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Intracameral prophylaxis against endophthalmitis gaining worldwide acceptance
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ISTANBUL — Intracameral administration of cefuroxime as a prophylaxis for endophthalmitis after cataract surgery has become a widespread practice in Europe and is gaining popularity in other areas of the world, according to data presented at the winter meeting of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.
Luis Cordoves
The first intracameral approach was introduced in 1977 in India by Gholam Peyman, MD. Almost 20 years later Per Montan, MD, started using intracameral cefuroxime in Sweden, and the good results inspired Peter Barry, MD, to launch the ESCRS endophthalmitis study.
“The use of intracameral cefuroxime has now become almost universal in Europe,” Luis Cordoves, MD, said. “A survey of the European Observatory of Cataract Surgery shows that routine use of this type of prophylaxis has rapidly increased. In just 1 year, from 2013 to 2014, rates have gone up from 66% to 71%.”
Variation among countries still exists. The same survey reported 100% use in some parts of Europe, such as Scandinavia, more than 90% use in the Low Countries, Spain and Portugal, between 85% and 90% use in France and the United Kingdom, and significantly lower rates, under 50%, in Germany and Italy.
The availability of a single-dose ophthalmic cefuroxime solution, Aprokam (Théa), has helped increase the acceptance of intracameral prophylaxis by eliminating the risk of possible contamination of the agent. Aprokam is now available in several countries in Europe and in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and it was recently approved in Turkey. – by Michela Cimberle
Disclosure: Cordoves reports no relevant financial disclosures.