Abstract
Purpose::
To report an association between sterile endophthalmitis after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection and uveitis.
Methods::
A retrospective analysis of all patients receiving intravitreal triamcinolone injection at Cole Eye Institute from January 2006 through September 2006 were reviewed to evaluate for the occurrence of bacterial or sterile endophthalmitis. Indication for treatment, ocular history, best-corrected Snellen visual acuity, and clinical examination findings were recorded from the clinical charts prior to injection and at last follow-up.
Results::
A total of 310 eyes received intravitreal triamcinolone injection for various etiologies, including age related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, vascular occlusion, and cystoid macular edema due to uveitis. There were no cases of culture positive infectious endophthalmitis. There were 6 cases (1.9%) of sterile endophthalmitis. Of these 6 cases, 4 had prior history of uveitis, while only 20 of total 310 cases had prior history of uveitis. All 6 patients presented within 3 days of injection, and all recovered rapidly. Presenting visual acuity was either count fingers or hand motion. Median best-corrected visual acuity prior to injection was 20/100+, while median final visual acuity was 20/80-.
Conclusions::
Patients with history of uveitis may be at increased risk of developing sterile endophthalmitis from intravitreal triamcinolone injection.
Keywords: corticosteroids • inflammation • endophthalmitis