title: Use of corticosteroids in combination with antimicrobial drugs in the treatment of infectious corneal disease.
abstract: The use of corticosteroids in the management of infectious eye disease is controversial. In this study, the authors attempt to analyze the goals and risks of the use of corticosteroids in the treatment of various forms of infectious keratitis with reference to generally recognized principles for the treatment of infectious diseases. Existing clinical and research data are reviewed in this context to make appropriate recommendations for the use of corticosteroids in the treatment of bacterial, fungal, and acanthamoeba keratitis. The authors conclude that corticosteroids are definitely contraindicated in the treatment of fungal keratitis, and relatively contraindicated in the treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis. Topical corticosteroid therapy may have a role in the treatment of bacterial keratitis if appropriate guidelines are followed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610.
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Stern
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Buttross
mesh_terms: D015823:Acanthamoeba Keratitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000075202:Contraindications; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D015817:Eye Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy; D015821:Eye Infections, Fungal / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007634:Keratitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents