Clinical Trial on Anti-inflammatory Effect of Low-Molecular Weight Heparin in Pediatric Cataract Surgery

Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating Anti-inflammatory Effect of Low Molecular-Weight Heparin in Pediatric Cataract and Intraocular Lens Surgery

The purpose of this study is to determine if intraocular infusion of low-molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin) influences postoperative inflammation following pediatric cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

Despite advances in cataract surgery in children, postoperative inflammation is a significant complication following pediatric cataract surgery. Any drug that prevents or decreases this inflammation would be beneficial.

Heparin has anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects as well as anticoagulant properties. Several studies on animal and adult human eyes show that adding heparin to the irrigating solution during cataract surgery results in less disturbance of the blood-aqueous barrier and helps prevent posterior capsule opacification (PCO).

A prospective, randomized, controlled and masked study is mandatory to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Low-molecular weight Heparin for pediatric cataract surgery

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children (0-15 years) with congenital cataract scheduled for surgery with IOL implantation and informed consent from the parents/legal guardian

Exclusion Criteria:

• Preoperative: Associated ocular anomalies (uveitis, microphthalmos, persistent fetal vasculature, aniridia, glaucoma, iris coloboma), traumatic cataract
• Intraoperative: Inability to implant IOL in the capsular bag, intraoperative complications- iris trauma, vitreous disturbance, descemet's detachment