Effects of intrapolyp steroid injection on intraocular pressure and recurrent polyp treatment

To examine the effects of intrapolyp triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injections on intraocular pressure (IOP) and recurrence of nasal polyps after endoscopic sinus surgery.

This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients were randomized into either the TA injection group (Group I, 20 mg/ml, 2 mL) or the placebo normal saline injection group (group II, 2 mL). There were a total of five study visits: one baseline visit and one at 2, 4, 8, and 12 w after the injection. The primary safe outcome was the change in IOP between two groups at 4 w. The secondary safe outcome was the IOP at each visit and proportion of patients having IOP above 21 mmHg at 4 and 8 w. Changes in the nasal polyp size were measured between two groups at each visit.

A total of 43 consenting participants completed this study (22 in group I and 21 in group II). The mean IOP elevation in both eyes was not significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05) and was not over 2 mmHg at the 4-w mark. There was also no significant difference in the proportion of patients having IOP above 21 mmHg at 4 and 8 w between the groups (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference in the change in polyp size until 8 w between both groups (p < 0.01).

Intrapolyp TA injection is a safe and effective method for the management of recurrent polyps after endoscopic sinus surgery.