Intravitreal low molecular weight heparin and 5-Fluorouracil for the prevention of proliferative vitreoretinopathy following retinal reattachment surgery

Background Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a significant cause of failure in retinal reattachment surgery. Various pharmacological agents have shown potential benefit in reducing postoperative PVR risk. Objectives This review aimed to compare the use of intravitreal low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) alone or with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) versus placebo, as an adjunct in the prevention of PVR following retinal reattachment surgery. Search strategy We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register) (The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 5), MEDLINE (January 1950 to May 2010), EMBASE (January 1980 to May 2010), the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) (www.controlled-trials.com) and ClinicalTrials.gov (http://clinicaltrials.gov). There were no language or date restrictions in the search for trials. The electronic databases were last searched on 24 May 2010. Selection criteria We only included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared intravitreal LMWH alone or with 5-FU, versus placebo for the prevention of postoperative PVR in patients undergoing primary vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair. Data collection and analysis Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. The review authors contacted study authors for additional information. Main results We included two RCTs (with a total of 789 participants) comparing LMWH with 5-FU infusion and placebo. However, we did not perform a meta-analysis because of significant heterogeneity between these studies. One study found a significant beneficial effect of LMWH with 5-FU in reducing postoperative PVR compared to placebo (RR: 0.48, 95% confidence interval: 0.25 to 0.92), in 174 patients who were viewed at high-risk of developing postoperative PVR. The other study included 615 unselected cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and could not show a difference between LMWH with 5-FU infusion and placebo in reducing PVR rates (RR: 1.45, 95% confidence interval: 0.76 to 2.76). Authors' conclusions Results from this review indicate that there is inconsistent evidence from two studies on patients at different risk of PVR on the effect of LMWH and 5-FU used during vitrectomy to prevent PVR. Future research should be conducted on high risk patients only, until a benefit is confirmed at least in this patient subgroup.