Efficacy of Atlantoaxial Joint Glucocorticoid Injection in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

The atlantoaxial joint (AAJ) plays a pivotal role in the cervical spine motion. Unfortunately, it is the most common cervical spine joint that is affected in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation of the AAJ results in neck disability, nerve root compression, and finally spinal cord compression.

OBJECTIVES

We aim to evaluate the efficacy of intraarticular triamcinolone injection of the AAJ on neck pain and disability.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective randomized, controlled clinical trial.

SETTING

An interventional pain unit in a tertiary center at a university hospital in Egypt.

METHODS

Sixty patients with rheumatoid arthritis complaining of AAJ arthritis were randomized into 2 groups. Group AAJI (n = 30) received AAJ injection with 1.0 mL of a mixture of 0.5 mL of bupivacaine 0.5% and 0.5 mL of 20 mg of triamcinolone, in addition to oral placebo tablets (2 tablets every 8 hours for one week). Group SS (n = 30) received systemic steroids, oral prednisolone tablets (5 mg, 2 tablets every 8 hours for one week), in addition to AAJ injection with 1.0 mL of a mixture of 0.5 mL of bupivacaine 0.5% and 0.5 mL of normal saline solution. The percentage of patients who showed >/= 50% reduction of their visual analog scale (VAS) pain score (measured at 1, 2, and 3 months postoperatively), VAS pain score and neck disability index (NDI) (measured at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively), and the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes of AAJ (assessed 4 weeks postoperatively) were all evaluated.

RESULTS

There was significant reduction in the percentage of patients who showed ≥50% reduction of their VAS pain score postoperatively in group AAJI compared with group SS at one month (75% vs. 46.45%; P = 0.033), 2 months (60.7% vs. 25%; P = 0.009), and 3 months (53.6% vs. 17.9%; P = 0.007). There was significant reduction in overall VAS and overall NDI in group AAJI compared with group SS (mean ± standard error) (41.5 ± 2.6 vs. 52.1 ± 2.6; P = 0.005) and (43.7 ± 3.1 vs. 52.4 ± 3.1; P = 0.040), respectively. Analysis of postoperative MRI findings revealed significant improvement of bone marrow edema in group AAJI (AAJI vs. SS) (71.4% vs. 42.9%; P = 0.033), also the synovial enhancement disappeared significantly in group AAJI compared with group SS, (16/22 [72.7%] vs. 10/23 [43.5%]; P = 0.026), moreover, there was a significant reduction in pannus size in group AAJI compared with group SS, (6/10 [60%] vs. 1/9 [11%]; P = 0.041).

LIMITATIONS

The study follow-up period was limited to only 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

For acutely inflamed AAJ due to rheumatoid arthritis, AAJ steroid injection is a potential therapeutic option; it decreased cervical neck pain, improved neck mobility, and hastened recovery of the joint from an acute inflammatory stage.

KEY WORDS

Rheumatoid arthritis, atlantoaxial joint injection.

Effectiveness of intralesional steroid injections with dilatation in corrosive oesophageal strictures - A Randomized Control Trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the improvement of dilatation among patients receiving intralesional steroid injection with dilatation versus dilatation alone for the management of corrosive ooesophageal strictures.

METHODS

The randomized controlled trial was conducted at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from November 10, 2014, to November 10, 2015, and comprised patients of either gender aged 15-50years who had corrosive ooesophageal stricture. They were randomised into 2 groups by using the lottery method. In the dilatation group, only endoscopic dilation was done, while in the combination group, intralesional triamcinolone injection was injected followed by dilatation. Follow-up endoscopic dilatation was done every two weeks. Data was analysed using SPSS 21.

RESULTS

There were 60 patients randomised into two groups of 30(50%) each. The overall mean age was 32.58±10.58 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1.7:1. At baseline, in dilatation group, the mean stricture length was 23.30±2.28cm while in combination group, it was 24.23±3.06cm. In dilatation group, the mean stricture length was 11.20±3.09cm while in combination group, it was 5.33±3.09cm (p=0.0001)..

CONCLUSIONS

oesophageal Combination group was more effective than the dilatation-alone group.

