Efficacy of Suprachoroidal versus Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide in Refractory Macular Edema; A Quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of suprachoroidal vs intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in management of refractory macular edema. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study Place and Duration of Study: Ophthalmology Department, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jun to Nov 2022. Methodology: A total of three hundred and seventy-eight eyes of 189 patients were selected after approval from the Institutional Ethics Review Board. In this study, individuals were divided into two Groups using lottery method: Group-A, received suprachoroidal triamcinolone acetonide and Group-B, received intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. After intervention, both Groups were followed up at 1 and 3 months. Baseline central macular thickness was noted in each Group. Patients were also observed for complications. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23 was utilized for data analysis. Results: No significant differences were noted between both Groups at baseline Central Macular Thickness (p-value =0.29), However, significant difference was noted at 3-month Central Macular Thickness (p-value as <0.001). Very few compli-cations were observed in both Groups. Conclusion: This study revealed that both suprachoroidal and intravitreal routes of administering triamcinolone acetonide were equally effective. Significant reduction in Central Macular Thickness and no increase in Intraocular Pressure along with better tolerance for treatment were seen in suprachoroidal route in our research which indicated its safety.