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Retinal toxicity of intravitreal gentamicin
G C Brown1, R C Eagle, E P Shakin
1Retina Vascular Unit Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa.
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Intravitreal gentamicin (10-mg) caused severe retinal damage in primates, including necrosis and vascular issues. This resulted in rapid and complete loss of retinal function, as evidenced by electroretinography.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Toxicology
- Retinal Science
Background:
- Intravitreal gentamicin is used to treat bacterial endophthalmitis.
- Understanding its ocular toxicity is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the short- and long-term ocular effects of a 10-mg intravitreal gentamicin dose in subhuman primates.
- To evaluate the impact on clinical appearance, vascular integrity, retinal structure, and function.
Main Methods:
- Subhuman primates received a 10-mg intravitreal injection of gentamicin.
- Evaluations included clinical examination, fluorescein angiography, electroretinography, histopathology, and electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Gentamicin induced retinal whitening with a cherry-red spot.
- Generalized vascular incompetence, diffuse retinal necrosis, and thrombosis of retinal vessels were observed.
- Significant loss of retinal capillary pericytes and endothelial cells occurred.
- Electroretinography showed a rapid extinction of retinal electrical activity.
Conclusions:
- A 10-mg intravitreal gentamicin dose causes severe, widespread retinal toxicity in primates.
- The observed effects suggest a high risk of permanent vision loss following such administration.