Lower Spine Volumetric Bone Density in Patients With a History of Epidural Steroid Injections

CONTEXT

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a common, effective treatment of lumbar radiculopathy and sciatica. Although the negative skeletal effects of oral glucocorticoids are well established, little is known about the impact of ESI on bone quality.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between ESI exposure and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) at the lumbar spine (LS) using central quantitative CT.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

University hospital outpatient facility.

PATIENTS

All patients had CT scans of the LS between 2011 and 2016. Cases received at least three ESIs prior to the date of CT (n = 121). Controls were matched for age and sex (n = 121).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Cumulative ESI dose was calculated. vBMD was measured at T12 through L5 using QCT Pro phantomless software (MindWays).

RESULTS

Mean age of subjects was 65 ± 14 years, and 49% were women. Median number of ESIs was 4 (range: 3 to 16). Median cumulative ESI dosage was 340 mg of triamcinolone or equivalent (range: 150 to 1400 mg). Compared with controls, ESI subjects had lower vBMD at each vertebral level. Higher cumulative dose was associated with lower mean vBMD at T12 to L5 (r = -0.22, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Greater cumulative ESI dose was related to lower vBMD at the LS. To our knowledge, this is the first study to measure vBMD in patients treated with ESIs. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and to help identify the best strategies for preventing bone loss in this population.

A Prospective Study on the Effect of Corticosteroid Injection Dosage for Hand Disorders in Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetics

Local administration of corticosteroids is an effective yet potentially dangerous intervention in the treatment of hand disorders in diabetics. Prolonged exposure to hyperglycemia contributes to non-enzymatic glycosylation of various organ systems, which may cause detrimental health effects such as blindness, renal failure, and peripheral neuropathy, contributing to the high cost of health care. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of corticosteroid dosage on serum glucose levels when used to treat common hand disorders in diabetic patients. Twenty-one patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus treated with a corticosteroid injection were prospectively enrolled. Either triamcinolone 10 mg (T-10 group, N = 11) or 40 mg (T-40 group, N = 10) was administered with a local anesthetic. Fasting morning serum glucose, QuickDASH scores, and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were recorded prior to injection. Post-prandial serum glucose was recorded the evening of the injection, and the fasting serum glucose was recorded each morning. Clinical outcomes were recorded at 6 weeks and again at an average of 26 months. Patients in both cohorts, on average, had improvements in their Quick- DASH and VAS scores after the injection without significant variation. There was a significant elevation in serum glucose in both groups. T-10 had an average glucose increase of 53 mg/dL (41%), which returned to baseline at 21 hours. T-40 had a maximum glucose increase of 50 mg/dL (40%), which returned to baseline in 58 hours. The difference in time to return to baseline was statistically significance. Both T-10 and T-40 are effective in relieving painful symptoms and improving patient functionality after injection. A lower dosage triamcinolone is associated with a quicker return of serum glucose to baseline and may be a safer alternative to higher dosages when considering prolonged hyperglycemia and its known detrimental effects of non-enzymatic glycosylation on various organ systems.

Efficacy of Use of Triamcinolone Ointment for Clean Intermittent Self Catheterization following Internal Urethrotomy

Introduction

Internal urethrotomy is recommended for the treatment of urethral strictures shorter than 1.5 cm but has been associated with high recurrence rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of use of triamcinolone ointment for clean intermittent self catheterization in the prevention of urethral stricture recurrence after internal urethrotomy.

Methods

Total of 60 male patients undergoing internal urethrotomy were assigned into two groups and clean intermittent self catheterization was performed using either triamcinolone ointment or a water-based gel for lubrication of the catheter in this randomized clinical trial. Clean intermittent self catheterization regimen was continued for 6 months and patients were followed for 12 months. Urethrocystoscopic evaluation was done 6 and 12 months postoperatively.

Results

The recurrence rates were compared between the two groups. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics and etiology of the stricture between the two groups. There was a 6 (22.22%) recurrence rate in the patients of the triamcinolone group against 13 (46.42%) in those of the control group after the first internal urethrotomy (P=0.04). After second internal urethrotomy, the urethra was stabilized in 5 (83.3%) of the patients in the triamcinolone group and 8 (61.5%) those in the control group (P=0.05). We also found a significant correlation between recurrence and stricture length (P=0.02) but the time to recurrence was not statistically significant (P=0.16).

