The role of NSAIDs in the management of postoperative ophthalmic inflammation

Subconjunctival injection of XG-102, a JNK inhibitor peptide, in patients with intraocular inflammation: a safety and tolerability study

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate the safety, tolerability, and systemic diffusion of a single escalating dose of XG-102 (a 31-D-amino-acid peptide inhibiting JNK pathway activation), administered subconjunctivally in the treatment of post-surgery or post-trauma intraocular inflammation.

METHODS

This is a dose-escalating, tolerance Phase Ib study. Twenty patients with post-surgery or post-traumatic intraocular inflammation were assigned to 1 of the 4 dose escalating (45, 90, 450, or 900 μg XG-102) groups of 5 patients each. Patients were evaluated at 24, 48 h, 8, and 28 days following the administration of XG-102, including laboratory tests, standard eye examinations, vital signs, and occurrence of adverse events. A single plasma quantification of XG-102 was performed 30 min after administration, according to previous pharmacokinetics studies performed on volunteers.

RESULTS

A total of 17 non-serious adverse events, considered unrelated to the study treatment, were reported for 10 patients. The adverse event incidence was not related to the drug dose. All patients experienced a decrease in intraocular inflammation as of 24 h post-administration and this decrease was sustained up to 28 days thereafter. No patient required local injection or systemic administration of corticoids following the administration of XG-102. XG-102 was undetectable in the first 3 dose groups. In the fourth-dose group (900 μg) the XG-102 plasma levels were above the limit of detection for 3 patients and above the limit of quantification for 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONS

In this first clinical trial using XG-102, administered as a single subconjunctival injection as adjunct therapy, in patients with recent post-surgery or post-trauma intraocular inflammation is safe and well tolerated. Further studies are required to evaluate its efficacy.

Management of mydriasis and pain in cataract and intraocular lens surgery: review of current medications and future directions

The maintenance of mydriasis and the control of postoperative pain and inflammation are critical to the safety and success of cataract and intraocular lens replacement surgery. Appropriate mydriasis is usually achieved by topical and/or intracameral administration of anticholinergic agents, sympathomimetic agents, or both, with the most commonly used being cyclopentolate, tropicamide, and phenylephrine. Ocular inflammation is common after cataract surgery. Topical steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used because they have been proved effective to control postsurgical inflammation and decrease pain. Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have also been shown to help maintain dilation. However, use of multiple preoperative drops for pupil dilation, inflammation, and pain control have been shown to be time consuming, resulting in delays to the operating room, and they cause dissatisfaction among perioperative personnel; their use can also be associated with systemic side effects. Therefore, ophthalmologists have been in search of new options to streamline this process. This article will review the current medications commonly used for intraoperative mydriasis, as well as pain and inflammation control. In addition, a new combination of ketorolac, an anti-inflammatory agent, and phenylephrine, a mydriatic agent has recently been designed to maintain intraoperative mydriasis and to reduce postoperative pain and irritation from intraocular lens replacement surgery. Two Phase III clinical trials evaluating this combination have demonstrated statistically significant differences when compared to placebo in maintaining intraoperative mydriasis (P<0.00001) and in reducing pain in the early postoperative period (P=0.0002). This medication may be of benefit for use in cataract and lens replacement surgery in the near future.

The efficacy of bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.07% dosed once daily in achieving zero-to-trace anterior chamber cell severity following cataract surgery

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.07% dosed once daily in achieving zero-to-trace (0–5 cells) anterior chamber cells, following cataract surgery with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation.

Methods

The study designed employed two Phase III, double-masked, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trials of 440 subjects, randomized to either bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.07% (n=222) or placebo (n=218). Subjects self-dosed once daily, beginning 1 day before undergoing cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation (day –1) and again on the day of surgery (day 0) and for 14 days postoperatively. Follow-up was on days 1, 3, 8, and 15. The outcome measures included the percentage of subjects with zero-to-trace anterior chamber cells at each visit, as determined by the percentage of subjects with ≤5 anterior chamber cells, overall anterior chamber cell grades, and summed ocular inflammation score (SOIS) (combined anterior chamber cell and flare scores).

