Visual and anatomical success with short-term macular tamponade and autologous platelet concentrate.
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to determine whether, in eyes treated for macular hole by vitrectomy and autologous platelet injection, short-term tamponade with SF6 gas was as effective as longer tamponade with C3F8 gas.


METHODS
Patients in group 1 (n=31) had vitrectomy, injection of platelet concentrate, and 16% C3F8 gas/air exchange. Patients in group 2 (n=31) were similarly treated, except that 23% SF6 gas was used. Group 1 patients were required to posture prone for 2-4 weeks, group 2 for 6 days.


RESULTS
All patients had 3 months' follow-up. Postoperatively, visual acuity improved faster in group 2. However, the final mean improvement in logMAR acuity was similar in both groups. Intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes occurred in 12 patients in group 2 and in 17 patients in group 1. Posterior subcapsular cataract (PSCC) occurred in 55% of cases in group 1 and in just 37% in group 2. The rate of anatomical success in group 1 was 96.7%, and in group 2, 93.5% (P=1.0).


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of SF6 gas, platelet concentrate, and short-term prone posturing gave a degree of anatomical and visual success comparable to that of the group which had longer tamponade. Although no differences were statistically significant, several trends did emerge; in group 2, patients recovered visual acuity faster, had fewer IOP spikes, and there were fewer cases of PSCC formation.
Mulhern
M G
MG
National University of Ireland Cork, Department of Ophthalmology, Cork University Hospital, Ireland.
Cullinane
A
A
Cleary
P E
PE
D000368:Aged; D001792:Blood Platelets; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000379:methods; D014822:Vitreous Body
D005466:Fluorocarbons; C042852:perflutren; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride