Corticosteroids as adjuvant therapy for ocular toxoplasmosis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Parasitology

Background:

• Ocular toxoplasmosis, an infection by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, can cause inflammation of the retina, choroid, and uvea.
• Complications may include glaucoma, cataract, and posterior synechiae, impacting vision.
• Current treatment variations exist regarding corticosteroid use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the evidence on adjunctive corticosteroid therapy for ocular toxoplasmosis.
• To compare anti-parasitic therapy plus corticosteroids versus anti-parasitic therapy alone.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive search of multiple electronic databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, etc.) up to December 2016.
• Inclusion of randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials of any age group with acute ocular toxoplasmosis.
• Independent screening and data extraction by two authors, with discrepancies resolved through discussion.

Main Results:

• No completed or ongoing eligible randomized controlled trials were identified for this Cochrane review.
• The review found no evidence from randomized controlled trials regarding the role of corticosteroids in managing ocular toxoplasmosis.

Conclusions:

• There is a lack of high-quality evidence from randomized controlled trials to support or refute the use of corticosteroids in ocular toxoplasmosis.
• Further well-conducted randomized trials are necessary to answer critical questions about efficacy, optimal timing, dosage, and duration of corticosteroid use.