LOSS TO FOLLOW-UP IN PATIENTS WITH PROLIFERATIVE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY AFTER PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Diabetic Retinopathy Research
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is a severe complication of diabetes, often requiring surgical intervention.
• Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is a common treatment for PDR, but patient adherence to postoperative follow-up is critical for optimal outcomes.
• Loss to follow-up (LTFU) can lead to delayed detection of complications and poorer visual prognoses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify risk factors associated with loss to follow-up (LTFU) in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).
• To understand predictors of patient adherence to postoperative care after PDR surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 1234 PDR patients who underwent PPV between 2018 and 2024.
• LTFU defined by specific criteria regarding visit intervals in the first year post-surgery.
• Multivariable analysis to identify associated risk and protective factors.

Main Results:

• Over half (54.1%) of patients experienced LTFU.
• Risk factors for LTFU included higher HbA1c (7.5-9.0%), long-term hypertension (≥10 years), chronic kidney disease/uremia, and long travel distance (>90 km).
• Protective factors included prior intravitreal injections, ≥3 preoperative visits, and silicone oil tamponade during PPV.

Conclusions:

• Multiple clinical and demographic factors significantly influence LTFU in PDR patients post-PPV.
• These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve follow-up adherence.
• Further research is warranted to confirm these results and develop strategies to mitigate LTFU and its potential complications.