Clinical evaluation of the safety and efficacy of preservative-free triamcinolone (triesence [triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension] 40 mg/ml) for visualization during pars plana vitrectomy.

Abstract

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of preservative-free triamcinolone (TRIESENCE(R) suspension) for visualization during pars plana vitrectomy. This phase III, observer-masked study was conducted in 6 centers by 10 surgeons and enrolled 60 patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy. Preservative-free triamcinolone (up to 4 mg) was administered to all patients to enhance visualization of vitreous and membranes. During each surgery, video recordings captured visualization pre- and postinstillation of preservative-free triamcinolone. An independent, masked reader evaluated the videos for the degree of visualization using a five-point scale ranging from 0 (not visible) to 4 (clearly delineated). Surgeons used a five-point scale ranging from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree" to assess whether preservative-free triamcinolone improved visualization. In 59 of 60 cases, the masked reader's scores for visualization of posterior segment structures were higher (i.e., structures were more clearly visible) after instillation of preservative-free triamcinolone. The preinstillation mean visualization score was 0.5 compared to 3.7 postinstillation (P < 0.0001). Greater than 90% of surgeon evaluations agreed or strongly agreed that preservative-free triamcinolone enhanced visualization of posterior segment structures. No safety issues were identified. Preservative-free triamcinolone (TRIESENCE(R) suspension) was well tolerated and effectively enhanced visualization of posterior segment structures during pars plana vitrectomy.