Effect of half adult dose of oral Rifampicin (300mg) in patients with idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of half adult dose of oral Rifampicin on mean change in best corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy. METHODS: Thirty-eight eyes of 31 patients with idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) were registered. Unaided Visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity was documented and detailed slit lamp examination along with dilated ophthalmoscopy was performed. All subjects were treated with oral Rifampicin 300 mg (half adult dose) daily for 03 months. Patients underwent a complete ocular and systemic examination as well as central macular thickness (CMT) measurement by optical coherence tomography (OCT) every month after starting treatment until four months. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) was performed in recurrent cases. Liver function tests were carried out prior to the treatment and during follow up period. RESULTS: A total of 38 eyes of 31 patients (24 males, 07 females) were included in the study. Mean age of patients was 36.16±3.19 years (range 30-44). Mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before treatment was 0.56±0.11 and improved to 0.47±0.14 at 04 weeks (P<0.001) of treatment. The mean CMT at the time of presentation was 494.39±96.29 um and was decreased to 306.90±50.71 um after 04 weeks of treatment (P<0.001). The mean induced reduction in CMT was 187.48±122 um (P<0.001) while that in BCVA 0.41±0.16 at 04 weeks of treatment (P<0.001). Liver function tests were within normal range before and after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Half adult dose rifampicin (300mg) is effective and safe in treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy without causing any systemic imbalance.