Efficacy and Systemic Effects of a Single Deep Orbital Triamcinolone Injection for Thyroid Eye Disease

Orbital steroid injections offer a potential therapeutic avenue for managing Thyroid Eye Disease (TED). This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and potential systemic impacts of a single deep orbital triamcinolone injection in TED patients.

In a prospective investigation conducted from January 2021 to March 2023, patients diagnosed with TED were enrolled. Inclusion criteria encompassed a Clinical Activity Score (CAS) of ≥3, extraocular muscle inflammation, and upper eyelid retraction. A total of 1 mL of triamcinolone acetonide (40 mg/mL) was administered posterior to the orbital septum at both the medial and lateral aspects of both the upper and lower eyelids. Parameters, including CAS, margin-reflex distances (MRD1 and MRD2), intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular motility (Hess area ratio [HAR%]), exophthalmometry, extraocular muscle size, and blood and urinary indices, were evaluated before and at 2 and 4 weeks after a single injection.

Analysis included 28 patients (23 women, 5 men; mean age (SD): 38.7 (11.1) years), representing 56 eyes. Following the injection at 4 weeks, the mean CAS and MRD1 significantly decreased by 2 points and 0.8 mm, respectively. There was a 4.5% increase in HAR%, and extraocular muscle size decreased by 4 to 15.3 mm². Neutrophil count, C-reactive protein, and thyroid antibodies significantly decreased. No severe adverse ophthalmic or systemic effects, including IOP increases or liver damage, were observed.

Bilateral single orbital triamcinolone injections provided relief from TED symptoms through both direct effects on orbital soft tissue and systemic effects by decreasing antibody reactions.