Outcomes of Silicone Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation in Refractory Pediatric Glaucoma

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of Silicone Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implantation in the management of refractory pediatric glaucoma.Methods:Between 2007 and 2015, 76 eyes of 64 children aged 16 years or younger underwent AGV implantation. We included 65 eyes of 53 children with follow up 6 months; 24 eyes had primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and 41 eyes had secondary pediatric glaucoma (SPG). Success was defined as IOP>5 and 21mmHg with or without topical antiglaucoma medications; considered failure, when repeat glaucoma surgery was need or loss of light perception. Primary outcome measure was success of AGV in refractory pediatric glaucomas and secondary outcome measure was comparison of outcomes in PCG and SPG.Results:The median age at AGV implantation was 3 years (interquartile range, 2, 12), and median follow up was 27 months (15, 39). The overall cumulative success probability was 88% [95% confidence interval (CI), 76%-94%] at 1 year and was maintained up to 4 years. The success probability in PCG was 91% (80.8%-100%), and SPG was 83% (72%-96%) at 1 year and 4 years (P=0.49). Among the preoperative factors, number of previous intraocular surgeries (hazard ratio of 2.24; 95% CI, 1.14-4.37, was significantly associated with failure; P=0.01). Tube-related complications (16%) were similar in both the groups. One eye in each group had sight-threatening complication.Conclusions:AGV implantation had good success rate in refractory pediatric glaucoma. The success rates were similar in PCG and SPG as were the complications. Number of prior intraocular surgeries was a risk factor for failure.