Risk factors for the development of encapsulated filtering blebs. The role of surgical glove powder and 5-fluorouracil.
OBJECTIVE
To study risk factors for the development of encapsulated filtering bleb, especially the effect of surgical glove powder and 5-fluorouracil on the development of encapsulated blebs.


METHODS
One hundred forty-eight patients who underwent trabeculectomy were prospectively studied. After patient of each surgeon were divided into two subgroups of 5-fluorouracil versus no 5-fluorouracil, each subgroup was then randomized for powder versus powder-free surgical gloves. All patients were followed for at least 2 months (mean, 3.5 months; range, 2-10 months).


RESULTS
The overall incidence of encapsulated bleb was 11.2% when an encapsulated bleb was defined by clinical characteristics with a peak intraocular pressure of 26 mmHg or higher. The group that received 5-fluorouracil had a lower incidence of encapsulated blebs despite a higher rate of previous surgeries, whereas the group with powdered gloves had increased incidence. The subgroup in which powder-free gloves were used in conjunction with postoperative injections of 5-fluorouracil had the lowest incidence of encapsulated blebs (2.6%) compared with the other subgroups (12.0%-17.9%) (P = 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Combined use of powder-free surgical gloves and 5-fluorouracil may reduce the incidence of encapsulated bleb.
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Y
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Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Katz
L J
LJ
Spaeth
G L
GL
Wilson
R P
RP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000601:surgery; D005932:Gloves, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011208:Powders / Q000009:adverse effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012599:Sclerostomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014130:Trabeculectomy
D011208:Powders; D005472:Fluorouracil