Topical antibiotic prophylaxis before intravitreal injections: a pilot study.
Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2023;
261:2953-2959. [PMID:
37199800 DOI:
10.1007/s00417-023-06113-1]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE
To explore whether topical antibiotic prophylaxis in patients scheduled for intravitreal injections achieves surface sterility in a greater proportion of subjects as compared to povidone-iodine alone.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A randomized, triple-blind clinical trial.
POPULATION
patients scheduled for intravitreal injections for maculopathy.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
any sex and race, age 18 years and above. Subjects were randomized into 4 groups: the first group applied chloramphenicol (CHLORAM), the second netilmicin (NETILM), the third a commercial ozonized antiseptic solution (OZONE), and the fourth applied no drops (CONTROL).
OUTCOME VARIABLE
percentage of non-sterile conjunctival swabs. Specimens were collected before and after the application of 5% povidone-iodine moments before the injection.
RESULTS
Ninety-eight subjects (33.7% females, 64.3% males), mean age: 70.2 ± 9.3 years (54-91). Before povidone-iodine, both the CHLORAM and NETILM group showed a lower percentage of non-sterile swabs (61.1% and 31.3% respectively), as compared to the OZONE (83.3%) and CONTROL (86.5%) groups (p < .04). However, this statistical difference was lost after the application of povidone-iodine for 3 min. Percentage of non-sterile swabs in each group after applying 5% povidone-iodine: CHLORAM 11.1%, NETILM 12.5%, CONTROL 15.4%, OZONE 25.0%. This was not statistically significant (p > .05).
CONCLUSIONS
Topical antibiotic prophylaxis with chloramphenicol or netilmicin drops decreases the bacterial load on the conjunctiva. However, after the application of povidone-iodine, all groups showed a significant reduction in the percentage of non-sterile swabs, and this value was comparable among all groups. For this reason, authors conclude that povidone-iodine alone is sufficient and prior topical antibiotic prophylaxis is not indicated.
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