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Topical corticosteroids as adjunctive therapy for bacterial keratitis
O Suwan-Apichon1, J M Reyes, S Herretes
1Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Department of Ophthalmology, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 40000. osuwanapichon@hotmail.com
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|October 19, 2007
Summary
Limited evidence exists on using corticosteroids for bacterial keratitis. The single trial reviewed had significant methodological flaws, indicating a need for high-quality research on this adjunctive therapy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bacterial keratitis is a severe eye infection with potential for vision loss.
- Risk factors include contact lens wear, ocular surface disease, and trauma.
- Topical antibiotics are standard treatment, but corticosteroid use is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and adverse effects of topical corticosteroids as adjunctive therapy for bacterial keratitis.
Main Methods:
- Searched multiple databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS) and other sources up to January 2007.
- Included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on adjunctive topical corticosteroids for bacterial keratitis.
- Assessed methodological quality and planned data extraction for outcomes.
Main Results:
- Only one RCT met the inclusion criteria.
- The trial had significant methodological limitations, including lack of allocation concealment and masking.
- Reported outcomes included epithelial defect healing and visual acuity improvement.
Conclusions:
- There is a lack of high-quality RCTs on adjunctive topical corticosteroids for bacterial keratitis.
- The single identified RCT was methodologically inadequate.
- Further rigorous research is needed to determine the role of corticosteroids in bacterial keratitis treatment.
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