Effect of heparin in irrigating solution on inflammation following small incision cataract surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of heparin-sodium added to the irrigating solution on postoperative inflammation in patients having cataract surgery.


METHODS
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany.


METHODS
Seventy-two patients having phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were randomly assigned to receive regular irrigating solution or solution with heparin-sodium (final diluted concentration 10 IU/mL). In half the patients, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) IOLs were implanted and in half, foldable silicone IOLs. The patients were examined preoperatively, on days 1 and 3, and 1 year postoperatively. Postoperative inflammation was objectively evaluated by measurement of flare and cells using laser flare-cell photometry.


RESULTS
The mean postoperative flare values were significantly lower in the groups with additional heparin-sodium at days 1 and 3 (P < . 01). Flare values were not significantly different 1 year postoperatively. Cell values for the heparin-treated groups were lower, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Flare and cells values for the two IOL materials were not significantly different during the entire follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Heparin-sodium added to the infusion solution during small incision cataract surgery reduced inflammation in the early postoperative period.
Kohnen
T
T
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Department of Ophthalmology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Dick
B
B
Hessemer
V
V
Koch
D D
DD
Jacobi
K W
KW
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000009:adverse effects; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D013536:Suture Techniques; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods*
D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D006493:Heparin; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate