Concentrated triamcinolone acetonide suprachoroidally applied for the treatment of the diabetic macular oedema

Abstract

Introduction/Objective The diabetic macular oedema is the accumulation of fluid in the macular tissue leading to its thickening. The aim of study was to evaluate the efficacy of concentrated Triamcinolone Acetonide 10mg/0.1ml injection into the suprachoroidal space in patients with diabetic macular oedema and decreased visual acuity. Methods In 12 eyes with diabetic macular oedema, without any prior treatment, using a small diameter 26G needle, an injection of 10mg/0.1ml Triamcinolone Acetonide was applied into the suprachoroidal space in the supero-temporal quadrant of the eye 4 mm from the limbus. Prior to the injection, as well as after 1,3,6,9 and 12 months after injection, visual acuity and intraocular pressure were measured, and central subfield thickness was recorded using Optical Coherence Tomography. Results After 1, 3, 6 and 9 post-injection months there was a statistically significant reduction in central subfield thickness (315.92 ?m, 257.66 ?m, 281.08?m and 295.51?m respectively) compared to baseline 447.67?m. At the end of the 12 month an increase in central subfield thickness was observed again 392.16?m. Visual acuity improved significantly from baseline (0.32) during the first 3 months (0.61) and remained stable until the end of the 9 month (0.51), but at the end of 12 months it decreased again (0.39). No significant intraocular pressure elevation and cataract development were observed in either eye during the entire follow-up period. Conclusion A single dose of 10 mg/0.1ml triamcinolone acetonide injected in suprachoroidal space can significantly stabilize diabetic macular oedema and maintain satisfactory visual acuity for up to 9 months.