[Survey of triamcinolone-related non-infectious endophthalmitis]

Abstract

Purpose: To survey non-infectious endophthalmitis related to triamcinolone acetonide (TA) for ocular diseases in Japan.

Subjects and methods: A questionnaire was sent to the 24 committee members of the Japanese Retina and Vitreous Society requesting information regarding non-infectious endophthalmitis related to intravitreous TA administered from January through December 2009. The survey specifically covered the use of TA in intravitreal injections and intraoperatively during vitrectomy procedures.

Results: All 24 members responded to the survey involving intraviteal TA use in 562 eyes; 325 eyes for diabetic macular edema, 118 eyes for retinal vein occlusion, 91 eyes for uveitis, 11 eyes for age-related macular degeneration and 17 eyes had adjunctive use in retinal photocoagulation. Intraoperative use for visualizing vitreous was done in 6973 eyes. Noninfectious endophthalmitis occurred in 9 eyes (1.6%) after intravitreous TA and 7 eyes (0.1%) after intraoperative TA. The most frequent symptom was blurred vision with no pain or mild conjunctival injection. Sudden severe anterior chamber and vitreous inflammation occurred beginning on the day following surgery, but it disappeared spontaneously without complications.

Conclusions: It was found that non-infectious endophthalmitis occurred after intravitreous TA. Although the visual prognosis is good, this complication should be recognized by retina specialists.