Background/aims: To compare different existent implants for noninfectious uveitis.
Methods: We performed a systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs), searching in five electronic databases and screening reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews. We performed network meta-analysis to compare 0.18 mg fluocinolone acetonide implants, 0.70 mg and 0.35 mg dexamethasone implants, and sham procedures.
Results: Eight RCTs were included in this systematic review, of which three articles from two studies (n = 358 patients) were included in network meta-analysis. The 0.70 mg dexamethasone implant (at 1.5 months) was associated with better results than the 0.18 mg fluocinolone acetonide implant (at 1 month) at improving vitreous haze grading (RR = 2.96; 95%CI = 1.23-7.07), and with less frequently development of cataracts at 12 (RR = 0.36; 95%CI = 0.17; 0.79) and 36 months (RR = 0.37; 95%CI = 0.20; 0.71).
Conclusions: In the short term, the 0.70 mg dexamethasone implant is superior at improving vitreous haze, and shows lower risk of cataracts. However, additional RCTs with standardized outcomes are needed.
Keywords: corticosteroids; dexamethasone; fluocinolone; implants; non-infectious uveitis; uveitis.