China Glaucoma Treatment Pattern Study I-Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma: protocol for a multicentre, retrospective,...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Clinical Research Methodology

Background:

• Primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) is a significant global cause of irreversible blindness, with increasing patient numbers.
• There is a critical knowledge gap regarding the clinical characteristics, treatment options, and patient profiles for PACG in China.
• Understanding these aspects is crucial for developing effective national strategies to combat PACG.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design and methodology of the China Glaucoma Treatment Pattern Study I – Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Ch-GTP I).
• To characterize the patient profile and trends in initial PACG treatment over the past 10 years in China.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of PACG management patterns across diverse regions in China.

Main Methods:

• A national, multicenter, retrospective observational study involving 50 hospitals across China.
• Random sampling of over 7000 patient records for initial PACG treatment between 2011 and 2020.
• Standardized data abstraction from electronic medical records onto an encrypted online platform, with rigorous data cleaning and integrity checks.

Main Results:

• Data collection will encompass demographics, clinical characteristics, therapeutic strategies, and early outcomes at discharge.
• Descriptive statistics will summarize patient demographics and early outcomes.
• Comparative analyses will identify significant differences in characteristics and treatment trends across regions and years.

Conclusions:

• The Ch-GTP I study will provide valuable insights into the current landscape of PACG management in China.
• Findings will inform evidence-based clinical guidelines and public health policies for PACG.
• The study aims to lay the groundwork for future research and improved patient care for PACG.