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Diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy complicating systemic corticosteroid treatment
B C Polak1, G S Baarsma, B Snyers
1Rotterdam Eye Hospital, The Netherlands.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Systemic corticosteroid therapy is linked to diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy (DRPE). Reducing steroid dosage may alleviate visual symptoms associated with this condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy (DRPE) is a condition affecting the retinal pigment epithelium.
- The potential link between systemic corticosteroid use and DRPE requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the association between diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy (DRPE) and systemic corticosteroid therapy.
- To identify corticosteroids as a potential etiological factor in DRPE and related conditions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case collection of DRPE patients from the European Fluorescein Angiography Club.
- Analysis of 34 patients who developed ophthalmic symptoms during systemic corticosteroid treatment.
Main Results:
- DRPE manifested in 34 patients across 10 European eye clinics during systemic corticosteroid treatment.
- Ocular symptoms emerged during steroid therapy for various systemic disorders or post-allotransplantation.
- Visual complaints sometimes improved upon corticosteroid dose reduction or discontinuation.
Conclusions:
- Systemic corticosteroids can compromise the retinal pigment epithelial barrier, increasing susceptibility to serous retinal detachment.
- Psychological stress may also contribute to central serous chorioretinopathy.
- Decreasing corticosteroid dosage can potentially mitigate associated visual symptoms.