Efficacy of Supratarsal Triamcinolone Injection versus Dexamethasone in Recalcitrant Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis

Abstract

Aim: To determine the effectiveness of supratarsal triamcinolone injection versus dexamethasone in recalcitrant vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Study Design: Prospective/randomized study Place and Duration of Study: Department of Ophthalmology, Lorallai Medical College, Loralai from 1st October 2020 to 31st March 2021. Methods: Fifty patients (100 eyes) of both genders and age between 12-40 years were enrolled. Detailed demographics of enrolled cases age, sex and body mass index were recorded after taking informed written consent. All patients had recalcitrant vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Patients were equally divided into 2-groups. Group I had 25 patients and received 20mg of supratarsal triamcinolone injection in both eyes and group II with 25 patients received 2mg of dexamethasone in their eyes. Postoperative effectiveness, complications and recurrence of disease was observed and compared among both groups. Results: There were 15 (60%) males and 10 (40%) females in group I with mean age 18.14±6.34 years while in group II, 15 (60%) males and 10 (40%) females with mean age was 17.68±4.54 years. Palprebral vernal keratoconjunctivitis was found in 36 eyes (10 patients of group I and 8 patients of group II) and Mixed vernal keratoconjunctivitis in 64 eyes (15 patients of group I and 17 patients of group II). Symptoms were itching,photophobia, lacrimation and pain. Conjunctival hyperemia, giant papillae and limbal infiltrate were the most common signs observed. Post operatively effectiveness among group I and II was (100% vs 92%) without any complication. Recurrence rate of vernal keratoconjunctivitis in group I was lower 4% as compared to group II 10%. Conclusion: The use of supratarsal triamcinolone injection in patients of recalcitrant vernal keratoconjunctivitis was effective and safest method as compared to dexamethasone in terms of less recurrence and high rate of efficacy. Keywords: Supratarsal triamcinolone, Dexamethasone, Vernal keratoconjunctivitis, Effectiveness, Recurrence