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Abstract #8696 Published in IGR 5-1
The effect of brimonidine on postoperative hypertony after an extracapsular cataract extraction
Katsimpris JM; Petropoulos IK; Voros G; Gerodimos G; Pharmakakis NMJournal Français d'Ophtalmologie 2003; 26: 369-374
PURPOSE: The authors conducted a prospective study to determine the effect of the topical administration of brimonidine tartrate 0.2% on postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes during the first 24 hours after extracapsular cataract extraction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a placebo-controlled study, the authors randomized 40 consecutive normotensive eyes undergoing extracapsular cataract surgery to two treatment modalities. Twenty eyes (group A) received placebo, and 20 eyes (group B) were given brimonidine tartrate 0.2% drops twice on the day before and twice on the day of the operation. IOP was measured at baseline (prior to surgery) and at four, six, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: Mean postoperative IOP was higher in the placebo group than in the brimonidine group at all time points studied. In both groups, peak elevation of mean IOP was recorded six hours after surgery. At that time, mean IOP was significantly higher in the placebo group (36.2 ± 4.0 mmHg) than in the brimonidine group (24.7 ± 3.8 mmHg) (p < 0.001). A gradual reduction in IOP followed, but with significantly higher values than those found preoperatively, even 12 hours after surgery (p < 0.001). It was only the brimonidine group that achieved near to normal mean IOP 24 hours after surgery (p > 0.05). Four of the placebo group patients compared to one of the brimonidine group patients had an IOP higher than 40 mmHg six hours after surgery, and therefore received additional therapy. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic treatment with brimonidine tartrate 0.2% drops twice a day for two days is effective in reducing IOP spikes throughout the first 24 hours after extracapsular cataract extraction.
Dr. J.-M. Katsimpris, 215 Patron-Klaous Street, Patros 26335, Greece. jkatsimpris@yahoo.com
Classification:
11.3.3 Apraclonidine, brimonidine (Part of: 11 Medical treatment > 11.3 Adrenergic drugs)
12.12.2 Extracapsular (Part of: 12 Surgical treatment > 12.12 Cataract extraction)
