Intravitreal clindamycin and dexamethasone for toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis

Abstract

Background and objective: To present a new method for the management of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis (TRC).

Methods: The patients were females ranging in age from 10 to 61 years (average 26.5). Four eyes of 4 patients were treated with intravitreal injections of 1.0 mg clindamycin in 0.1 mL and 1.0 mg of dexamethasone in 0.1 mL. The injections were given under general or peribulbar anesthesia. Three patients continued one systemic drug. Follow-up ranged from 11 to 26 months (mean 17.5).

Results: A favorable response was noted in each eye within two weeks after the intravitreal injections. All patients required 2 to 4 intravitreal injections in the affected eye for the control of TRC. Visual acuity improved in each eye. The disc and macula were preserved in all eyes. Recurrence was noted in one case, which responded to a repeated intravitreal injection of clindamycin and dexamethasone.

Conclusions: Intravitreal injections of clindamycin and dexamethasone are well tolerated and may offer an additional strategy to treat TRC in patients who are unable to afford or tolerate systemic therapy, or whose disease progresses despite systemic therapy.