Efficacy, therapy preference and compliance of fixed–combination latanoprost/timolol vs usual care in patients with primary open–angle glaucoma or elevated intraocular pressure: a 3–month observational study.

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP)–lowering effect, therapy preference and compliance with fixed–combination latanoprost/timolol vs other usual care in patients with insufficient IOP control requiring therapy adjustment. Methods: A 3–month observational study conducted at 307 Spanish centers included patients with primary open–angle glaucoma or high IOPs inadequately controlled with previous treatment, who needed a change in therapy and were eligible for latanoprost/timolol according to approved labeling. Patients received fixed–combination latanoprost 0.005% + timolol 0.5% once daily (morning). IOP was measured at baseline and after 3 months of therapy. The primary efficacy outcome was the difference between groups in mean diurnal IOP reduction. Preference and compliance were evaluated using 2 validated questionnaires. Results: 2787 patients (47% men, 53% women) were included in final analyses; mean+SD duration of diagnosis was 57.6±51.6 months. Mean baseline diurnal IOP was 21 mmHg and decreased to 18 mmHg after 3 months of latanoprost/timolol (mean reduction 12.6%, p<0.0001). Considering baseline treatment groups, beta blockers (BB)/latanoprost (n = 928), BB/carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (n = 651), BB/adrenergic agonists (n=257) were the most frequently administered previous combinations. Some differences were found in baseline IOPs (18.8 mmHg, 22.1 mmHg and 22.2 mmHg, respectively), but IOP levels were significantly reduced in all groups (4.3%, 17.7% and 15.5%, respectively; p<0.0001). When only 1 agent was initially given, BB was the most frequently used, and mean IOP reduction was even greater (21.2%; p<0.0001). When more than 1 therapy initially was used, adequate compliance (excellent+good) increased from 67.6% to 95%, and patient satisfaction with latanoprost/timolol therapy reached 92%. No adverse events were reported by 96.8% of patients. Conclusions: Fixed–combination latanoprost/timolol administered as a second line treatment is more effective than previous treatments and increases patient satisfaction and treatment compliance.

Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications • intraocular pressure