5-Fluorouracil after primary combined filtration surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Open-angle glaucoma management often requires surgical intervention.
• Combined cataract removal and filtration surgery aims to reduce intraocular pressure.
• Adjunctive therapies are explored to enhance surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 5-fluorouracil as an adjunct therapy.
• To determine if 5-fluorouracil improves intraocular pressure control post-surgery.
• To assess the impact of 5-fluorouracil on medication requirements and ocular surface health.

Main Methods:

• A randomized prospective study comparing 5-fluorouracil to a control group.
• 24 patients received 5-fluorouracil injections post-surgery; 20 patients formed the control group.
• Intraocular pressure, medication use, and adverse events were monitored for one year.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant reductions in intraocular pressure and medication use.
• There was no statistically significant difference in intraocular pressure control between the groups at one year.
• Transient superficial punctate keratopathy was more frequent in the 5-fluorouracil group (67% vs. 35%).

Conclusions:

• Adjunctive 5-fluorouracil did not enhance intraocular pressure control one year after combined glaucoma surgery.
• The use of 5-fluorouracil was associated with a higher incidence of superficial punctate keratopathy.
• Current evidence does not support the routine use of 5-fluorouracil for this indication.