Deep intramuscular methylprednisolone for the treatment of cystoid macular oedema in uveitis.
OBJECTIVE
To study the use of intramuscular methylprednisolone in the treatment of cystoid macular oedema in patients with uveitis.


METHODS
A total of 32 patients with various types of uveitis with unilateral cystoid macular oedema were recruited. Patients received 160 mg of intramuscular methylprednisolone into the thigh and were reassessed 6-8 weeks later. In 17 patients in whom there had been no significant improvement, a further injection of methylprednisolone was given; a total of 49 injections.


RESULTS
After a first injection a significant improvement in vision (an increase of > or = 2 Snellen lines) was seen in 15 of 32 eyes (47%), and 17 of 32 eyes (53%) showed no significant change. After the second injection 7 of 17 eyes (41%) showed a significant improvement but there was no change in 9 of 17 eyes (53%). Only one eye deteriorated more than 2 lines of Snellen acuity. There were minimal ocular or systemic side effects associated with this form of treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite limited success, deep intramuscular methylprednisolone may have a role as an alternative mode of treatment in uveitis patients with unilateral cystoid macular oedema, thus avoiding the potential hazards of periocular injections. In comparison with orally administered systemic corticosteroids, an injection ensures patient compliance and is associated with fewer side effects.
Tehrani
N N
NN
Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, Birmingham, UK.
Saeed
T
T
Murray
P I
PI
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular / Q000379:methods; D008269:Macular Edema / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014605:Uveitis / Q000150:complications*; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000187:drug effects
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D008775:Methylprednisolone