A cost-effectiveness study of dexamethasone implants in macular edema

• Published in: Archivos de la Sociedad Española de Oftalmología (English ed.) 2015-01, Vol.90 (1), p.14-21
• Main Authors: Lozano López, V, Serrano García, M, Mantolán Sarmiento, C, Pareja Ríos, A, Losada Castillo, M.J, Cordovés Dorta, L, Quijada Fumero, E, Virgós Aller, T, Bullejos Molina, M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cost; Coste; Diabetic retinopathy; Edema macular; Efficiency; Eficiencia; Macular edema; Non-infectious posterior uveitis; Oclusión venosa retiniana; Ophthalmology; Ozurdex; Retinal vein occlusion; Retinopatía diabética; Uveítis posterior no infecciosa
• ISSN: 2173-5794; 2173-5794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oftale.2015.02.018

Abstract Objective To analyse the cost-effectiveness and benefits of a dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex® , Allergan, Irvine, CA, USA) in its clinically relevant applications. Materials and methods A total of 88 eyes of 86 patients with macular edema of >300 μm measured by optical coherence tomography (Cirrus Zeiss, Dublin, CA, USA) were included in this 2-year retrospective study, with a minimum of 6 months follow-up. The patients were divided into three groups: group 1 with macular edema in retinal vein occlusion, group 2 with non-infectious posterior uveitis, and group 3 with diabetic macular edema. The treatment was off-label but supported by the literature. Before implantation, and on days 1, 30, 60, 90 and 180, corrected visual acuity (Snellen), central retinal thickness, intraocular pressure and biomicroscopy were evaluated. The cost–benefit analysis was tabulated by line of visual acuity gained, comparing the main therapeutic alternatives and assessment of the safety profile of the dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex® , Allergan, Irvine, CA, USA). Results The results of this study did not differ from the published studies, in terms of visual acuity improvement in 63.3% of cases, and with central macular thickness improvement in 97% of cases. There were relapses, which occurred after 120 days on average, and the need for retreatment was 40.9%. Increased intraocular pressure >23 mmHg was among the side effects in 29.54%, and was controlled with topical treatment, except in 1.13% requiring surgical treatment. The development of cataract was 44.7%, and 10.6% required surgery. Treatment results showed less frequent use of Ozurdex® than other treatments for disease control, being a cost saving option. Discussion Cost-effectiveness analyses are clinically relevant when applying treatment strategies in patients with macular edema. Dexamethasone intravitreal implant appears to be a safe and efficient therapy.