraocular surgeries was a risk factor for failure.
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