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Setons and serum IgG titers to silicone
Saad Shaikh1, Randall S Goldblum, Larry S Morse
1Associated Retinal Consultants and William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA.
Journal of Glaucoma
|December 17, 2002
Summary
Elevated serum IgG binding to silicone was observed in some patients with silicone shunts for glaucoma. However, this immune response did not predict shunt complications or poor intraocular pressure control.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Silicone shunts are utilized in managing refractory glaucomas.
- The potential for immune responses to silicone implants is a consideration in ophthalmic surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if silicone shunts increase serum IgG binding to silicone.
- To determine if this binding correlates with shunt complications or inadequate intraocular pressure control.
Main Methods:
- Sera from 12 patients with silicone seton implants were analyzed for IgG binding to silicone.
- Patients were monitored for shunt-related complications and intraocular pressure (IOP) control.
Main Results:
- Four of 12 patients showed elevated serum IgG binding to silicone.
- No significant correlation was found between IgG binding levels and shunt complications or poor IOP control.
- No association was observed with autoimmune disease, malignancy, glaucoma type, prior surgery, or uveitis.
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum IgG binding to silicone can occur in patients with silicone shunts but does not appear to predict complications.
- Clinically significant adverse reactions to silicone ophthalmic implants seem rare, supporting their continued use.
- Larger studies may be needed to fully elucidate potential clinicopathologic correlations.