Cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors in the treatment of chronic non-infectious, non-necrotizing scleritis and episcleritis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the use of selective vs. non-selective cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors (COXIs) for the treatment of chronic non-infectious, non-necrotizing scleritis and episcleritis.


METHODS
Sixty-nine patients with scleritis and episcleritis treated for ≥2 months with COXIs were included. Outcome measures were rates of inflammation control, corticosteroid sparing, and COXI discontinuation, as well as side effects.


RESULTS
Initial inflammation control was achieved in 78-81% of scleritis patients and 73-80% episcleritis patients on COXIs (p > .05). Rates of steroid sparing after 4-24 months of consecutive treatment were similar. Gastrointestinal side effects were observed in 1 (2.7%) patient on selective vs. 3 (9.4%) patients on non-selective COXIs (p = .33). Overall discontinuation rate was 6/37 (16%) for selective vs. 7/32 (22%) for non-selective COXIs (p = .76).


CONCLUSIONS
Selective vs. non-selective COXIs were equally efficacious for the treatment of chronic non-infectious, non-necrotizing scleritis and episcleritis. Prospective studies to elucidate potential differences in side effect profiles may be warranted.
The Institute of Ophthalmolgy and Visual Science, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07101-1709, USA.
Anton M
AM
Kolomeyer
Ashwinee
A
Ragam
Kushyup
K
Shah
Brian K
BK
Do
Vinnie P
VP
Shah
David S
DS
Chu
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015423:Scleritis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000187:drug effects
D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents