Intravitreal low molecular weight heparin in PVR surgery.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the efficacy of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in prevention of postoperative fibrin formation following vitreoretinal surgery with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

Thirty consecutive patients of retinal detachment with advanced PVR were enrolled in the study. They were randomised to study and control groups (n = 15 each). Study group patients received vitreoretinal surgery with 5 IU/cc of LMWH in vitrectomy infusion fluid. The control group patients received vitroretinal surgery without heparin in the infusion fluid. Patients were followed up at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after surgery. Postoperative bleeding, media clarity, best-corrected visual acuity and success of the surgery at the end of 3 months were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS:

At each follow-up visit, the study group showed a better media clarity, which was statistically significant (P = 0.0042). The study group had a 50% better chance of retinal reattachment compared to the control group. Five patients had intraoperative bleeding in the study group (33%) compared to 3 patients in the control group (20%).

CONCLUSION:

Use of intravitreal LMWH prevents postoperative fibrin formation and is beneficial in repair of retinal detachments with PVR.

• Authors: Atul Kumar, Sanjeev Nainiwal, B Sreenivas
• Journal: Indian journal of ophthalmology (Indian J Ophthalmol) Vol. 51 Issue 1 Pg. 67-70 (Mar 2003) ISSN: 0301-4738 [Print] India
• PMID: 12701865 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Fibrinolytic Agents
• Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight
• Fibrin

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Female
• Fibrin (drug effects)
• Fibrinolytic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Postoperative Complications
• Retinal Detachment (surgery)
• Treatment Outcome
• Visual Acuity
• Vitrectomy (methods)
• Vitreoretinopathy, Proliferative (surgery)