Results

The proportion of subjects with zero-to-trace anterior chamber cells was significantly higher in the bromfenac 0.07% group compared with the placebo group as early as day 3 (P=0.0007), continued at day 8 (P<0.0001), and through day 15 (P<0.0001). At day 15, 80.2% of subjects in the bromfenac 0.07% group achieved zero-to-trace anterior chamber cells compared with 47.2% of subjects who did so in the placebo group. The overall anterior chamber cell scores were significantly lower in the bromfenac 0.07% group compared with the placebo group at days 3, 8, and 15 (P<0.0001 at each visit). The SOIS were also significantly lower in the bromfenac group compared with the placebo group at days 3, 8, and 15 (P<0.0001 at each visit).

Conclusion

Bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.07%, dosed once daily was clinically effective in achieving zero-to-trace anterior chamber cell severity after cataract surgery and was superior to placebo in all anterior chamber cell severity and inflammation outcome measures.

Bromfenac ophthalmic solution for the treatment of postoperative ocular pain and inflammation: safety, efficacy, and patient adherence

Ophthalmic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used by clinicians to manage ocular inflammation and pain following cataract surgery. Over the past decade, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved multiple topical NSAIDs for these purposes, including several reformulated products. One of these medications, bromfenac ophthalmic solution, has a long and extensive history, with proven efficacy and safety in patients following cataract surgery. The evolution of bromfenac ophthalmic solution over the years has involved either lowering the concentration of the active ingredient or extending the dosing interval to improve patient adherence/compliance. This review will focus on the history and progression of bromfenac ophthalmic solution and report the available patient preference and adherence data regarding this ocular NSAID throughout its evolution.

Once-daily nepafenac ophthalmic suspension 0.3% to prevent and treat ocular inflammation and pain after cataract surgery: phase 3 study

PURPOSE

To evaluate once-daily nepafenac 0.3% to prevent and treat ocular pain and inflammation after cataract surgery.

SETTING

Sixty-five centers in the United States and Europe.

DESIGN

Randomized double-masked vehicle- and active-controlled phase 3 study.

METHODS

Patients received nepafenac 0.3% once daily, nepafenac 0.1% 3 times daily, or their respective vehicles from day -1 to day 14 after cataract extraction. An additional drop of study drug was administered 30 to 120 minutes preoperatively. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with a cure for inflammation (score of 0 for both aqueous cells and flare) at day 14.

RESULTS

Of randomized patients, 817 received nepafenac 0.3%, 819 received nepafenac 0.1%, and 200 and 206 received the respective vehicles. Significantly more nepafenac 0.3% patients had no inflammation (68.4% versus 34.0%) and were pain free (91.0% versus 49.7%) at day 14 than vehicle patients (both P<.0001). Nepafenac 0.3% was noninferior to nepafenac 0.1% for inflammation (95% confidence interval [CI], -5.73% to 3.17%) and pain-free rates (95% CI, -3.08% to 2.70%). At all postoperative visits, fewer treatment failures (P≤.0012) and more clinical successes (P ≤ .0264) were observed with nepafenac 0.3% versus vehicle. Nepafenac 0.3% was well tolerated and had a safety profile comparable to that of nepafenac 0.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Once-daily nepafenac 0.3% was noninferior to nepafenac 0.1% 3 times daily for prevention and treatment of ocular inflammation and pain following cataract surgery. The safety of nepafenac 0.3% was comparable to that of nepafenac 0.1%, with the added convenience of once-daily dosing.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Drs. Modi, Lehmann, Walters, Fong, Christie, Roel, Nethery, and Reiser have been paid consultants to Alcon Research, Ltd. Ms. Sager is an employee of Alcon Research, Ltd. Drs. Tsorbatzoglou, Philipson, and Traverso have no financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Inflammation and macular oedema after pars plana vitrectomy

Cystoid macular oedema (CMO) is a major cause of reduced vision following intraocular surgery. Although the aetiology of CMO is not completely clarified, intraocular inflammation is known to play a major role in its development. The macula may develop cytotoxic oedema when the primary lesion and fluid accumulation occur in the parenchymatous cells (intracellular oedema) or vasogenic oedema when the primary defect occurs in the blood-retinal barrier and leads to extracellular fluid accumulation (extracellular oedema). We report on the mechanisms of CMO formation after pars plana vitrectomy and associated surgical procedures and discuss possible therapeutic approaches.

