Abstract
Purpose :
Myocilin is typically induced by trabecular meshwork by steroid treatment, and considered associated with IOP elevation after steroid treatment in young patients. Myocilin induction in trabecular meshwork is dependent on NFAT activity, and can be inhibited by calcineurin inhibitor. Purpose of this study is to assess whether potent calcineurin inhibitor, tacrolimus, may limits steroid-induced IOP elevation in young subjects.
Methods :
One thousand two hundreds and thirteen refractory allergic conjunctivitis patients in young age, who were treated with topical tacrolimus, were analyzed for steroid-induced IOP change (per month, compared to baseline) during the 3 months follow-up using mixed linear regression analysis and treatment effect model. Effects of tacrolimus use and clinical characteristics which affect steroid-induced IOP elevation were examined using meta-regression analysis of previous literatures.
Results :
Meta-regression analysis indicated that topical steroid (betamethasone class)-induced IOP elevation was 4.9 mmHg (95%CI: 4.7-5.1).
In topical tacrolimus-treated eyes, betamethasone-induced IOP elevation was 1.3 mmHg (P=0.000, mixed linear regression), and were significantly lower than steroid-induced IOP elevation in eyes without tacrolimus. Analysis of treatment effect model confirmed limited steroid-induced IOP elevation in tacrolimus-treated eyes (1.1 mmHg, P=0.000).
Meta regression analysis indicated that tacrolimus was the significant factor for less IOP response in young patients. (P=0.000).
Conclusions :
Topical tacrolimus use may limit steroid-induced ocular hypertension.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.