Systemic resorption of 5-fluorouracil used in infusion fluid during vitrectomy.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to determine whether 5-fluorouracil (5FU) used in the infusion fluid during vitrectomy is systemically absorbed.


METHODS
The major catabolite of 5FU, alpha-fluoro-beta-alanine (FBAL) was measured in urine samples of 2 patients that underwent vitrectomy using 5FU in the infusion fluid.


RESULTS
In both patients, FBAL was found in the urine samples collected up to 48 hours after the surgery, with the highest concentration and total amount in the first 6 hours after the first urine production after surgery. Moreover, the concentration and total amount of FBAL was higher in the patient who received silicone oil tamponade (versus 12.5% SF6), with the longest surgery time (40 min versus 20 min) and the highest amount of infusion fluid used (350 ml versus 250 ml).


CONCLUSIONS
5FU, used to prevent the formation of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), is systemically absorbed when used in infusion fluid during vitrectomy. As such, patient selection is needed to avoid adverse effects on procreativity. Further studies will be needed to determine which clinical setting will influence most the absorption.
Creten
O
O
Department of Ophthalmology UZLeuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Spileers
W
W
Stalmans
P
P
D000042:Absorption; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000652:urine; D006801:Humans; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D018630:Vitreoretinopathy, Proliferative / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D005472:Fluorouracil