Dealing with the verteporfin shortage: treatment options and outcomes in patients with chronic and non-resolving central serous chorioretinopathy.

Abstract

Introduction Half-dose photodynamic therapy (HD-PDT) with verteporfin is the mainstay treatment in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Since 2021, there is a worldwide shortage of verteporfin. This called for adjustments of daily practice. Here we provide a comprehensive evaluation of the adapted treatment methods and outcomes in patients with non-resolving and chronic CSC. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we compared patients referred in the year before the verteporfin shortage (group 1), with patients referred in the first year of verteporfin shortage (group 2). Treatment strategies, subretinal fluid (SRF) resolution, and visual acuity (VA) were evaluated during a follow-up period of at least 4 months. Results Eighty-five eyes of 79 patients were analysed, 36 eyes in group 1 and 49 in group 2. The treatment strategy at the first visit shifted from HD-PDT as the most performed treatment in group 1 to a more patient tailored approach in group 2, with a wait-and-see policy in most cases. During follow-up, HD-PDT was performed significantly less in group 2 (89% vs. 45%; p < 0.001). At a mean follow-up time of 6.2 months, SRF resolved in 61% of the eyes in group 1 and in 55% in group 2 (p = 0.821). No difference in VA was observed between the groups at follow-up (p = 0.637). Conclusion During the shortage of verteporfin, a different treatment strategy was applied, with HD-PDT being performed less frequently. By implementing a more patient-tailored approach, the VA and the resolution rate of SRF remained similar to the year before the shortage.