[Lavasept as an alternative to PVP-iodine as a preoperative antiseptic in ophthalmic surgery. Randomized, controlled, prospective double-blind trial].
BACKGROUND
To reduce the risk of endophthalmitis PVP-iodine is typically used preoperatively. Since iodine is contraindicated in patients with a specific allergic history or severe thyroid disorder we studied the effect of Lavasept, which contains Polyhexanid as an antiseptic alternative.


METHODS
In a randomized controlled double-blind trial 3 drops of 0.2% Lavasept, 1.25% PVP-iodine or Ringer's solution were applied preoperatively to 67 patients, which have had a minimum of 5 colony forming units (cfu's) in the conjunctival swap. The effectiveness and tolerability were measured.


RESULTS
After application of Lavasept or PVP-iodine, the number of cfu was statistically significantly reduced. Lavasept reduced the number of bacterial colonies significantly better than PVP-iodine (p=0.05). All test solutions were equally well tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
The use af Lavasept is safe, well tolerated and reduces the microbiological contamination of the conjunctival fornix effectively. lt provides a more effective reduction of the cfu's than PVP-iodine 1.25% and this effect tends to be prolonged. Lavasept is a good alternative option in ophthalmology for preoperative antisepsis.
Hansmann
F
F
Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Campus Lübeck des Universitätsklinikums Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck. hansmann@t-online.de
Kramer
A
A
Ohgke
H
H
Strobel
H
H
Müller
M
M
Geerling
G
G
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001645:Biguanides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011206:Povidone-Iodine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D001645:Biguanides; D011206:Povidone-Iodine