Transconjunctival Triamcinolone Injection for Upper Lid Retraction in Thyroid Eye Disease—A New Injection Method

Peri-levator Betamethasone Versus Triamcinolone Injection in Management of Thyroid Eye Disease-related Upper Eyelid Retraction Without Proptosis

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy of peri-levator injection of both betamethasone and triamcinolone in the management of thyroid eye disease-related upper eyelid retraction without proptosis.

METHODS

This prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted at Assiut University Hospital, Upper Egypt in the period between December 2021 and October 2023. The study included 47 patients (56 eyes) and was divided into 2 groups. In group A, 1 ml betamethasone was injected into the peri-levator area, while in group B, 1 ml triamcinolone was injected. The injection was repeated every month for up to 5 injections if there was an improvement in margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1). The injection was stopped if MRD1 reached the normal value or if 2 successive injections caused no improvement in MRD1. The postinjection outcome was divided into: 1) effective if MRD1 reached the normal ≤4.5 mm; 2) partially effective if MRD1 was improved but did not reach the normal; and 3) ineffective if there was no improvement in MRD1. The follow up ranged from 6 to 20 months.

RESULTS

In group A, the injection was effective in 26 eyes (92.9%) and partially effective in 2 eyes (7.1%). In group B, the injection was effective in 17 eyes (60.7%), partially effective in 6 eyes (21.4%), and ineffective in 5 eyes (17.9%). The mean number of injections was significantly lower in group A than in group B: 1.61 ± 0.50 versus 2.36 ± 1.16.

CONCLUSIONS

This study results suggest that betamethasone is more effective with a smaller number of injections than triamcinolone in the management of thyroid eye disease-related upper eyelid retraction.

Alpha-1 antagonist treatment for eyelid retraction in patients with thyroid eye disease-a prospective pilot study

BACKGROUND

Sympathetic overstimulation of Müller's muscle is a suggested mechanism underlying upper eyelid retraction in thyroid eye disease (TED). We examined the effect of tamsulosin, an alpha-1 antagonist, on eyelid retraction in patients with TED.

METHODS

A single-centre prospective study. Patients with TED and associated eyelid retraction were treated with oral 0.4 mg/day tamsulosin for 3 months. Upper eyelid margins-to-reflex distance (MRD1), vertical palpebral fissure height (PFH), subjective improvement, signs and symptoms of dry eye, and lubricants use were assessed at baseline and at each subsequent visit.

RESULTS

Eleven suitable patients (mean age 47.5 ± 9.68, 8 females) enrolled in the study. Three patients discontinued the drug due to mild adverse effects (dizziness, bradycardia, nausea, and gastrointestinal distress), which resolved immediately upon stopping treatment. The other eight patients tolerated the drug well and reported no side effects. Five patients experienced an objective improvement in eyelid position and subjective improvement in eye discomfort. The mean MRD1 decreased by -1.04 ± 0.81 mm (P = 0.015), and mean PFH decreased by -1.46 ± 1.33 mm (P = 0.039). Mean duration of tamsulosin treatment was 84.63 ± 71.9 days. Patients discontinued the drug due to no improvement in MRD1 (n = 3), referral for eyelid surgery with stable inactive TED (n = 2), treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone due to worsening active TED (n = 2), and patient choice after 5 months of treatment with spontaneous resolution of symptoms (n = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Tamsulosin is a safe potential treatment for eyelid retraction in TED and can be used as a temporary alternative therapeutic approach for patients unsuitable for surgery.

Percutaneous triamcinolone injection for upper eyelid retraction in thyroid eye disease

Purpose

To evaluate percutaneous triamcinolone (TA) injection efficacy in treating upper eyelid retraction (UER) for Australian thyroid eye disease (TED) patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis across 8 years and multiple diverse Australian centres identified UER patients who received TA injections. A single operator administered 40mg/1ml TA through upper eyelid skin. Assessments at 4-6 weeks and subsequent eyelid measurements gauged treatment response and complications.

Results

24 patients and 25 eyelids were included in the study. 91.6% were female, mean age 40.8 ± 10.3 years with mean follow-up of 17.5 months (± 18.5). Pre-treatment MRD1 was 6.2mm ± 1.4, and we observed a mean improvement of 2.2mm from pre-treatment to post-treatment (p<0.001). The mean UER measurement before treatment (defined as MRD1 - 4.0mm) was 3.0mm ± 1.3 (range, 0-6mm). After treatment, the mean UER measurement was -0.1mm. Quality of life (QOL) assessment improved significantly, from pre-treatment score of 4.13 ± 2.4 to post-treatment 8.0 ±1.7 (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Percutaneous injection of TA is an effective and safe treatment option for UER in patients with TED. This technique can be performed without upper eyelid eversion, which makes it more tolerable for patients and less complex for the operator compared to the transconjunctival injection approach. Our results show a significant improvement in MRD1 and UER, as well as patient QOL. Moreover, we found a low rate of complications (4.2% induced ptosis) and no cases of raised intraocular pressure. Percutaneous TA injection can greatly reduce the need for eyelid lowering surgery in this patient population.