Conclusions

The use of triamcinolone ointment in patients on CISC regimen after internal urethrotomy significantly decreased the stricture recurrence rate.

Healing modulation in glaucoma surgery after application of subconjunctival triamcinolone acetate alone or combined with mitomycin C: an experimetal study

OBJECTIVE

to study the efficacy and safety of the use of subconjunctival triamcinolone acetate alone or in combination with mitomycin C as a modulator of trabeculectomy healing in rabbits.

METHODS

we submitted thirty male, albino, New Zealand rabbits to bilateral trabeculectomy. We divided the animals into four experimental groups with 15 eyes per group: control, mitomycin C, triamcinolone acetate and triamcinolone acetate + mitomycin C. We performed aplanation tonometry and clinical analysis of the bleb through the Moorfields Graduation System in the postoperative period. For the evaluation of healing, we carried out the quantitative analysis of the inflammatory infiltrate (polymorphonuclear) through Hematoxylin & Eosin staining, and vascular proliferation, through immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

we observed a significant decrease in postoperative intraocular pressure in all groups compared with the preoperative pressure (p<0.001). However, there was no difference between groups (p=0.186). The triamcinolone + mitomycin C acetate group presented better indices as for the maximum bleb height and vascularization of the bleb central area (p=0.001); in addition, there was a lower inflammatory response (p=0.001) and lower vascular proliferation (p=0.001) in the intermediate phase of the study compared with the monotherapies.

CONCLUSION

the combination of mitomycin C and triamcinolone acetate resulted in a synergistic action between these agents, with broader and more diffuse blebs, less inflammatory infiltrate and less vascular proliferation in the intermediate stages of follow-up in this animal model.

Intramuscular versus oral corticosteroids to reduce relapses following discharge from the emergency department for acute asthma

BACKGROUND

Acute asthma is a common cause of presentations to acute care centres, such as the emergency department (ED), and while the majority of patients can be discharged, relapse requiring additional medical care is common. Systemic corticosteroids are a major part in the treatment of moderate to severe acute asthma; however, there is no clear evidence regarding the most effective route of administration for improving outcomes in patients discharged from acute care.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effectiveness and safety of a single dose of intramuscular (IM) corticosteroids provided prior to discharge compared to a short course of oral corticosteroids in the treatment of acute asthma patients discharged from an ED or equivalent acute care setting.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane Airways Group conducted searches of the Cochrane Airways Group Register of Trials, most recently on 14 March 2018. In addition in April 2017 we completed an extensive search of nine electronic databases including Medline, Embase, EBM ALL, Global Health, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Proquest Dissertations and Theses Global, and LILACS. Furthermore, we searched the grey literature to identify any additional studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials or controlled clinical trials if they compared the effectiveness of intramuscular (IM) versus oral corticosteroids to treat paediatric or adult patients presenting with acute asthma to an ED or equivalent acute care setting. Two independent reviewers assessed study eligibility and study quality. We resolved disagreements via a third party and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool. We assessed the quality of the evidence using GRADE.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

For dichotomous outcomes, we calculated individual and pooled statistics as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model. We reported continuous outcomes using mean difference (MD) or standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% CIs using a random-effects model. We reported heterogeneity using I² and Cochran Q statistics. We used standard procedures recommended by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

Nine studies involving 804 participants (IM = 402 participants; oral = 402 participants) met our review inclusion criteria. Four studies enrolled children (n = 245 participants), while five studies enrolled adults (n = 559 participants). All of the studies recruited participants presenting to an ED, except one study which recruited participants attending a primary care clinic. All of the paediatric studies compared intramuscular (IM) dexamethasone to oral prednisone/prednisolone. In the adult studies, the IM corticosteroid provided ranged from methylprednisolone, betamethasone, dexamethasone, or triamcinolone, while the regimen of oral corticosteroids provided consisted of prednisone, methylprednisolone, or dexamethasone. Only five studies were placebo controlled. For the purposes of this review, we did not take corticosteroid dose equivalency into account in the analysis. The most common co-intervention provided to participants during the acute care visit included short-acting beta₂-agonists (SABA), methylxanthines, and ipratropium bromide. In some instances, some studies reported providing some participants with supplemental oral or IV corticosteroids during their stay in the ED. Co-interventions provided to participants at discharge consisted primarily of SABA, methylxanthine, long-acting beta₂-agonists (LABA), and ipratropium bromide. The risk of bias of the included studies ranged from unclear to high across various domains. The primary outcome of interest was relapse to additional care defined as an unscheduled visit to a health practitioner for worsening asthma symptoms, or requiring subsequent treatment with corticosteroids which may have occurred at any time point after discharge from the ED.We found intramuscular and oral corticosteroids to be similarly effective in reducing the risk for relapse (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.24; 9 studies, 804 participants; I² = 0%; low-quality evidence). We found no subgroup differences in relapse rates between paediatric and adult participants (P = 0.71), relapse occurring within or after 10 days post-discharge (P = 0.22), or participants with mild/moderate or severe exacerbations (P = 0.35). While we found no statistical difference between participants receiving IM versus oral corticosteroids regarding the risk for adverse events (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.07; 5 studies, 404 participants; I² = 0%; moderate-quality evidence), an estimated 50 fewer patients per 1000 receiving IM corticosteroids reported experiencing adverse events (95% from 106 fewer to 21 more). We found inconsistent reporting of specific adverse events across the studies. There were no differences in the frequency of specific adverse events including nausea and vomiting, pain, swelling, redness, insomnia, or personality changes. We did not seek additional adverse events data.Participants receiving IM corticosteroids or oral corticosteroids both reported decreases in peak expiratory flow (MD -7.78 L/min, 95% CI -38.83 L/min to 23.28 L/min; 4 studies, 272 participants; I² = 33%; moderate-quality evidence), similar symptom persistence (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.14 to 1.20; 3 studies, 80 participants; I² = 44%; low-quality evidence), and 24-hour beta-agonist use (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.37; 2 studies, 48 participants; I² = 0%; low-quality evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to identify whether IM corticosteroids are more effective in reducing relapse compared to oral corticosteroids among children or adults discharged from an ED or equivalent acute care setting for acute asthma. While we found no statistical differences, patients receiving IM corticosteroids reported fewer adverse events. Additional studies comparing the effectiveness of IM versus oral corticosteroids could provide further evidence clarity. Furthermore, there is a need for studies comparing different IM corticosteroids (e.g. IM dexamethasone versus IM methylprednisone) and different oral corticosteroids (e.g. oral dexamethasone versus oral prednisone), with consideration for dosing and pharmacokinetic properties, to better identify the optimal IM or oral corticosteroid regimens to improve patient outcomes. Other factors, such as patient preference and potential issues with adherence, may dictate practitioner prescribing.

The effects of ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection compared to oxygen-ozone (O2-O3) injection in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic multifactorial disease characterized by progressive joint degeneration. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection with oxygen-ozone injection in patients with knee OA. This double-blind randomized clinical trial was performed on 62 patients with knee OA. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. In the first group 40 mg triamcinolone (1 cc) and in the second group 10 cc (15 μg/ml) oxygen-ozone (O₂-O₃) were injected into the knee joint under ultrasound guidance. Outcome measures included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC), knee flexion range of motion (ROM), effusion in ultrasound images of the suprapatellar recess, and visual analog scale (VAS), which were evaluated before injection, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after the treatment. Sixty-two patients (10 men and 52 women) were enrolled with mean age of 57.9 years. VAS improved in both groups (steroid P value = 0.001, oxygen-ozone P value > 0.001). The improvements seen in VAS and WOMAC scores 3 months after treatment were in favor of the oxygen-ozone group when compared to the steroid group (P = 0.041 vs P = 0.19). There was no significant difference between the two groups in ROM and joint effusion seen under ultrasound (ROM p = 0.880, effusion p = 0.362). However, in the oxygen-ozone-receiving group, joint effusion was decreased significantly (p < 0.001). Both steroid and oxygen-ozone injections are effective in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Our study showed that the effects of oxygen-ozone injection last longer than those of steroid injection to the knee joint.

[<p>One steroid injection in combination with HIV-medication resulted in a total adrenal insufficiency</p>]

This case report describes a woman living with HIV on treatment including ritonavir-boosted darunavir, who suffered complete secondary adrenal insufficiency after a single intra-articular injection of the corticosteroid triamcinolone. There is a known pharmacological interaction between ritonavir and those corticosteroids which are metabolised by the CYP3A4 pathway. This interaction may lead to complete adrenal insufficiency, which is a life-threatening condition. Adrenal insufficiency must be promptly diagnosed and hydrocortisone replacement started. People living with HIV should be on lifelong antiretroviral treatment, and corticosteroids are common in the treatment of many different conditions seen by various specialists. This case highlights that not only physicians engaged in HIV treatment need to be aware of this important interaction.

Comparison of Enalapril, Candesartan and Intralesional Triamcinolone in Reducing Hypertrophic Scar Development: An Experimental Study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of oral enalapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I), oral candesartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), and intralesional corticosteroid treatments in reducing scar formation.

METHODS

Twenty male rabbits were divided into five study groups: A (sham), B (control), C (ACE-I), D (ARB) and E (intralesional corticosteroid). The rabbit ear hypertrophic scar model was used. The hypertrophic scars were photographed and analyzed with the program ImageJ quantitatively to determine the degree of collagen fibers. The scar elevation index (SEI) was calculated at the end of the 40th day. Tissue samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome and examined under light microscopy for the determination of fibroblast number, epithelization, vascularization, inflammation and fibrosis.

RESULTS

The SEI was the highest in the control group with the highest number of fibroblasts under the epithelium. In the steroid group, the SEI was significantly lower than both the ACE-I (p: 0.02) and ARB (p: 0.001) groups. The density of type 1 collagen fibers was the lowest in the control group, whereas type 3 collagen fibers were highest in that group. The ACE-I and ARB groups were similar regarding densities of type 1 and type 3 collagen fibers. The density of type 1 collagen fibers was the highest in the steroid group, whereas the density of type 3 collagen fibers was the lowest in that group.

CONCLUSIONS

Enalapril, candesartan and intralesional steroid therapies were all effective in reducing scar tissue development; however, enalapril and steroid groups revealed better results.

NO LEVEL ASSIGNED

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Embolic retinal and choroidal vascular occlusion after peribulbar triamcinolone injection: A case report

RATIONALE

Retinal and choroidal vascular occlusion is a vision-threatening complication of therapeutic injections in the facial region. The early identification and early treatment are necessary to reduce the risk of harm to the patient.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report an extremely rare case of embolic retinal and choroidal vascular occlusion after peribulbar triamcinolone injection in a patient with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.

DIAGNOSES

Central retinal artery occlusion.

INTERVENTIONS

First, we performed a fundus examination in the patient. Triamcinolone embolus was observed in both retinal and choroidal vessels. Anterior chamber paracentesis and ocular massage combined with venous injections of alprostadil and Ginaton as well as an acupoint injection of compound anisodine were performed immediately. Sublingual glyceryl trinitrate and intraocular pressure-lowering drugs were also administered. Fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography-angiography, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) were also conducted to evaluate the patient's condition.

OUTCOMES

One month after the onset of the situation, the triamcinolone embolus had disappeared. The retinal edema and retinal blood perfusion were also improved. The patient's visual acuity had recovered from inexact light perception to 0.02.

LESSONS

Embolic retinal and choroidal vascular occlusion is vision-threatening disease. Measures such as careful aspiration before injecting in the facial region must be taken to avoid such complications.

Clinical Outcome following Intra-articular Triamcinolone Injection in Osteoarthritic Knee at the Community: A Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial

Background Knee pain is one of the common complaints patients present with in any community based health camps and Osteoarthritis of knee is a usual diagnosis. Injecting a long acting steroid is a common practice to alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritic knee. Objective To evaluate the clinical outcome of injecting Triamcinolone acetenoid in osteoarthritis of knee in a community set up over a randomized double-blind placebo control trial. Method A prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo control trial was carried out in community after obtaining the ethical clearance from the IRC. Patients with clinically diagnosed osteoarthritis of knee were injected either Triamcinolone or Placebo after recording the baseline scores of the knee by Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) - Physical Function Short form (KOOS-PS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The same tools were used at two, six and at twelve weeks post injection to evaluate the functional outcome and pain. Result One hundred and seventeen patients were available for analysis among which, 55(48.7%) patients received Triamcinolone and 58(51.3%) received placebo. The baseline status of knees of two groups was comparable at the start of study. There was significant pain relief in the group receiving Triamcinolone at two and six week but not in twelve weeks. Group receiving placebo had pain relief only for first two weeks. Functional outcome was significantly improved compared to baseline in both the groups until six weeks however, in the triamcinolone group, it was significant until twelve weeks. No major complications were noted. Conclusion Intra-articular injection of Triamcinolone acetenoid is effective in symptoms control and improving functional outcome in clinically diagnosed osteoarthritis of knees in community set up during health camps.

Serum Triamcinolone Levels following Cervical Interlaminar Epidural Injection

Background

Cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are commonly performed procedures to treat painful cervical radiculopathy, but little is known about the systemic absorption and serum levels of steroids following injection. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of fluoroscopy-guided cervical epidural-administered triamcinolone acetonide in a cohort of patients with cervical radicular pain seeking treatment in a pain medicine clinic.

Methods

The study cohort included eight patients undergoing a fluoroscopically guided C7-T1 interlaminar ESI at a pain medicine specialty clinic. Blood was collected prior to the ESI and on days 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 following the injection. The sample extract was analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

The terminal elimination half-life of cervical epidural-administered triamcinolone in a noncompartmental analysis was 219 hours. In the noncompartmental analysis, peak triamcinolone concentrations of 5.4 ng/mL were detected within 22.1 hours after administration.

Conclusions

The pharmacokinetics of cervical epidural-administered triamcinolone is consistent with our previous study of lumbar ESI, demonstrating that the elimination half-life is longer than that which has been reported following intravenous triamcinolone. The elimination half-life was shorter following cervical ESI than that which has been reported following lumbar ESI.

INTRAVITREAL TRIAMCINOLONE IN SUSAC SYNDROME

PURPOSE

To report the use of intravitreal triamcinolone for Susac Syndrome in one patient.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

A 23-year-old woman presented with presented with sudden visual loss in the left eye with associated neurologic symptoms. Ophthalmic examination and fluorescein angiography showed multiple areas of branch retinal artery occlusion, bilaterally. Magnetic resonance imaging showed dot-like, diffusion-restricted lesions in the corpus callosum, and audiometry showed low-frequency sensory hearing loss, compatible with Susac Syndrome. The patient received a single intravitreal injection of triamcinolone (4 mg) in the left eye. One week later, before beginning systemic corticosteroids, all signs and symptoms resolved in the left eye only.

CONCLUSION

In cases of delayed systemic corticosteroid therapy, intravitreal triamcinolone resolves the ocular manifestations of Susac Syndrome.

The effectiveness of 2 consecutive intra-articular polydeoxyribonucleotide injections compared with intra-articular triamcinolone for hemiplegic shoulder pain: A STROBE-complaint retrospective study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intra-articular injection of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), compared with intraarticular triamcinolone (TA) injection, in subacute stroke patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP).Participants were subacute stroke patients with HSP who had undergone 2 consecutive intra-articular injections of TA or PDRN.Numeric rating scale (NRS) and passive range of motion (PROM) of hemiplegic shoulder were evaluated until 4 weeks after 2nd injection.In the results, there were significant improvements in all PROM measures 2 weeks after the second injection, compared with pre-injection results, in both groups (P < .05). In the PDRN group, however, none of the PROM measures were significantly improved at 3 and 4 weeks after the second injection, compared with pre-injection results (P ≥ .05). When comparing pre-injection results with those at 4 weeks after the second injection, all PROM and NRS measures in the TA group were more improved than in the PDRN group, but this was not statistically significant (P ≥ .05).In conclusion, considering the systemic side effects of steroids, especially among patients with diabetes or metabolic syndrome, PDRN seems to be a worthwhile treatment option for HSP, although PDRN does not seem to have an equivalent persistence effects when compared with TA.