5-fluorouracil (5FU) is an antimetabolite that has been demonstrated to have beneficial effects when injected into the subconjunctival space after glaucoma surgery (trabeculectomy). The hypothesis of this study is that a similar beneficial effect can be achieved with a single intraoperative application of 5FU. This hypothesis is tested with a randomized control study.
Glaucoma is the commonest cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Treatment is initially with topical medication, but when the intraocular pressure is still poorly controlled, surgical treatment is required. The surgical treatment of choice remains the trabeculectomy and this is often augmented with antimetabolite. The choice of antimetabolite varies between surgeons, as does the indications for use. Postoperative delivery of the drug can be uncomfortable for the patient and time consuming. This study examines the potential benefits and side effect profile of intraoperative 5FU compared to unaugmented trabeculectomy. The patients are recruited from Moorfields Eye Hospital and followed up by the staff from the glaucoma department.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
368
Subconjunctival, peroperative, application of 50mg/ml concentration of 5-fluoruracil.
Subconjunctival, peroperative application of normal saline (NaCl 0.9%)
Glaucoma control
Raised Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP) of \>21 millimetres of mercury (mmHg) on two or more consecutive visits recorded at the end of a visit following any physical intervention. Visual field progression that met a modified criteria of the Collaborative Normal Tension Glaucoma Study (CNTGS). Optic disc cupping progression identified by the examining clinician and confirmed with stereo-photographic documentation of the optic nerve neuroretinal rim changes read by two masked examiners. If any of these outcome measures were reached, the patient was classified as a 'trial failure' and then treated further depending on the clinicians discretion.
Time frame: a minimum of 3 years follow up
long term safety of intraoperative 5FU
A secondary objective was to examine the relationship between IOP control and glaucoma progression. IOP failure was defined in four categories ≤ 14mmHg, ≤ 17mmHg, ≤ 21mmHg or \> 21mmHg. It was hypothesized that when compared to placebo, intraoperative 5FU would result in lower IOP levels and better control of IOP for at least 3 years reducing the risk of progression of visual field loss or optic nerve damage.
Time frame: a minimum of 3 years follow up
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