Changes in choroidal thickness after systemic administration of high-dose corticosteroids: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Systemic corticosteroids are widely used for various inflammatory conditions.
• Potential ocular side effects of corticosteroids warrant investigation, particularly concerning choroidal changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of systemic high-dose corticosteroid therapy on choroidal thickness.
• To determine if corticosteroid administration leads to significant changes in choroidal measurements.

Main Methods:

• A prospective pilot study involving 18 patients (35 eyes) receiving high-dose corticosteroid pulse therapy.
• Choroidal thickness was measured at baseline and at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month post-treatment.
• Blood pressure was monitored during the initial 5 days of therapy.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant changes in mean subfoveal choroidal thickness were observed at any follow-up point (P = 0.197).
• Systolic blood pressure showed a significant increase (13 mmHg, P = 0.008), while diastolic pressure remained unchanged.
• One patient with pre-existing pigment epithelial detachment and a thick choroid developed central serous chorioretinopathy and increased choroidal thickness.

Conclusions:

• Systemic high-dose corticosteroids do not appear to cause consistent changes in choroidal thickness.
• The development of central serous chorioretinopathy in one patient suggests a potential idiosyncratic or vulnerability-related response to steroids, rather than a direct dose-dependent effect.