OUTCOME OF SUPRACHOROIDAL TRIAMCINOLONE INJECTION IN THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC MACULAR EDEMA SECONDARY TO RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSIONS

Abstract

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of supra-choroidal Triamcinolone injection in chronic and refractory Macular Edema secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusions

Design and methods:  Non-randomized clinical trail

Subjects: Eleven patients (twelve eyes) with RVO

Methods: A prospective study designed as 8-weeks, single-centered, non-randomized. A total of 12 eyes of 11 patients included.
Triamcinolone Acetonide 4mg in 0.1 ml was injected into the supra-choroidal space and follow-up obtained for 8 weeks. Injection was performed with a 30-guage needled syringe having a piece of 23-guage IV cannula part sleeved on the needle. The 0.1 ml of Triamcinolone was injected directly into the suprachoroidal space. Details of all patients on a proforma (including BCVA, IOP, CMT on OCT and any adverse effect) were recorded as Pre-injection (baseline), 2-weeks and 8-weeks post-injection.  

Results: Out of 11 patients, 4 were male and 7 were females. One female patient had bilateral Branch Retinal Vein Occlusions (BRVOs). Out of other 10 patients, 6 were BRVOs and 4 were CRVOs. All the patients enrolled had chronic Macular edema of at least one year duration. Best Corrected Visual Acuity, OCT macula and IOP were recorded before injection, 2-weeks and 8-weeks post injection. Mean baseline (pre-injection) CMT was 578 microns (SD +/- 126 µ). aLL eyes were thoroughly examined for any side effect or complication.

Conclusion:  A single suprachoroidal injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide is fairly safe and effective in significant percentage of cases of chronic and refractory Macular Edema secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusions (both central and branch).