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Effects of twice-daily topical difluprednate 0.05% emulsion in a child with pars planitis
Paul A Kurz1, Lena V Chheda, Daryl E Kurz
1Ohio State University, Havener Eye Institute, 915 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43212, USA. paul.kurz@osumc.edu
Insights
Topical difluprednate effectively controlled pars planitis (PP) in a child for one year. However, delayed ocular hypertension and cataracts developed, requiring treatment changes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
Background:
- Pars planitis (PP) is a form of intermediate uveitis requiring management.
- Topical corticosteroids are often used for ocular inflammation.
Observation:
- A pediatric case of pars planitis (PP) was treated with twice-daily topical difluprednate.
- Initial control of PP was achieved with difluprednate over a 12-month period.
Findings:
- Sustained control of pars planitis (PP) was observed for one year.
- Atypical steroid response manifested as delayed, recalcitrant ocular hypertension (OHT) and posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) formation.
- These complications necessitated discontinuation of difluprednate and initiation of alternative therapies.
Implications:
- Topical difluprednate may serve as a short-term treatment option for pediatric pars planitis (PP).
- Ophthalmologists must monitor for delayed adverse effects, including ocular hypertension (OHT) and cataract formation, during difluprednate therapy.
- Awareness of potential serious complications is crucial for safe and effective management of pediatric ocular inflammation.
Purpose:
To report the effects of twice-daily difluprednate in a child with pars planitis (PP).
Design/Methods:
Case report.
Results:
PP was controlled with topical difluprednate for 1 year. Then an atypical pattern of steroid response--delayed, relatively sudden onset of recalcitrant ocular hypertension (OHT)--and posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) formation necessitated alternative treatment.
Conclusion:
Although not a standard treatment, in select cases of PP topical difluprednate therapy could be a useful short-term treatment option while alternative treatments are considered or immunosuppressive agents build to therapeutic levels. Ophthalmologists must be aware of the potential for delayed onset of serious complications when using difluprednate.
