Treatment Outcomes Comparing the Paul and Baerveldt Glaucoma Implants After One Year of Follow-Up

PURPOSE: To compare efficacy and safety profiles of the Paul Glaucoma Implant (PGI) and Baerveldt Glaucoma Implant (BGI) in the treatment of medically uncontrolled glaucoma at 1 year of follow-up.

METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients implanted with a PGI or BGI with a minimum of 12 months follow-up. Primary outcome was surgical success defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥ 6 and ≤ 18mmHg and at least 20% IOP reduction from baseline. Secondary outcomes included IOP measurements, number of medications and complications.

RESULTS: Twenty-three (23) patients implanted with PGI and 27 with BGI were included. At last visit (12 months), mean IOP had decreased from 23.7±6.9 to .1±2.9mmHg in the PGI group versus 26±7.3 to 10.4±4.9mmHg with the BGI (p<0.001 for both comparisons). Overall qualified success rates were similar between groups (PGI 91% vs. BGI 89%, p=0.784). IOP was significantly lower in the PGI at week 1 and month 1 of follow-up versus the BGI (13.6±6.1 vs. 20.1±7.4; 14.6±3.8 vs. 21.2±5.8mmHg; p<0.002 for both) with a lower number of medications (1.57±1.47 vs. 2.52±1.16 at month 1, p=0.015). Most complications were minor and similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS:Both PGI and BGI are safe and effective in reducing IOP in glaucoma patients, with similar success rates.

Authors: Dr. Sophie Berteloot, Dr. Rafael Correia Barão, Prof. Dr. Luís Abegão Pinto, Prof. Dr. Evelien Vandewalle, Prof. Dr. Ingeborg Stalmans, Dr, Sophie Lemmens

NGP Papers manager: Carlo Cutolo