Double-masked, placebo-controlled evaluation of loteprednol etabonate 0.5% for postoperative inflammation. Loteprednol Etabonate Post-operative Inflammation Study Group 1.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of loteprednol etabonate 0.5% with those of a placebo (vehicle) in controlling anterior chamber cell and flare reaction in patients having cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

METHODS

This randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, parallel-group multicenter study comprised patients who exhibited a minimum anterior chamber inflammation (ACI) score (sum of cell and flare reaction) of 3 (0 to 9 scale) on the day after cataract removal with posterior chamber IOL implantation. All 227 patients received loteprednol etabonate 0.5% or the placebo 4 times a day in the operated eye for up to 14 days after surgery. Five patients without valid on-treatment follow-up visits were not evaluated for efficacy.

RESULTS

By the final visit, the ACI had resolved in 64% (70/109) of patients in the loteprednol etabonate group and 29% (33/113) of those in the placebo group (P < .001). The resolution rate and mean change from baseline of the individual components of ACI (cell and flare), as well as other signs and symptoms, was better in the loteprednol etabonate group. Both treatments were well tolerated. Among the 53 patients who did not complete the study, 34 (29%) were placebo patients discontinued for inadequate anti-inflammatory effect. The treatment failure rate and the time course of failures were lower in the loteprednol etabonate group; the differences were clinically meaningful and statistically significant (P < .001). Three patients in the loteprednol etabonate group had an intraocular pressure elevation of 10 mm Hg or more over the preoperative screening value.

CONCLUSION

Loteprednol etabonate 0.5% led to a clinically meaningful reduction in the signs and symptoms of postoperative ACI and had an acceptable safety profile when compared with a placebo.