A clinical comparison of two different prednisolone acetate formulations in patients undergoing cataract surgery.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of two topical steroid prednisolone preparations (Econopred Plus 1%, prednisolone acetate 1%: EPP; Pred Fortedagger 1%, prednisolone acetate 1%: PF) in reducing postoperative inflammation in cataract patients.


METHODS
This was a 4 week, randomized, parallel-group, single-center, active-controlled study. One group of patients received postoperative topical EPP while the other group received postoperative topical PF. Both medications were dosed 4 times per day for 14 days and then BID until the container was empty. Both groups of patients received diclofenac sodium QID for 14 days and hydroxypropyl guar (HP-Guar, Systane) QID for 7 days then PRN (or as directed). The presence of corneal surface keratitis, anterior chamber cells and flare (scales 0-3 for keratitis, 0-5 for cells and 0-4 for flare; 0 = none) was evaluated by slit lamp biomicroscopy.


RESULTS
EPP produced significantly lower (P < 0.05) anterior chamber flare scores 14 days following surgery (mean +/- SD: 0.86 +/- 0.53) than PF (1.08 +/- 0.40). Otherwise, there were no differences observed between the 2 treatments with respect to keratitis, anterior chamber flare or cells at postop days 1, 7, or 28.


CONCLUSIONS
This comparative trial demonstrated that both formulations of prednisolone acetate 1% have similar efficacy in the treatment of postoperative ophthalmologic inflammation.
Gayton
Johnny L
JL
Eyesight Associates, Warner Robins, GA, USA. JLGayton@aol.com
D000368:Aged; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular / Q000009:adverse effects; D008269:Macular Edema / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005938:Glucocorticoids; C009935:prednisolone acetate; D011239:Prednisolone