Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection at the end of vitrectomy for diabetic vitreous hemorrhage: a randomized, clinical trial

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcome and complications of intravitreal injections of triamcinolone acetonide in patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy for treatment of diabetic nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage.

Patients and methods: This prospective, randomized clinical trial study included 72 consecutive patients (72 eyes) who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for treatment of diabetic nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage. 38 patients received an intravitreal injection of 4 mg (0.1 cc) of triamcinolone acetonide at the end of surgery. Main outcome measures were rate of recurrent early vitreous hemorrhage, reoperation, intraocular pressure, visual acuity, and incidence of cataract formation. Mean follow-up time was 6 months.

Results: Rate of early rebleeding and reoperation were lower in patients taking intravitreal triamcinolone (P = 0.003 and 0.03, respectively). Visual acuity 6 months after operation was better in study group (P < 0.001). Mean intraocular pressure was higher 1 day and 1 week after procedure in study group compared with control group (P < 0.001 and 0.002, respectively); however, in other times its differences were not significant. No significant difference in rate of nuclear sclerosis and cortical cataract formation and other complication was noted between the two groups. However, there was a significantly increased rate of posterior subcapsular progression in a dose dependent manner in the study group versus control (P = 0.011).

Conclusion: The present clinical study suggests that intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide is effective in the prevention of rebleeding in eyes undergoing pars plana vitrectomy for treatment of diabetic vitreous hemorrhage.