Combined pharmacologic therapy in a rabbit model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)

Abstract

Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a combined treatment, previously used to prevent fibrosis after glaucoma surgery, to inhibit an experimental model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).

Methods: Two groups of albino rabbits were used. In the control group (group 1, n = 14), experimental PVR was induced using vitrectomy, retinotomies, cryotherapy and intraocular injection of platelet-rich plasma. In the experimental group (group 2, n = 15), after PVR was induced, the following treatment was administered for 4 weeks: systemic methylprednisolone, sodium diclofenac and colchicine combined with topical atropine 1%, adrenaline 10% and dexamethasone phosphate 0.1%. Follow- up consisted of fundus examination for 4 weeks. Results were classified according to Fastenberg's classification. Only retinal detachments were considered to compare the two groups. Nonparametric test was used.

Results: Retinal detachments were observed in 85.7% of group 1 and 33.3% of group 2 at the end of the follow-up (p<0.01). No major systemic complications were observed.

Conclusions: Combined therapy seems to be useful for treating experimental PVR.