Does the presence of heparin and dexamethasone in the vitrectomy infusate reduce reproliferation in proliferative vitreoretinopathy?
BACKGROUND
Reproliferation following vitrectomy for proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) causes redetachment in up to 55% of cases. Heparin and corticosteroids have each been shown to inhibit the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in experimental models. However, little information is available on the use of these agents in humans.


METHODS
In this pilot study, 62 eyes of 62 patients with severe PVR requiring vitrectomy were prospectively randomized to receive either BSS Plus (control) or BSS Plus with heparin and dexamethasone (HD) in the infusate.


RESULTS
After one operation, the retina was reattached in 42 (71%) of 59 eyes: 22 (65%) of 34 eyes in the control group and 20 (80%) of 25 eyes in the HD group (P = 0.16). Reproliferation developed in 26.5% of the control group (9 of 34 eyes) and 16% of the HD group (4 of 25 eyes; P = 0.26). Postoperative hemorrhage was significantly more frequent in the HD group (P = 0.02) but did not influence final visual or anatomic outcome. Hypotony was less frequent in the HD group but the difference was not significant (P = 0.063).


CONCLUSIONS
The trend from this randomized pilot study suggests that HD supplementation of the vitrectomy infusate may reduce the reproliferation rate in PVR and possibly reduce the rate of hypotony. Postoperative hemorrhage was more frequent with HD but did not cause redetachment or alter visual outcome. A multicenter trial involving more patients would be required to better evaluate the efficacy of HD as a pharmacologic adjunct to PVR surgery.
Williams
R G
RG
New York Hospital-Cornell, University Medical Center, New York, USA.
Chang
S
S
Comaratta
M R
MR
Simoni
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D012591:Scleral Buckling; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D018630:Vitreoretinopathy, Proliferative / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000601:surgery
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003907:Dexamethasone; D006493:Heparin