[Interdisciplinary Management of Orbital Diseases]

Diagnosis and therapy of orbital diseases is an interdisciplinary challenge, in which i.e. otorhinolaryngologists, ophthalmologists, radiologists, radiation therapists, maxillo-facial surgeons, endocrinologists, and pediatricians are involved. This review article describes frequent diseases which both, otolaryngologists and ophthalmologists are concerned with in interdisciplinary settings. In particular the inflammatory diseases of the orbit including orbital complications, autoimmunological diseases of the orbit including Grave´s orbitopathy, and primary and secondary tumors of the orbit are discussed. Beside describing the clinical characteristics and diagnostic steps the article focusses on the interdisciplinary therapy. The review is completed by the presentation of most important surgical approaches to the orbit, their indications and possible complications. The authors tried to highlight the relevant facts despite the shortness of the text.

Current Therapeutic Approaches for Graves' Orbitopathy - are Targeted Therapies the Future?

Graves' orbitopathy is an autoimmune disease of the orbit that most frequently occurs with Graves' hyperthyroidism. The occurrence of autoantibodies directed against the TSH receptor (TRAb) is of central importance for the diagnosis and pathogenesis. These autoantibodies are mostly stimulating, and induce uncontrolled hyperthyroidism and tissue remodelling in the orbit and more or less pronounced inflammation. Consequently, patients suffer to a variable extent from periocular swelling, exophthalmos, and fibrosis of the eye muscles and thus restrictive motility impairment with double vision. In recent decades, therapeutic approaches have mainly comprised immunosuppressive treatments and antithyroid drug therapy for hyperthyroidism to inhibit thyroid hormone production. With the recognition that TRAb also activates an important growth factor receptor, IGF1R (insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor), biological agents have been developed. Teprotumumab (an inhibitory IGF1R antibody) has already been approved in the USA and the therapeutic effects are enormous, especially with regard to the reduction of exophthalmos. Side effects are to be considered, especially hyperglycaemia and hearing loss. It is not yet clear whether the autoimmune reaction (development of the TRAb/attraction of immunocompetent cells) is also influenced by anti-IGF1R inhibiting agents. Recurrences after therapy show that the inhibition of antibody development must be included in the therapeutic concept, especially in severe cases.

Update on the surgical management of Graves' orbitopathy

Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is a complex autoimmune disorder of the orbit that causes the eye to appear disfigured. GO is typically associated with Graves' disease, an inflammatory autoimmune condition that is caused by thyrotropin receptor autoantibodies. Although our knowledge of the pathophysiology of GO has improved, its exact pathogenesis remains unclear. Some patients suffer from disfigurement, double vision, and even vision loss rather than hyperthyroidism. The disease severity and activity prompt different treatments, as the signs of GO are heterogeneous, so their management can be very complex. Despite medical advances, the first-line treatment for moderate-to-severe active GO is still glucocorticoids, while surgery can be critical for the treatment of chronic inactive GO. Surgery is sometimes required in the acute phase of the disease when there is an immediate risk to vision, such as in dysthyroid optic neuropathy. Most surgeries for GO are rehabilitative and subdivided into three categories: decompression, strabismus repair, and lid surgery. This review is a basic overview of the field, with up-to-date knowledge of the surgical techniques for GO. We review and summarize recent literature on the advances in surgery for GO to provide up-to-date insights on the optimal surgical treatment for GO.

Management of Thyroid Eye Disease: A Consensus Statement by the American Thyroid Association and the European Thyroid Association

Thyroid eye disease (TED) remains challenging for clinicians to evaluate and manage. Novel therapies have recently emerged, and their specific roles are still being determined. Most patients with TED develop eye manifestations while being treated for hyperthyroidism and under the care of endocrinologists. Endocrinologists, therefore, have a key role in diagnosis, initial management, and selection of patients who require referral to specialist care. Given that the need for guidance to endocrinologists charged with meeting the needs of patients with TED transcends national borders, and to maximize an international exchange of knowledge and practices, the American Thyroid Association and European Thyroid Association joined forces to produce this consensus statement.

Management of thyroid eye disease: a Consensus Statement by the American Thyroid Association and the European Thyroid Association

Thyroid eye disease (TED) remains challenging for clinicians to evaluate and manage. Novel therapies have recently emerged, and their specific roles are still being determined. Most patients with TED develop eye manifestations while being treated for hyperthyroidism and under the care of endocrinologists. Endocrinologists, therefore, have a key role in diagnosis, initial management, and selection of patients who require referral to specialist care. Given that the need for guidance to endocrinologists charged with meeting the needs of patients with TED transcends national borders, and to maximize an international exchange of knowledge and practices, the American Thyroid Association and European Thyroid Association joined forces to produce this Consensus Statement.

Hyaluronic acid gel injection for dysthyroid upper eyelid retraction in Asian patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate the role of hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injection in the management of upper eyelid retraction (UER) in thyroid eye disease (TED).

