The Geographic Atrophy Long-Term Outcomes Study (GALTOS): Preliminary Analysis of Patient Clinical Characteristics, Retrospective Natural History, and Patient Survey Results

Speaker(s)

Intorcia M1, Mitchell P2, Kodjikian L3, Choudhry N4, Eter N5, Staurenghi G6, Peto T7, Desgraz R8
1Apellis International GmbH, BAAR, ZG, Switzerland, 2Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 3University of Lyon, Lyon, France, 4Vitreous Retina Macula Specialists of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, 5University of Münster, Münster, Germany, 6Ospedale Luigi Sacco University of Milan, Milan, Italy, 77Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK, 8Apellis International GmbH, Zug, Switzerland

Presentation Documents

OBJECTIVES: The GALTOS study was a multinational, ambispective, observational project that investigated geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), examining demographics, clinical progression, and quality-of-life impacts associated with GA.

METHODS: Eligible participants were aged ≥60 years when diagnosed with GA. Clinical histories were compiled from GA diagnosis through the date of informed consent (index date). Participants completed surveys and patient-reported health-related quality-of-life questionnaires at the index date and during the 12-month prospective observation period.

RESULTS: GALTOS included 255 participants with a mean age of 80.9 years (standard deviation [SD]: 7.2). Most were female (62%), retired (89%), and 42% lived alone. The mean duration of GA since diagnosis was 63.0 months (SD: 28.2). Among those with unilateral GA at initial diagnosis (38%), 47% progressed to bilateral GA within a mean of 28.4 months (SD: 21.0). Severe visual impairment (<35 ETDRS letters) was noted in 12% of study eyes at diagnosis and increased to 36% by index date. At the index date, mean scores were 71.6 (SD: 16.8) on the EuroQol 5-Dimension scale and 69.1 (SD: 39.3) on the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores were outside the normal range in 29% of participants for anxiety and 25% for depression. Concerns about falling because of impaired vision were reported by 68%, 55% stated that GA limited their social interactions, and 47% received caregiver assistance. Approximately 74% used visual aids, 70% took eye-related prescription medications, and a minority relied on assistive devices, paid caregivers, or home care services.

CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary analysis highlights the dynamic and multifaceted nature of GA, offering insights into the daily challenges faced by patients living with GA. The findings underscore the impact of GA on quality of life and the need for ongoing support and resources.

Code

PCR173

Topic

Clinical Outcomes, Patient-Centered Research

Topic Subcategory

Clinical Outcomes Assessment, Patient-reported Outcomes & Quality of Life Outcomes

Disease

Mental Health (including addition), Sensory System Disorders (Ear, Eye, Dental, Skin)