Intraoperative enoxaparin minimizes inflammatory reaction after pediatric cataract surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Innovation
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Pediatric cataract surgery can lead to significant postoperative inflammation.
• Managing intraocular inflammation is crucial for optimal visual outcomes.
• Low-molecular-weight heparins have anti-inflammatory properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of intraocular enoxaparin infusion in mitigating postoperative inflammation.
• To evaluate the impact of enoxaparin on inflammatory complications following pediatric cataract surgery.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, comparative interventional case series involving 17 eyes undergoing pediatric cataract surgery.
• Enoxaparin (40 mg/500 ml) was infused into the anterior chamber in the study group; control group received balanced salt solution.
• Inflammatory response and complications were assessed via slit-lamp biomicroscopy over a 3-36 month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Enoxaparin infusion significantly reduced anterior chamber cells and flare compared to the control group (P < .001).
• The enoxaparin group experienced fewer postoperative inflammation-related complications (P = .007).
• No significant corneal endothelial cell loss or enoxaparin-related adverse events were observed.

Conclusions:

• Intraocular enoxaparin infusion effectively minimizes postoperative inflammation and related complications in pediatric cataract surgery.
• Enoxaparin shows potential for managing inflammation in other cataract surgery scenarios.
• Further evaluation of enoxaparin for broader application in cataract surgery is warranted.