METHODS

Retrospective interventional series of all patients with TED who had undergone HA injection, from February 2011 to April 2013 by a single surgeon (Y-DK) in a tertiary medical institution. Outcome measures: Mean margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1) pre- and post-filler.

RESULTS

There was a total of 13 patients and 17 eyes included in the study. The injection dosage for 15 eyes was 0.5 ml, one patient had 0.35cc on the right eye and 0.65cc on the left eye. Mean MRD1 at presentation was 6.21 mm. There was a mean decrease in MRD1 of 2.01 mm (p < .001) at 1 month post filler, 2.06 mm (p < .001) at 6 months post filler and 2.61 mm (p < .001) at 1 year post filler. There was no correlation between pre-filler MRD1 and change in MRD1 at various time points post-filler, nor any correlation between pre-filler upper scleral show (USS) and change in USS post-filler. There was also no correlation found between clinical activity score (CAS) and change in MRD1, as well as duration of thyroid eye disease (TED) and change in MRD1. Complications included mild upper lid lumpiness on downgaze (n = 4, 23.5%) which improved but persisted with time. There were no untoward intravascular or vision-threatening complications.

CONCLUSION

Transconjunctival HA injection is an effective treatment option for TED-related UER in both active and inactive TED patients in an East Asian population, with a potentially long-lasting effect.

Management of eyelid retraction related to thyroid eye disease

Eyelid retraction related to thyroid eye disease (TED) is a challenging condition. It is one of the main clinical signs and a major diagnostic criterion in TED. This condition may threaten vision due to exposure keratopathy, in addition to its esthetic alterations, which may lead to psychosocial implications and affect the patient's quality of life. Although it is more commonly observed in the upper eyelid, it may be present on both the upper and lower lids. Numerous surgical and nonsurgical treatment modalities have been described and will be reviewed in this article. Management should be based on an individual patient assessment, taking into consideration the disease stage, severity, and clinician experience.

A survey of current practices by the British Oculoplastic Surgery Society (BOPSS) and recommendations for delivering a sustainable multidisciplinary approach to thyroid eye disease in the United Kingdom

Background

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and Thyroid Eye Disease Amsterdam Declaration Implementation Group (TEAMeD-5) have the common goal of improving access to high quality care for thyroid eye disease (TED). The TEAMeD-5 programme recommends all patients with moderate-to-severe TED should have access to multidisciplinary clinics (MDT)  with combined Ophthalmology and Endocrinology expertise.

Methods

The British Oculoplastic Surgery Society represents oculoplastic surgeons who usually lead TED care in the UK. A two-stage survey of the membership was conducted to ascertain current practice of existing resources.

Results

Seventy percent (45/65) of respondents in Survey 1 were aware of current RCP guidance, but only 49% (22/45) rated it as a good means of improving access to comprehensive TED service. Sixty percent (39/65) of respondents are working in a multidisciplinary TED clinic with co-location of ophthalmologists and endocrinologists. Care for TED appears not to be provided in a multidisciplinary context in up to 31% (20/65). Thirty five (54%) of the respondents rated their relationship with endocrinology colleagues as good. Best practice guidelines recommend routine quality of life assessments but only 6/28 (21%) of respondents use this modality in current practice. Six percent (4/65) of areas appear not to be using intravenous steroids. In many areas (25%, 16/65), second-line immunosuppression is provided in a different trust and in 8% (5/65), it appears not to be used at all.

Conclusion

This survey is a ‘snapshot’ of current TED management in the UK and findings suggest scope for improvement. We recommend a framework for more robust collaboration across specialties and propose standards endorsed by multidisciplinary stakeholder societies.

Course of upper eyelid retraction in thyroid eye disease

AIMS

To evaluate the natural course of upper eyelid retraction (UER) in patients with thyroid eye disease (TED) and factors affecting its course.

METHODS

Retrospective non-interventional cohort study in a single tertiary institution from March 2006 to March 2015 on patients with TED with (1) unilateral or bilateral UER within 6 months from initial presentation, and (2) no prior interventions nor surgical treatment for their UER. Main outcomes and measures were mean margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1) and factors associated with UER improvement.

RESULTS

There were a total of 61 patients and 81 eyes (41 unilateral and 20 bilateral UER). Mean age was 42.3±15.1 years. Mean MRD1 decreased from 6.1 mm at presentation to 4.8 mm at 12 months, and 4.4 mm at 24 months. The proportion of eyes with normalisation of lid height increased from 0% at presentation to 22.2% at 6 months, 37.0% at 12 months and 49.4% at 24 months. Mean time to normalisation of MRD1 was 18.0±12.4 months. A positive family history of TED was found to be associated with a 6.2 times lower likelihood of normalisation. Change in exophthalmometry, clinical activity score and thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin were significantly correlated to change in MRD1 (p<0.05). There was no correlation between change in MRD1 and thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies.

CONCLUSION

An improved knowledge of the natural history of UER in TED will allow us to better decide and evaluate the optimal management for such patients.