Anterior chamber flare after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To determine whether postoperative ocular inflammation is less after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery than after conventional phacoemulsification (manual) cataract surgery.

SETTING

Private clinic, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia.

DESIGN

Prospective consecutive investigator-masked nonrandomized parallel cohort study.

METHODS

Consecutive cataract patients who had femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery or manual cataract surgery by the same surgeon at a single center were assessed. The primary endpoint was postoperative aqueous flare measured by laser flare photometry at 1 day and 4 weeks. Secondary endpoints included retinal thickness measured by optical coherence tomography and slitlamp examination findings at 4 weeks.

RESULTS

The per-protocol population comprised 176 patients (100 in laser group; 76 in manual group). Postoperative aqueous flare was significantly greater in the manual cataract surgery group at 1 day (P=.0089) and at 4 weeks (P=.003). There was a significant correlation between effective phacoemulsification time and 1-day postoperative aqueous flare (r = 0.35, P<.0001). The increase in outer zone thickness measured by optical coherence tomography was less in the laser group (P=.007).

CONCLUSION

Anterior segment inflammation was less after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery than after manual cataract surgery, and this appeared to be due to a reduction in phacoemulsification energy.

Efficacy and safety of indomethacin 0.1% eye drops compared with ketorolac 0.5% eye drops in the management of ocular inflammation after cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To determine whether indomethacin 0.1% eye drops are at least as effective as ketorolac 0.5% eye drops in treating ocular inflammation following cataract surgery.

METHODS

Prospective, multicenter, investigator-masked, parallel-group, randomized, active-controlled clinical trial. Cataract patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive indomethacin or ketorolac administered QID for 3 weeks beginning 1 day before surgery. The primary end-point was aqueous flare measured by laser flare meter at postoperative Days 1 and 7. Secondary end-points included retinal thickness, slit lamp and funduscopic examinations and postsurgical pain ratings. Safety and tolerability were also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 86 patients were included in the per protocol population (n = 43 per treatment group). Indomethacin was found non-inferior to ketorolac for comparison of aqueous flare at postoperative Days 1 and 7 (Day 1: 95% CI: -2.37, 5.50; non-inferiority upper margin, 15 ph/ms and Day 7: 95% CI: -7.83, -0.94; non-inferiority upper margin, 8 ph/ms) and statistically better than ketorolac at Day 7 (p = 0.013). There were no significant between-group differences in aqueous flare and change from baseline in retinal thickness at postoperative Days 30 and 90. Indomethacin showed a higher subjective tolerance rating than ketorolac at postoperative Days 7 and 30 (p ≤ 0.044).

CONCLUSION

Indomethacin 0.1% was at least as effective as ketorolac 0.5% at Day 1 and more effective than ketorolac 0.5% at Day 7 in treating ocular inflammation after uncomplicated cataract surgery. Indomethacin was better tolerated than ketorolac. There were no clinically meaningful safety concerns with either treatment.

Ketorolac 0.45% ophthalmic solution

Ketorolac 0.45% ophthalmic solution is a topical NSAID indicated in the US for the treatment of ocular pain and inflammation following cataract surgery. In animal studies, the ocular relative bioavailability of single-dose topical ketorolac 0.45% ophthalmic solution was 2- to 3-fold higher than that of ketorolac 0.4% ophthalmic solution. In two identically designed, randomized, double-masked, multicentre trials in adult patients undergoing cataract extraction, the proportions of patients with a summed ocular inflammation score of zero for anterior chamber cell count plus anterior chamber flare on day 14 after surgery were significantly greater in those treated with topical ketorolac 0.45% ophthalmic solution than in those treated with vehicle placebo. Compared with placebo, topical ketorolac 0.45% ophthalmic solution significantly increased the proportion of patients who were pain-free on the day after surgery in both trials. Ketorolac 0.45% ophthalmic solution was generally well tolerated in clinical trials with lower overall incidences of treatment-emergent and treatment-related adverse events than placebo, and with no single treatment-related adverse event having a higher incidence than with placebo.

Prostaglandin E2 inhibition of ketorolac 0.45%, bromfenac 0.09%, and nepafenac 0.1% in patients undergoing phacoemulsification

INTRODUCTION

We compared the prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) inhibition of three topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): ketorolac 0.45%, bromfenac 0.09%, and nepafenac 0.1% at peak dosing levels in patients previously scheduled to undergo phacoemulsification.

