Role of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of postoperative endophthalmitis.

PURPOSE

To report the use of commercially available triamcinolone acetonide as adjunct treatment for acute-onset endophthalmitis after intraocular procedures.

METHODS

Charts of 14 patients who received intravitreal triamcinolone in combination with intravitreal antibiotics for treatment of acute endophthalmitis were reviewed. Patients were included if they presented with pain, vision loss, and severe anterior chamber reaction or hypopyon. Visual acuities, intraocular pressures, anterior chamber reaction, and view of fundus details were recorded at baseline, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months to 5 months.

RESULTS

Culture-positive results were found for 57% (8/14) of patients. Isolated species included Staphylococcus epidermidis, viridans streptococcus, group D Streptococcus (nonenterococcus), Propionibacterium acnes, and diphtheroid bacilli. Visual acuities improved an average of 7.5 Snellen lines. Preendophthalmitis level visual acuities were recovered in 78.6% patients (11/14), with 64% (9/14) of patients achieving visual acuity of 20/40 or better regardless of presenting vision. Resolution of anterior chamber reaction and view of fundus details were consistent with visual acuities.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravitreal triamcinolone combined with intravitreal antibiotics appears to have a safety profile similar to current modalities with a favorable effect on visual recovery and function in the setting of acute postoperative endophthalmitis.