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

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of intrapolyp triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injections on intraocular pressure (IOP) and recurrence of nasal polyps after endoscopic sinus surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSIONS: Intrapolyp TA injection is a safe and effective method for the management of recurrent polyps after endoscopic sinus surgery.