Intravitreal microplasmin may preclude need for vitrectomy

This double-masked study randomized 125 patients scheduled for pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), primarily for vitreomacular traction or macular hole, to an injection of intravitreal microplasmin of varying dosage (25 µg to 125 µg) or placebo seven days before surgery. At the time of surgery, 31 percent of the 125-µg microplasmin group achieved posterior vitreous detachment, compared to 10 percent in the placebo group. Resolution of vitreomacular interface abnormality without vitrectomy occurred in 31 percent and 28 percent of the 125-µg micoplasmin group at the 35-day and 180-day time points, respectively, compared to 3 percent (at both time points) in the placebo group.