Dexamethasone implant (0.7 mg) in Indian patients with macular edema: Real-life scenario

Context: Role of Ozurdex in macular edema due to various posterior segment pathologies. AIM: The aim of this study is to report outcome of Ozurdex implant in macular edema (ME) secondary to various posterior segment pathologies. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a single-center, retrospective, interventional study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients of ME were treated with one or more Ozurdex implants (0.7 mg). Data collection included demographic details, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), duration of efficacy, and record of adverse events (if any) within 24 weeks. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Paired sample t-test, Stata data analysis, and statistical software, version 12.1, StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA, were used in the study. RESULTS: One hundred and sixteen eyes of 104 patients were studied which had a diagnosis of diabetic ME (n = 46), retinal vein occlusion (n = 40), and uveitis (n = 30). The average age of patients (mean +/- standard deviation) was 50.2 +/- 21.9 years. Baseline mean +/- SD (standard deviation) logMAR BCVA, CFT, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were 0.636 +/- 0.4, 527.8 +/- 210.1 mu m, and 15.3 +/- 3.8 mmHg, respectively. The reinjection interval was around 12-18 weeks. Ozurdex proved its efficacy in improving mean logMAR visual acuity and reduction of CFT from baseline till 12 weeks' follow-up period (0.414 +/- 0.5 and 301.5 +/- 278.5, respectively; P < 0.05), and after 12 weeks' follow-up, it started worsening (0.530 <plus/minus> 0.9 and 444.8 +/- 375.2, respectively; P > 0.05). The most common reported adverse event was significant rise of IOP (>5 mmHg), with a total of 12 cases followed by cataract 9 cases. CONCLUSION: Ozurdex implant leads to a significant improvement in BCVA and CFT values till 12 weeks, followed by a gradual decline for all the pathologies studied together. No new safety concerns were observed with the Ozurdex implant. The duration of efficacy was found to be <24 weeks.