title: [A cost-effectiveness study of dexamethasone implants in macular edema].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyze the cost-effectiveness and benefits of a dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®, Allergan, Irvine, CA, USA.) in its clinically relevant applications.
  
  
  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 two-year retrospective study, with a minimum of 6 months follow-up. The patients were divide into 3 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 mm Hg 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Oftalmología, Sección de Retina, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, España. Electronic address: vlozano77@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lozano López
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Oftalmología, Sección de Retina, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, España.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Serrano García
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Oftalmología, Sección de Retina, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, España.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mantolán Sarmiento
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Oftalmología, Sección de Retina, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, España.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pareja Ríos
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Oftalmología, Sección de Retina, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, España.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Losada Castillo
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Oftalmología, Sección de Retina, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, España.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cordovés Dorta
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Oftalmología, Sección de Retina, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, España.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Quijada Fumero
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Farmacia Hospitalaria, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, España.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Virgós Aller
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Farmacia Hospitalaria, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, España.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bullejos Molina
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002386:Cataract / Q000139:chemically induced; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000188:drug therapy; D004343:Drug Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008269:Macular Edema / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D056687:Off-Label Use; D012008:Recurrence; D012170:Retinal Vein Occlusion / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015866:Uveitis, Posterior / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014821:Vitrectomy; D014822:Vitreous Body
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D004343:Drug Implants; D003907:Dexamethasone; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide
keywords: Cost; Coste; Diabetic retinopathy; Edema macular; Efficiency; Eficiencia; Macular edema; Non-infectious posterior uveitis; Oclusión venosa retiniana; Ozurdex(®); Retinal vein occlusion; Retinopatía diabética; Uveítis posterior no infecciosa