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

Abstract

In reducing intraocular pressure (IOP), Paul (PGI) and Baerveldt (BGI) glaucoma implants are safe and effective in patients with glaucoma. To compare efficacy and safety profiles of the PGI and BGI in the treatment of medically uncontrolled glaucoma at 1 year of follow-up. Retrospective analysis of patients implanted with a PGI or BGI with a minimum of 12 months follow-up. The primary outcome was surgical success defined as IOP ≥6 and ≤18mm Hg and at least 20% IOP reduction from baseline. Secondary outcomes included IOP measurements, number of medications, and complications. Twenty-three patients implanted with PGI and 27 with BGI were included. At last visit (12 mo), mean IOP had decreased from 23.7 ± 6.9 to 0.1 ± 2.9mm Hg in the PGI group versus 26 ± 7.3 to 10.4 ± 4.9mm Hg 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 ± 5.8mm Hg; P < 0.002 for both) with a lower number of medications (1.57 ± 1.47 vs 2.52 ± 1.16 atmo 1, P = 0.015). Most complications were minor and similar in both groups. Both PGI and BGI are safe and effective in reducing IOP in patients with glaucoma, with similar success rates.