A small RCT (n=28) 4 compared subcutaneous extralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection (0.3 ml, 10 mg/ml) versus conservative treatment consisting of lid hygiene, warm compresses, and chloramphenicol 1% ointment 4 times a day for chalazion. There was a clinically and statistically significant difference between the success rates in favour of injection (93.8% vs 58.3%).
Intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide suspension (5 mg/mL) was used in the treatment of 110 cases of chalazion; 92.3% of the cases resolved completely with one to three injections, irrespective of the duration and consistency of the chalazion 1. Recurrence and yellow deposits were seen at the site of injection in a minority of patients.
Perfect recovery was achieved in 88% of 24 chalazion cases injected with triamcinolone acetonide (22 patients) 2. Most of them were cured with a single injection. The authors conclude that because of its simplicity, efficiency and almost non-existent risks, this method should also be convenient for physicians other than ophthalmologists.
Twelve adult patients with 17 chalazia underwent trial intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide 3. Seven chalazia resolved within two weeks after only one injection, and another six after two injections. Two lesions failed to respond to two injections, and two lesions responded to one injection, but either recurred or another lesion developed.
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by imprecise results (few patients and wide confidence intervals) and potential reporting bias. Possible adverse effects of a subcutaneous injection were not assessed.
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