METHODS

This was a single-center, double-masked observational study of 121 patients randomized to one of three NSAID treatment arms. Patients were instructed to take the NSAID per on-label dosing (twice daily [b.i.d.] for ketorolac 0.45% and bromfenac 0.09%, three times a day [t.i.d.] for nepafenac 0.1%) for 1 day before surgery, and were to instill one drop the morning of surgery. Each patient received an additional four doses 1 hour prior to undergoing phacoemulsification. After completion of the paracentesis site with a super blade, aqueous humor (0.15 mL) was collected through the peripheral clear cornea with a 30 G needle attached to a tuberculin (TB) syringe. Aqueous humor samples were stored at -40°C prior to analysis, and diluted 1:10 with diluent. Assays were conducted on multiple plates in duplicate (seven standards per plate).

RESULTS

The mean (±SD) PGE(2) concentrations were 224.8±164.87 pg/mL for ketorolac 0.45% (n=42), 288.7±226.05 pg/mL for bromfenac 0.09% (n=41), and 320.4±205.6 pg/mL for nepafenac 0.1% (n=38). The difference between ketorolac 0.45% and nepafenac 0.1% was statistically significant (P=0.025). The difference between bromfenac 0.09% and nepafenac 0.1% was not significantly different (P=0.516).

CONCLUSIONS

Ketorolac 0.45% achieved the greatest inhibition of PGE(2) compared to nepafenac 0.1% and bromfenac 0.09%. Ketorolac 0.45% may be more efficacious at controlling inflammation at the time of cataract surgery versus nepafenac 0.1% and bromfenac 0.09%.

Once daily dosing of bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09% for postoperative ocular inflammation and pain

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and ocular safety of bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09% dosed once daily for the treatment of ocular inflammation and pain following cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation.

METHODS

A total of 455 subjects (455 study eyes: 230 bromfenac, 225 placebo) were enrolled in two randomized double-masked, placebo-controlled, clinical trials at 64 ophthalmology clinics in the United States. Subjects were randomized to receive either bromfenac 0.09% or placebo dosed once daily. Dosing began 1 day before cataract surgery (Day -1), continued on day of surgery (Day 0), and for 14 days following surgery. Evaluations were completed on Days 1, 3, 8, 15 and 22. The primary efficacy endpoint was cleared summed ocular inflammation score (SOIS) by Day 15. The secondary efficacy endpoint was the number of subjects who were pain-free at Day 1.

RESULTS

The bromfenac 0.09% group was significantly higher compared to the placebo group in the primary endpoint of the proportion of subjects who had cleared ocular inflammation by Day 15 (P < 0.0001). The mean SOIS for the bromfenac 0.09% group was lower than the placebo group at Days 3, 8, 15, and 22 (P < 0.0001). More bromfenac 0.09% subjects were pain free at Days 1, 3, 8, and 15 (P < 0.0001). Fewer subjects in the bromfenac 0.09% group withdrew from the clinical trials due to lack of efficacy at Day 15 (P < 0.0001). Fewer adverse events were reported in the bromfenac 0.09% group than the placebo group. Limitations included advanced age, female predominance, and surgical nuances among cataract surgeons, making cross-trial comparisons difficult.

CONCLUSIONS

Bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09% dosed once daily is clinically safe and effective for the treatment of ocular inflammation and the reduction of ocular pain associated with cataract surgery.

A simple high-performance liquid chromatographic practical approach for determination of flurbiprofen

A simple, rapid, sensitive, and specific high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay for flurbiprofen has been developed and validated practically. The chromatography was conducted using Gemini C18 column (5 μm; 4.6 mm × 250 mm, Phenomenex, California, USA). The mobile phase containing disodium hydrogen phosphate solution (30 mM) pH 7.0 and acetonitrile (50:50); and the isocratic flow rate of 1.0 ml/min were used in the current study. Detection was made at 247 nm. The calibration curve was linear (r ≥ 0.9996) over the concentration range of 5-50 μm/ml. Mean percentage (%) recovery ± % relative standard deviation (RSD) ranged from 97.07 ± 0.008 to 103.66 ± 0.013. Within-day and between-day precision were also in acceptable range of 98.83 ± 0.004 to 104.56 ± 0.009. In order to confirm the practical applicability of the method developed, flurbiprofen controlled release matrix tablets were subjected to the dissolution studies and the release rate was analyzed. The reported HPLC for flurbiprofen provides several advantages of simplicity, high specificity, accuracy, and very short run-cycle time. It is suggested that the method should be used for the routine quality control analysis of flurbiprofen pure drug and its dosage forms.

