Visual and Anatomic Outcomes of Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

To characterize the presentation, management, and outcomes of suprachoroidal hemorrhage (SCH).

Suprachoroidal hemorrhage is a potentially devastating condition but there is no high-quality evidence for the prognosis or management of SCH.

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed studies of SCH published in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, or Google Scholar between January 1, 1990, and September 1, 2022. The protocol was prospectively registered on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/69v3q/). Random-effects models were used to calculate the pooled estimate and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for visual acuity (VA) and anatomic outcomes. Univariable and multivariable random-effects meta-regressions were performed to determine factors associated with VA outcomes and anatomic success, defined as the retina attached at the last follow-up.

Sixty-eight studies comprising 1246 eyes of 1245 patients were included, with mean (standard deviation [SD]) follow-up of 14.0 (9.4) months. The pooled estimate (95% CI) for mean change in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) VA from baseline to the last follow-up was -0.98 (-1.22 to -0.74) (I² = 88.4%), with 72.0% (63.5%-80.5%) (I² = 74.3%) achieving VA improvement of ≥ 0.3 logMAR (3-line improvement in ETDRS VA), 39.6% (32.5%-46.7%) (I² = 83.2%) achieving final VA of 1.0 logMAR (Snellen equivalent 20/200) or better, and 75.5% (68.4%-82.7%) (I² = 74.7%) achieving anatomic success. Studies with predominantly nonspontaneous SCH and greater percent of eyes receiving systemic steroids were associated with greater improvement in logMAR VA, a greater proportion of eyes with VA improvement ≥ 0.3 logMAR, and greater proportion of eyes achieving anatomic success (all P < 0.05 univariable meta-regression). Studies with greater percent of eyes treated surgically were associated with greater proportion of eyes with VA improvement of ≥ 0.3 logMAR in (P < 0.05, univariable and multivariable analysis). The mean (SD) quality score across studies was 13.9 (2.3) out of 24, and outcomes were of very low certainty of evidence.

Although limited by heterogeneous observational studies, published reports of SCH indicate that most eyes with SCH experience some degree of VA improvement and anatomic success. However, final VA outcomes remain poor, with most cases resulting in severe visual impairment or blindness.

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