gms | German Medical Science

Background: In Germany neovascular AMD is the leading cause for severe visual impairment. In 2/3 of patients visual acuity can be maintained by intravitreal injection of VEGF inhibitors. Based on clinical studies at least 7–8 injections are required in the first year. The PONS study is evaluating the management of wAMD patients receiving anti-VEGF therapy in routine clinical practice both from the physicians and patients perspective.

Methods: wAMD patients receiving anti-VEGF therapy were recruited into a cohort study in university and office based centers. Clinical documentation is performed retrospectively (max. 24 months) and prospectively (max. 12 months). In parallel patients are interviewed during structured telephone calls concerning their treatment condition.

Results: 480 patients were recruited by 23 participating centers (61.9% female; Ø 77.2 years). So far retrospective clinical data of 360 patients with variable duration of the anti-VEGF treatment are available (20.3% started treatment <3 months, 25.3% started treatment ≥3 months up to 12 months, 54.4% started treatment >12 months). The mean duration of treatment was 1.65 years. To date 404 patients were interviewed by telephone (61.4% female, Ø 77.0 years). 62.7% reported difficulties in organizing their travel and company for their scheduled visits, mainly due to the need for support from relatives (as stated by 58.3%).

Conclusions: Injection frequencies observed in routine clinical practice will be analyzed in comparison to data from clinical studies. Analysis of potential differences and identification of causes for deficits in patient care are in scope of the ongoing PONS study.