Comparison of ocular tolerability between preserved and preservative-free diclofenac sodium drops

PURPOSE

To compare the tolerability of preserved diclofenac sodium 0.1% (Voltaren Ophtha) and preservative-free diclofenac (Dicloftil).

METHODS

Thirty healthy volunteers received a single drop of Voltaren Ophtha in 1 eye, and a single drop of Dicloftil in the other. Both drops were instilled at the same time, in a single-blind manner. Visual analog scale grading was used to measure ocular discomfort, itch, burn, and pain. Grading was obtained before drop instillation and after 15 s, 1 min, 5 min, 15 min, and 30 min.

RESULTS

Both preparations caused discomfort, itch, burn, and pain, with a peak effect on all 4 parameters at 15 min. However, preservative-free Dicloftil proved to be more tolerable than preserved Voltaren Ophtha. Data show significantly lower reported levels of discomfort and itch up to 15 min, lower levels of burn at the first minute, and less pain immediately after instillation.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to compare subjective ocular tolerability of a single drop. Our results indicate that Dicloftil has better tolerability than Voltaren Ophtha. Ophthalmologists should be aware of this significant difference when prescribing diclofenac, especially in patients with low compliance or who require prolonged therapy.

Intraocular lens as a drug delivery system for dexamethasone

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of an intraocular lens (IOL) coated with dexamethasone on postoperative inflammation after cataract surgery.

METHODS

Clear lens extraction was performed bilaterally in eight 8-week-old rabbits. An uncoated silicone IOL (CeeOn; AMO, Santa Ana, CA, USA) was implanted in one randomly selected eye. In the other eye, the same silicone IOL model was implanted but was coated with dexamethasone. Aqueous humour was obtained preoperatively and on days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 postoperatively. Three inflammatory parameters were measured and compared between the eyes: prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), white blood cell (WBC) count and protein content. The animals were killed on day 28 postoperatively.

RESULTS

PGE2 levels measured on days 1, 3 and 7 were significantly lower in eyes with a coated IOL compared to eyes with an uncoated IOL (p < 0.01). The WBC count was significantly lower in eyes with a coated IOL on days 1 (p < 0.01) and 3 (p < 0.05). There was significantly less protein in eyes with a coated IOL on days 1 and 3 (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Coating a silicone IOL with dexamethasone significantly reduced postoperative inflammation after clear lens extraction in rabbits.

Etiology and treatment of the inflammatory causes of cystoid macular edema

Cystoid macular edema in its various forms can be considered one of the leading causes of central vision loss in the developed world. It occurs in a wide variety of pathologic conditions and represents the final common pathway of several basic processes. Therapeutic approaches to cystoid macular edema depend on a clear understanding of its contributing pathophysiologic mechanisms. This review will discuss the mechanism of ocular inflammation in cystoid macular edema with a particular focus on the inflammatory causes: post-operative, uveitic, and after laser procedures. A variety of pharmacologic agents targeting inflammatory molecules have been shown to reduce macular edema and improve visual function. However, the long-term efficacy and safety of most new therapies have yet to be established in controlled clinical trials.

Management of ocular inflammation and pain following cataract surgery: focus on bromfenac ophthalmic solution

Recently, several new ophthalmic NSAID products have been introduced for commercial use in the United States. The purpose of this review is to briefly overview the ophthalmic NSAIDs currently in use and to discuss the management of postoperative ocular inflammation and pain following cataract surgery with a particular focus on bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09%. Bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09% is indicated for the reduction of ocular pain and inflammation following cataract surgery. Studies have shown that bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09% has equivalent efficacy to the other topical NSAIDs in reducing postsurgical inflammation and controlling pain. The unique chemical structure of bromfenac makes it both a potent inhibitor of the COX-2 enzyme and a highly lipophilic molecule that rapidly penetrates to produce early and sustained drug levels in all ocular tissues. Clinically, these pharmacokinetic features are manifested in a rapid reduction of postsurgical inflammation and pain with bid dosing. Bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09% is a versatile agent and is effective when used as either monotherapy or as an adjunct therapy to steroids.

