Conjunctival Necrosis due to Subconjunctival Methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol™) Acetate Injection.
110 D Molteno Road, Claremont 7732, Cape Town, South Africa.
Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology
|December 25, 2010
Summary
Subconjunctival methylprednisolone injection after cataract surgery caused conjunctival necrosis. This case highlights the dangers of using this steroid preparation off-label in ophthalmology, leading to serious complications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Complications
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Phacoemulsification is a common cataract surgery technique.
- Subconjunctival injections are sometimes used postoperatively for inflammation control.
- Methylprednisolone acetate (Depo-Medrol™) is a corticosteroid preparation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of conjunctival necrosis following subconjunctival methylprednisolone injection.
- To highlight the risks associated with the off-label use of methylprednisolone in ophthalmology.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a single patient presenting to a tertiary ophthalmic unit.
- Review of the patient's presentation and treatment following phacoemulsification surgery.
Main Results:
- An 82-year-old patient developed a painful conjunctival ulcer two weeks after receiving a subconjunctival methylprednisolone injection post-surgery.
- Surgical excision of the ulcer resulted in complete recovery.
Conclusions:
- Inadvertent subconjunctival injection of methylprednisolone acetate can lead to severe conjunctival necrosis.
- This preparation is not approved for ophthalmic use, and its off-label administration carries significant risks.
