High dose intravenous steroid therapy for severe posterior segment uveitis in Behçet's disease

Acar Gocgıl N.

British Journal Of Ophthalmology, vol.86, no.5, pp.521-523, 2002 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 86 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2002
  • Journal Name: British Journal Of Ophthalmology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
  • Page Numbers: pp.521-523
  • Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

AIM:

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of high dose intravenous steroid therapy (HDIST) in Behçet's disease patients with severeposterior segment uveitis attacks.

METHODS:

Five patients with ocular Behçet's disease were treated with HDIST for severe posterior segment attacks. Two patients had vasculitis, one patient had papillitis, and the other two had retinitis; four patients also had accompanying severe vitritis. The visual acuities and improvement in ocular signs after HDIST were evaluated.

RESULTS:

During HDIST, patients had no systemic complications caused by treatment. All patients responded to HDIST with evidence of a decrease in intraocular inflammatory activity and improved visual acuities within a mean time of 7 (1-15) days of commencing treatment. During follow up three out of five patients had new posterior segment attacks.

CONCLUSION:

HDIST is effective in controlling severe, vision threatening acute posterior segment Behçet's uveitis attacks and in improving visual function in a short period of time