Long-term Outcome of Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide injection for the Treatment of Uveitis Attacks in Behçet Disease

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) injection for posterior segment inflammation in Behçet disease (BD) patients.

Methods: The authors reviewed the medical records of BD patients who underwent IVTA injection (4 mg/0.1 mL) for posterior uveitis attack unresponsive to systemic immunosuppression and were followed up for more than 24 months.

Results: Forty-nine patients (49 eyes) were included. Mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.89 logMAR units to 0.70, 0.64 at 12, 24 months, respectively. Complete inflammation control was achieved in 87.0% of patients, but 60.0% of them experienced relapse within 12 months. For phakic eyes, cumulative probabilities for cataract surgery were 13.8%, 48.9%, and 60.2% at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. Intraocular pressure elevation exceeding 21 mmHg was noted in 40.8%.

Conclusions: In Behçet uveitis attack that is unresponsive or intolerant to systemic medications, IVTA injection is an effective therapeutic option, although ocular complications could limit its efficacy and repeatability.

• Behçet disease
• cataract
• intraocular pressure elevation
• intravitreal triamcinolone
• posterior uveitis