The effect of steroids in combination with optic nerve decompression surgery in traumatic optic neuropathy.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) is an important cause of severe visual impairment following blunt or penetrating head trauma. Treatment options include steroids, decompression, or both. Studies have failed to show a clear benefit for either steroids or surgery or a combined therapy. This study describes the visual outcome in surgically managed patients with or without steroid treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

METHODS

In a retrospective chart review we included patients (n = 42) with TON who were managed with optic nerve decompression surgery with or without steroids. Comparison of initial and final visual acuity was the primary outcome parameter.

RESULTS

In 42 consecutive patients, steroids were used in 21 cases (50%). Ten patients received a high-dose systemic regimen of more than 500 mg methylprednisolone initial dose, and 11 patients were treated with a lower dose. The overall visual improvement rate was 33%, no change was noted in 50%, and no outcome data were available in 17%. The visual improvement rate of patients treated with decompression surgery and steroids was lower (29%, 6 of 21) than those treated with surgery alone (53%, 8 of 15). Comparing both groups, additional steroids had no beneficial effect on the visual outcome (P = .97). There was no case with a deterioration of visual function due to therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with traumatic optic neuropathy who were treated with optic nerve decompression surgery, steroids had no beneficial effect on the visual outcome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2c.