[Intermediate results on the use of drainage devices for paediatric glaucoma].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results and long-term complications of glaucoma drainage devices (GDD) in paediatric patients (0-15 years).

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study was conducted on 17 implanted glaucoma drainage devices from July 1994 to April 2007 in 14 patients (17 eyes). In two patients (3 eyes) a Molteno GDD (MGDD) was implanted, and in 12 patients (14 eyes) an Ahmed GDD (AGDD) was used. We studied the demographic and glaucoma related patient data, as well as the probability of surgical success. The time which intraocular pressure (IOP) was controlled and the postoperative complications were also studied.

RESULTS

Of the fourteen patients, 9 (64.28%) showed congenital glaucoma, and 5 (35.71%) aphakic glaucoma. The pre-aqueous drainage device median IOP was 29.82 mmHg (SD: 6.98), and 14.05 mmHg (SD: 7.57) postoperative. The median follow-up was 3.14 years (3 months-8.3 years). Success of aqueous drainage device was defined as an IOP less than 21 mmHg with or without medication on the last two follow-up visits, and without severe complications or further glaucoma surgery. Using a Kaplan Meier analysis there was success in 76%, 63% and 55% at the six months, 1-3 years and 4-8 years respectively. The GDD was a failure in 41.17%.

CONCLUSIONS

GDDs are a good surgery option for refractory paediatric glaucoma when other surgery procedures have failed or have bad prognosti.