Aqueous prostaglandin E(2) of cataract patients at trough ketorolac and bromfenac levels after 2 days dosing

INTRODUCTION

Ketorolac 0.4% administered four times daily (q.i.d.) has long been used safely and effectively for the alleviation of ocular inflamation and pain and the prevention of intraoperative miosis in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09% was recently developed as an ocular anti-inflammatory drug with a twice-daily (b.i.d.) dosing regimen. This study was designed to evaluate if b.i.d. dosing with bromfenac 0.09%, in comparison with q.i.d. dosing with ketorolac 0.4%, provides adequate trough nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug levels that were effective enough to reduce aqueous prostaglandin (PG) E(2) levels of patients after cataract surgery toward the end of its dosing cycle.

METHODS

In this single-center, investigator-masked trial, patients undergoing cataract surgery were randomized to receive either ketorolac 0.4% q.i.d. or bromfenac 0.09% b.i.d. for 2 days preoperatively. Aqueous humor was collected at the start of surgery 6 hours after the last dose of ketorolac 0.4% and 12 hours after the last dose of bromfenac 0.09%. Aqueous PGE(2) levels and drug concentrations were evaluated by a competitive enzyme immunoassay and reverse-phase HPLC-mass spectroscopy, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 61 patients received ketorolac 0.4% (n=30) or bromfenac 0.09% (n=31). The mean (+/-SD) aqueous PGE(2) level was 285.6+/-141.9 pg/mL in patients treated with ketorolac 0.4% and 386.2+/-131.0 pg/mL in patients treated with bromfenac 0.09% (P=0.006). The mean (+/-SD) aqueous concentrations of ketorolac and bromfenac were 83.6+/-73.8 ng/mL and 9.2+/-6.6 ng/mL, respectively (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Ketorolac 0.4% maintained significantly higher aqueous concentrations and lowered aqueous PGE(2) levels significantly more than bromfenac 0.09% at trough levels. Ketorolac 0.4% administered q.i.d. may provide a more sustained control of intraocular inflammation and pain than bromfenac 0.09% administered b.i.d.

Oral versus topical diclofenac for pain prevention during panretinal photocoagulation

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of pretreatment oral and topical diclofenac on pain reduction during panretinal laser photocoagulation (PRP) for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

PARTICIPANTS AND CONTROLS

A total of 90 patients with PDR requiring PRP for the first time were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 study groups: oral diclofenac (n = 30), topical diclofenac (n = 31), or placebo (n = 29).

METHODS

Study medications were administrated before the first PRP treatment, and pain levels experienced during and 15 minutes after PRP were recorded on a visual analog scale (VAS). Pain levels during a second PRP session, performed on a later date with no pretreatment medications, also were recorded on a VAS.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measures were the mean VAS pain scores during the first PRP treatment. Secondary outcome measures were the mean VAS pain scores 15 minutes after the first PRP and during the second PRP, and reported side effects after the first PRP.

RESULTS

Mean VAS pain scores during the first PRP were: oral diclofenac, 25.7+/-19.9; topical diclofenac, 33.8+/-27.9; and placebo, 41.3+/-31.0. The pain score difference between oral diclofenac and placebo was both clinically significant (>or=13) and statistically significant (P = 0.02), whereas differences between oral and topical diclofenac (P = 0.20) and topical diclofenac and placebo (P = 0.33) were not. Multivariate regression analysis for age, gender, and total laser energy demonstrated lower pain levels for both oral diclofenac (P = 0.015) and topical diclofenac (P<0.0001) versus placebo, but no difference between oral and topical diclofenac (P = 0.67). For the first PRP, all 3 groups had lower mean pain scores at 15 minutes after treatment compared with during treatment (P<or=0.0003). Mean pain scores were higher during the second compared with the first PRP for the oral diclofenac (P = 0.02) and placebo (P = 0.05) groups. No significant rate difference for any side effect was found between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

When given in a single dose, oral diclofenac is an effective pretreatment analgesic agent for reducing the pain experienced during PRP for PDR.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.