Plasmin Enzyme-Assisted Vitrectomy in Pediatric Patients with Vitreoretinal Diseases.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of using plasmin-assisted vitrectomy in pediatric patients with vitreoretinal diseases.

METHODS: We prospectively recruited children aged 16 years or younger who presented with vitreoretinopathies and underwent plasmin-assisted vitrectomy between 2012 and 2013. The main outcome measure was the induction of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) using a suction power of 200 mm Hg or less during surgery.

RESULTS: Eleven eyes of 11 patients (mean age: 3.7 years; average follow-up duration: 14.1 months) were included. Of these 11 patients, there were 3 (27%) cases of stage 5 retinopathy of prematurity, 2 (18%) cases of persistent fetal vasculature, 2 (18%) cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, 2 (18%) cases of idiopathic epiretinal membrane, 1 (9%) case of traumatic macular pucker, and 1 (9%) case of traumatic vitreous hemorrhage (9%). PVD was achieved in all cases (100%) during surgery using low suction after plasmin treatment (mean: 150 ± 39 mm Hg; range: 100-200). Overall, anatomical success was achieved in 8 eyes (73%). Visual acuity improved in all 5 (100%) patients for whom vision could be measured at 6 months after the operation. Cataracts were found in 4 eyes (36%), and a rise in transient intraocular pressure was observed in 1 eye (9%).

CONCLUSIONS: Plasmin-assisted vitrectomy offers an effective and less traumatic intervention for a variety of pediatric vitreoretinal diseases.