title: Randomized prospective study of the influence of steroids on postoperative eye-opening after exploration of the orbital floor.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To find out if giving steroids reduces postoperative swelling in orbital surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, randomized, double-blind trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Regional unit, teaching hospital, UK.
  
  
  METHODS
  20 patients who require orbital floor exploration after injuries. Patients were given methylprednisolone 250 mg (or placebo identically packaged) at induction of anaesthesia, with a further three doses at 6-hourly intervals postoperatively.
  
  
  METHODS
  Differences in interpalpebral width before and after operation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Those given steroids (n=11) had a significantly increased interpalpebral width compared with placebo (n=9) postoperatively (P < 0.01, 95% confidence intervals of the difference = 1 mm-6 mm).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Short courses of steroids therapy should be considered in orbital surgery for appropriate patients. There is an advantage in being able to assess the globe postoperatively.
authors.affiliation: Odstock Centre for Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Salisbury District Hospital, Wilts, UK.
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Flood
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McManners
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: el-Attar
authors.forename: K F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Moos
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D019882:Blepharoplasty; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D005143:Eyelids / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009915:Orbit / Q000601:surgery*; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D008775:Methylprednisolone