Deep intramuscular methylprednisolone treatment of recurrent scleritis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of deep intramuscular methylprednisolone (IMMP) in the treatment of recurrent scleritis.

METHODS

A total of 15 patients with scleritis (12 anterior, 3 pan) underwent IMMP injection deep into the thigh. Thirteen patients were already being treated with oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral prednisolone, an oral immunosuppressive agent, or a combination of these drugs. A second IMMP injection was given to nine patients, making a total of 24 injections. Follow-up ranged from 4 to 18 months.

RESULTS

There was a documented improvement in scleritis after 21/24 (87.3%) injections with a mean duration of improvement of 5.7 months. No patient required the introduction of oral corticosteroid or immunosuppressive agent, and only one patient required an increase in methotrexate to control the disease. No systemic, injection site, or ocular side effects were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Deep IMMP is a safe and effective treatment for scleritis. It ensures compliance, avoids the systemic side effects of oral corticosteroids, and is easily repeatable in the outpatient setting.