Low-Dose Intravitreal Methotrexate for Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy

Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2023 Mar;54(3):139-146. doi: 10.3928/23258160-20230220-01. Epub 2023 Mar 1.

Abstract

Background and objective: Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) has been mitigated by intravitreal methotrexate (MTX) 400 μg/0.1 mL in several studies. Here, we evaluate the results from a lower dose of MTX, 200 μg/0.05 mL.

Materials and methods: We identified and reviewed records of patients with grade ≥C1 PVR who were treated with 200 μg/0.05 mL MTX injections: during PVR surgery and every 2 weeks thereafter.

Results: Twenty-four eyes met inclusion criteria with a mean of 5.6 injections and follow-up ranging 6 to 56 months. The retina was reattached in 19 of 24 eyes (79%) after a single surgery and in 5 of 24 eyes (21%) after one additional PVR surgery. Visual acuity improved from baseline logMAR 1.63 to 0.97 at 12 months (P < .001), with 5 of 20 achieving 20/60 or better and 16 of 20 achieving 20/200 or better. One eye developed a transient corneal abrasion that resolved within 1 week.

Conclusion: Low-dose MTX (200 μg/0.05 mL) during and after PVR surgery resulted in good rates of retinal reattachment and visual acuity recovery. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2023;54(3):139-146.].

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Methotrexate
  • Retina
  • Retinal Detachment* / drug therapy
  • Retinal Detachment* / surgery
  • Vitrectomy / methods
  • Vitreoretinopathy, Proliferative* / diagnosis
  • Vitreoretinopathy, Proliferative* / drug therapy
  • Vitreoretinopathy, Proliferative* / surgery

Substances

  • Methotrexate