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Evaluation of a single intravitreal injection of 5-fluorouracil in vitrectomy cases

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Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) after pars plana vitrectomy, 51 eyes were followed in a prospective and randomized clinical trial in which, upon completion of surgery, 26 eyes received 10 mg intravitreal 5-FU and 25 control eyes did not receive 5-FU. The only possible sign of 5-FU toxicity was prolonged corneal epithelial edema. Visual acuities of 20/200 or better were obtained in 67% of the 5-FU group and 56% of the control group. Successful macular reattachment was obtained in 60% of the 5-FU group and 77% of the control group. None of the eyes in either group developed substantial intraocular proliferation or membranes. The findings indicate that a single 10-mg intravitreal injection of 5-FU is well tolerated without permanent toxic damage.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, 33101, Miami, FL, USA

    George W. Blankenship

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  1. George W. Blankenship
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This project was supported in part by patients and contributors of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc., New York City; Florida Lions Eye Bank Laboratory; and the Brenn Green Diabetic Retinopathy Fund, Miami, Florida

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Blankenship, G.W. Evaluation of a single intravitreal injection of 5-fluorouracil in vitrectomy cases. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 227, 565–568 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02169453

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02169453

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