[Intralesional corticosteroid injection in the treatment of chalazion].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of intralesional corticosteroid injection in the treatment of chalazia in black African patients.


METHODS
In a prospective study conducted between February 1999 and February 2000, 25 black African patients with chalazion (25 eyes, 29 chalazia), ranging in age from 15 to 54 years (mean age +/- SD, 30.6+/-9 years), were treated with intralesional triamcinolone (injection of 0.075 - 0.5 ml triamcinolone acetate at a 5-mg/ml concentration).


RESULTS
Success was achieved in 18 (72%) of 25 patients [20 (74%) out of 27 eyes, 22 (76%) out of 29 chalazia)]. In 11 of 25 patients, two intralesional injections were necessary to obtain these results. Recurrence occurred in five eyes (five chalazia, 17%) after 5-6 weeks. During a mean +/- SD of 4.68 months (range, 3.5-12 months) of follow-up, no postinjection ocular complication occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
Intralesional corticosteroid injection appears to be effective in managing chalazion in black African patients, as reported in previous studies in Caucasian patients. This treatment can be used when curettage is contraindicated.
Kaimbo Wa Kaimbo
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Service d'Ophtalmologie, Cliniques Universitaires de Kinshasa, Université de Kinshasa, BP 16540, Kinshasa 1, République Démocratique du Congo. kaimbo@raga.net
Nkidiaka
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MC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017043:Chalazion / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D015552:Injections, Intralesional; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014221:Triamcinolone / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D014221:Triamcinolone