Effect Of Intraarticular Triamcinolone Hexacetonide versus Betamethasone on Intraocular Pressure: A Prospective Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND

Corticosteroids may cause glaucoma by increasing intraocular pressure (IOP) due to their systemic side effects. Few studies have investigated the effect of intraarticular corticosteroids (IACS) on IOP. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of IACS preparations (betamethasone and triamcinolone hexacetonide) on IOP.

METHODS

In this single-center randomized study, patients receiving IACS were randomized into two groups: Group 1 received betamethasone (Diprospan®, betamethasone dipropionate 6.43 mg + betamethasone sodium phosphate 2.63 mg, equivalent to 7.0 mg betamethasone) and Group 2 received triamcinolone hexacetonide (Artropan®,20 mg triamcinolone hexacetonide). IOP was measured before injection and at 1 week after injection. The change in IOP (ΔIOP) was calculated using the following formula: IOP (after injection) - IOP (before injection).

RESULTS

A total of 80 patients and 160 eyes were included in the study, with 40 patients in each group. No significant change was found in ΔIOP in Group 1 (p > 0.05). A statistically significant increase in ΔIOP was observed in both eyes and in the left eye in Group 2; (both eyes: p = 0.002; left eye: p = 0.012; right eye:p = 0.060). ΔIOP was significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p = 0.043).

CONCLUSION

Triamcinolone hexacetonide may increase IOP after IACS more than betamethasone; caution is warranted in patients with risk factors for glaucoma.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov retrospectively (No: NCT07242846, Date: 17.11.2025).