Cataracts induced by intermittent Decadron used as an antiemetic.
Recent reports have shown that Decadron (dexamethasone; Merck Sharp & Dohme, West Point, Pa) has a significant antiemetic effect on cisplatin-induced vomiting. Although the development of posterior subcapsular cataracts is a known complication of systemic steroid therapy, it usually occurs after several years of chronic administration. A young diamond dealer developed visual impairment attributed to bilateral posterior subcapsular cataracts following only four courses of intermittent Decadron used as part of a five-drug antiemetic regimen for cisplatin-associated nausea. This report is intended to alert others to the possible development of this serious complication following short-term Decadron therapy.
D000328:Adult; D000932:Antiemetics; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects; D002386:Cataract / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008479:Mediastinal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D009373:Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / Q000188:drug therapy
D000932:Antiemetics; C004180:dexamethasone 21-phosphate; D003907:Dexamethasone; D002945:Cisplatin