Study confirms safety of subtenon triamcinolone in pediatric retinal procedures

Subtenon triamcinolone (STT) injections, commonly used to prevent inflammation during retinal treatments in pediatric patients, have a favorable safety profile, according to a study.

The study found minimal risk of significant intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation, no need for IOP-lowering medications or surgeries, and a very low incidence of cataract formation, making STT a safe option.

The study included 59 eyes of 41 patients (10.5%), most of which (95.1%) received laser treatment alongside STT injections, with doses ranging from 4 to 20 mg. Retinopathy of prematurity was the most common diagnosis, affecting 43.9% of the patients.

Steroid response was mild in 2 eyes (3.4%) and moderate in 1 eye (1.7%), with all cases showing IOP returning to normal without the need for IOP-lowering medications. No patients developed glaucoma or required surgical intervention. In addition, only 1 eye developed a minor posterior subcapsular cataract, and no optic disc cupping or inflammation was observed.

Reference
Patel NA, Hoyek S, López-Font FJ, et al. Incidence of Steroid-Related Ocular Hypertension and Cataract Formation After Subtenon Triamcinolone in Non-Uveitic Pediatric Patients. Retina. 2024;doi: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000004272. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39316833.