Role of steroids in the management of diabetic macular edema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes. Early clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of laser in the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Despite timely and appropriate use of laser, some patients continue to experience visual loss. The pathogenesis of PDR and DME is multifactorial involving both angiogenic and inflammatory processes. Recent trials have shown that the anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties of corticosteroids may provide benefit in treating PDR and DME. The exact role of steroids in the treatment for diabetic retinopathy and macular edema remains to be fully elucidated.
Beetham Eye Institute and Section of Eye Research, Joslin Diabetes Center and Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Paolo S
PS
Silva
Jennifer K
JK
Sun
Lloyd Paul
LP
Aiello
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008269:Macular Edema / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D013256:Steroids; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide