Efficacy of intracameral preservative-free triamcinolone acetonide in pediatric cataract surgery: a meta-analysis

Endothelial loss following postoperative intracameral triamcinolone acetonide and subconjunctival dexamethasone injections

OBJECTIVES

To compare endothelial toxicity and efficacy of two local steroid injections (intracameral triamcinolone acetonide and subconjunctival dexamethasone) in controlling postoperative inflammation following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

METHODS

This cohort included 54 patients that underwent combined surgery and received either intracameral triamcinolone acetonide injections (n = 27, IC-TA group) or subconjunctival dexamethasone (n = 27, Sc-Dex group) injections at the end of the surgery. All participants had at least 4 months or longer follow-up. A detailed ophthalmologic examination including intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement and specular microscopy was performed at every visit.

RESULTS

Endothelial cell density (ECD) reduced significantly in IC-TA group postoperatively (2418 vs. 2249, p = 0.019), while it did not change significantly in Sc-Dex group (2541 vs. 2492, p = 0.247). Postoperative ECD was also significantly lower in IC-TA group compared to Sc-Dex group (p = 0.011). Preoperative and postoperative IOP values remained unchanged both in IC-TA and Sc-Dex groups (p = 0.424 and p = 0.523, respectively). However, 4 patients in IC-TA group and 5 patients in the Sc-Dex group needed glaucoma medications. The postoperative need for glaucoma medications was similar between the groups (p = 0.347). Postoperative inflammation was well controlled in both groups and none of the patients developed fibrin membrane or synechiae postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Both treatments were effective in controlling postoperative inflammation, but patients in IC-TA group experienced significantly higher endothelial loss. Sc-Dex injections are safer in terms of endothelial loss and preferable to control postoperative inflammation following complex intraocular surgeries.

Review of Corticosteroid Use in Pediatric Cataract Surgery

Introduction:

Following pediatric cataract surgery, an intense inflammatory response is related to various complications, including posterior capsule opacification (PCO), which is a visually threatening incidence that can lead to visual axis opacification (VAO). Although corticosteroids are essentially effective in reducing inflammation, potential ocular side effects are a remaining concern.

Objective:

This study aimed to review the efficacy and safety of corticosteroid drugs and their administration routes in pediatric patients who underwent cataract surgery

Methods:

A literature search was conducted from four electronic databases using keywords selected a priori. Identified articles were sorted according to the type of corticosteroid used, route of administration, and outcome measures, including inflammatory response and ocular side effects.

Results:

Five studies were included with one case series, one retrospective case-control, and three clinical trials. The total number of subjects was 311 patients, with an age range of six weeks to 15 years old. Four studies analyzed the use of triamcinolone acetonide intracamerally, which was superior to topical steroids. Most of the studies reported a decrease in inflammatory parameters. The outcome of PCO and VAO varied between studies. Nearly all the studies observed elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) as an ocular side effect.

Conclusion:

Various corticosteroids and different delivery routes can be used to ameliorate inflammation in pediatric cataract surgery. However, there is promising evidence suggesting intracameral steroids as substantially beneficial in reducing inflammatory parameters. Due to the limited number of studies reviewed, no firm conclusion regarding the superior steroid preparation or route of administration can be inferred. This review highlights the need for further studies.