{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: ILUVIEN® in diabetic macular edema that persists or recurs despite treatment: Results from the Retina.pt® RIVER audit.
{Author}: Teixeira C;Pessoa B;Ruão M;Sousa JPC;Penas S;Silva R;Carneiro Â;Meireles A;
{Journal}: Eur J Ophthalmol
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2023 Nov 28
{Factor}: 1.922
{DOI}: 10.1177/11206721231217525
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>Persistent diabetic macular edema (DME) remains a problem in clinical practice, with many patients having a suboptimal response to the standard of care (SOC). Evidence supports the long-term efficacy of intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant (ILUVIEN®) in patients that have responded sub-optimally, although there is still scarce data from real-world Portuguese practices. We aimed to monitor the current SOC in selected Portuguese practices prior to FAc implantation and then assess the long-term effectiveness and safety of the FAc implant.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>The study included patient data from five Portuguese public hospitals.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>This was a non-interventional, multicenter audit of data collected from Retina.pt registry from patients with persistent or recurrent DME despite treatment.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Outcome measures included changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and intraocular pressure (IOP). Results were compared at regular times over 36 months.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>This study included 222 eyes from 152 patients. A significant decrease in BCVA (P < 0.001) and a significant increase in CMT (P = 0.013) were observed prior to FAc. A significant increase in BCVA was registered at 6 months after FAc implant administration (P < 0.001), which was maintained during follow-up. No relevant changes in IOP were observed. Treatment burden was reduced as a result of treatment with FAc (P < 0.001 for anti-VEGF, corticosteroids, or both treatments) in the full population.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>In Portuguese practice, data showed that pre-FAc implantation, some patients did not respond to SOC treatment and/or they were undertreated. Following FAc implant administration, there were rapid, sustained, long-term visual and anatomical improvements, and a marked reduction in treatment burden.