Sumit Sharma, MD: Learning About NIU-PS Disease Course from Fellow Eyes

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Discussing what data from fellow eyes of a 3-year study tell us about disease course of non-infectious uveitis of the posterior segment with an assistant professor from the Cole Eye Institute.

Results from an analysis of a 3-year study examining use of a fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal (FAi) insert is adding to the clinicians’ understanding of the impact non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment (NIU-PS).

Using data from a clinical trial (NCT01694186), the study, which scheduled to be presented at the 2020 Association for Research in Vision in Ophthalmology (ARVO) annual meeting, provides valuable insight into the disease course of NIU-PS for ophthalmologists.

Of the 87 patients with NIU-PS who received a single 0.18 mg FAI insert, investigators identified a cohort of 59 fellow eyes for inclusion in their analysis. Over 3 years, 56.3% of FAi-treated eyes and 86.4% of fellow eyes had a recurrence of uveitis. Results also indicated the mean number of recurrences was 1.2 (2.00) in the treated group and 3.4 (3.34) in the fellow eye group.

Analysis revealed at least 1 adjunctive local steroid injection was given to 19.5% of treated eyes and 66.1% of fellow eyes.

When examining impact on intraocular pressure (IOP), results indicated 23.0% of treated eyes and 20.3% of fellow eyes had IOP increases of 12 mmHg or greater and 42.5% of treated eyes and 49.2% of fellow eyes required IOP-lowering medication. Additionally, IOP-lowering surgery was required in 5.7% of treated eyes and 15.3% of fellow eyes.

Of note, mean change from baseline best-correct visual acuity (BCVA) was +9.1 (13.02) letters in treated eyes and -4.4 (14.03) letters among fellow eyes.

For more on the results of the study and what it can tell us about the disease course of NIU-PS, HCPLive® caught up with lead investigator Sumit Sharma, MD, assistant professor of ophthalmology with Cole Eye Institute at Cleveland Clinic, to take part in our latest ARVO 2020 House Call.

This study, “Course of Non-infectious Uveitis Affecting the Posterior Segment: Fellow-eye Data from a 3-year Study of the Fluocinolone Acetonide Intravitreal Insert,” was scheduled to be presented at ARVO 2020.