Epinephrine in irrigating solutions and its effect on blood pressure and pulse rates

ABSTRACT

A study was done to determine if epinephrine 1600,000 concentration mixed with BSS will have any effect on a patients cardiovascular status during and after cataract surgery. A retrospective study was done on 50 cataract patients from January to June 1999. 0.3ml of epinephrine added to 500cc of BSS were used as the irrigating solution for phacoemulsification. Phacoemulsification using the pre-slice technique under topical anesthesia was performed on all patients. Irrigation and aspiration was done and small amounts of solution to reform the chamber. Patients blood pressure and pulse rates were taken preoperatively, intra-operatively, post-operatively and 24 hrs. post-operatively. Results showed no statistically significant rise in systolic blood pressure and pulse rates. We conclude that epinephrine 1600,000 mixture in BSS is a safe way of maintaining pupillary dilatation during phacoemulsification. (Author)