Efficacy of subconjunctival injections of triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of chronic recurrent episcleritis refractory to standard therapy

Abstract

Aim. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the treatment of chronic recurrent episcleritis, not amenable to the standard treatment regimen, by subconjunctival injections of triamcinolone acetonide. Material and methods. Three patients with recurrent episcleritis, low efficacy of treatment with local steroid, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and a disease duration of more than 6 months were under observation. All were injected with a prepared solution of triamcinolone acetonide (diluted 1:1 with physiological solution 0.9%) subconjunctivally, once according to the original method. No other drugs were prescribed. A comprehensive examination and assessment of the functions of the visual analyzer was carried out before and after the administration of the drug on the 3rd, 7th, 21st days, 3, 6 months. Results. All patients achieved a pronounced clinical effect and there were no relapses throughout the entire observation period. Conclusion. Subconjunctival injections of triamcinolone acetonide proved to be effective and safe in the treatment of episcleritis resistant to the standard treatment regimen. Side effects of the drug (complicated posterior subcapsular cataract, persistent ophthalmohypertension, etc.) were not detected with this method of treatment. Keywords: episcleritis, long-acting glucocorticosteroids, triamcinolone, triamcinolone acetonide, subconjunctival injection