Inhibition of intraocular fibrin formation following infusion of low-molecular-weight heparin during vitrectomy
D. A. Iverson, H. Katsura, M. K. Hartzer and M. S. Blumenkranz
William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Mich.
We studied the inhibition of intraocular fibrin formation following
infusion of 5 IU/mL of low-molecular-weight heparin sodium (Fragmin,
KabiVitrum AB, Stockholm, Sweden) during lensectomy, vitrectomy, and
retinotomy in the rabbit model. Surgery was performed on 18 eyes, with nine
receiving low-molecular-weight heparin and nine serving as controls. Masked
postoperative examinations assessed fibrin quantity, corneal clarity, media
clarity, and amount of vitreous hemorrhage. Five (56%) of nine eyes
receiving low-molecular-weight heparin did not show fibrin exudation
development, with the remainder demonstrating a minimal fibrin response.
Eight (89%) of nine control eyes demonstrated prominent fibrin exudation,
with five (56%) showing development of a fibrin clot that obscured two or
more quadrants of the posterior chamber. No significant difference in the
degree of vitreous hemorrhage was noted between groups. Corneal clarity was
improved in the heparin-treated group.
