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Corticosteroids as adjuvant therapy for ocular toxoplasmosis
Smitha Jasper1, Satyanarayana S Vedula, Sheeja S John
1Department of Ophthalmology, ChristianMedical College, Vellore, India.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|May 2, 2013
Summary
This systematic review found no randomized controlled trials on using corticosteroids for ocular toxoplasmosis. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness and optimal use of corticosteroids in managing this parasitic eye infection.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Ocular toxoplasmosis, caused by *Toxoplasma gondii*, can lead to severe inflammation and vision-threatening complications like glaucoma and cataracts.
- Current treatment practices for ocular toxoplasmosis vary, particularly regarding the use of corticosteroids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the adjunctive use of corticosteroids in treating ocular toxoplasmosis.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive search of multiple electronic databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, mRCT, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP) was conducted up to October 2012.
- Included studies were planned to be randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials involving immunocompetent individuals with active ocular toxoplasmosis.
- Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles, resolving discrepancies through discussion.
Main Results:
- The systematic search identified 368 titles and abstracts, leading to the review of 20 full-text articles.
- Crucially, no randomized controlled trials met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this review.
Conclusions:
- There is a lack of high-quality evidence from RCTs to support or refute the use of corticosteroids in managing ocular toxoplasmosis.
- Key questions regarding the efficacy, optimal timing, dosage, and duration of corticosteroid therapy remain unanswered.
- Well-designed RCTs are needed to establish the role of corticosteroids as adjunctive therapy for ocular toxoplasmosis.
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