eMedicine Specialties > Emergency Medicine > Rheumatology
Scleritis: Treatment & Medication
Updated: Apr 14, 2008
- Overview
- Differential Diagnoses & Workup
- Treatment & Medication
- Follow-up
Treatment
Prehospital Care
- Primary complaint of atraumatic eye pain rarely necessitates prehospital care, other than expedient transport to the ED.
- Take care not to overlook serious comorbidity.
- If global perforation is suspected, shield the eye and avoid palpation.
Emergency Department Care
- Recognition of the problem and timely ophthalmology referral are cornerstones of ED management.
- Pain medications may be prescribed in order to provide comfort for the patient.
- Detection of scleral thinning mandates shielding of the involved eye to decrease risk of perforation.
- Scleritis treatment will require immunomodulator therapy once the definitive diagnosis is made.
- The emergency practitioner can discuss using a topical steroid agent with the ophthalmologist. The caveat being that topical steroid therapy typically fails. However, it could be considered as first-line treatment for nonnecrotizing anterior scleritis, especially in cases in which the likelihood of complications from systemic steroid or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy is high.
Consultations
- Severity of scleritis and depth of involvement determine the urgency of ophthalmology consultation.
- Serious systemic illness may require consultation with a qualified internist and/or rheumatologist.
Medication
Therapeutic goals for scleritis are familiar to any emergency practitioner: relieve the patient’s pain and initiate therapy that will positively alter the course of the disease.
From the patient's perspective, pain cessation may be the most important action taken by the emergency practitioner. Outcome will depend on the patient's response to immunosuppressive therapy.
Narcotics and systemic NSAIDs may render temporary pain relief and can be started in the ED.
NSAIDs are generally found to be effective in approximately one third of patients with diffuse anterior scleritis and two thirds of patients with nodular anterior scleritis. NSAIDs have also been found to be helpful in patients with idiopathic posterior scleritis.
Initiation of immunosuppressive therapy may require coordination with an internist and/or rheumatologist.
Topical steroids have a high failure rate but should be discussed with the practitioner who will provide follow-up care.
Subconjunctival steroid injections for non-necrotizing scleritis remain controversial. Localized steroid injections may lead to increased intraocular pressure, scleral melting, or globe perforation/scleral rupture.
Surgical management is generally not required except in rare cases of necrotizing scleritis.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
These agents are used to decrease pain and inflammation. NSAIDs are thought to act by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, interfering with migration of leukocytes, and inhibiting phosphodiesterase.
Indomethacin (Indocin)
Often considered the DOC. Indomethacin is rapidly absorbed. Metabolism occurs in the liver by demethylation, deacetylation, and glucuronide conjugation.
Adult
25-50 mg/dose IR PO bid/tid
75 mg SR PO bid; not to exceed 200 mg/d
Pediatric
1-2 mg/kg/d PO divided bid/qid; not to exceed 4 mg/kg/d or 150-200 mg/d
Coadministration with aspirin increases risk of inducing serious NSAID-related adverse effects; probenecid may increase concentrations and, possibly, toxicity of NSAIDs; may decrease effect of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; monitor PT closely (instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding); may increase risk of methotrexate toxicity; phenytoin levels may be increased when administered concurrently
Documented hypersensitivity; because of potential cross-sensitivity to other NSAIDs, do not give these agents to patients with hypersensitivity to aspirin, iodides, or other NSAIDs; avoid in GI bleeding; renal insufficiency
Pregnancy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Acute renal insufficiency, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, interstitial nephritis, and renal papillary necrosis may occur; increases risk of acute renal failure in patients with preexisting renal disease or compromised renal perfusion; reversible leukopenia may occur, (discontinue if leukopenia, granulocytopenia, or thrombocytopenia persists); perform ophthalmologic studies in patients who develop eye complaints during therapy, and discontinue therapy if changes (eg, blurred or diminished vision, corneal deposits and retinal disturbances, scotomata, changes in color vision, macula degeneration) noted
Diflunisal (Dolobid)
Nonsteroidal salicylic acid derivative that acts peripherally as an analgesic. Has antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects; however, differs chemically from aspirin and is not metabolized to salicylic acid. It is a prostaglandin-synthetase inhibitor.
Adult
Initial: 500-1000 mg PO
Maintenance: 250-500 mg PO divided bid; not to exceed 1.5 g/d
Pediatric
Not established
Antacids may decrease effects; acetaminophen plasma levels may increase when taken with diflunisal; acetaminophen does not affect plasma levels of diflunisal; oral coadministration of diflunisal may increase hypoprothrombinemic effects of anticoagulants; diflunisal competitively displaces coumarin from their protein-binding sites; monitor prothrombin time during coadministration with anticoagulants and adjust dose as needed; coadministration with hydrochlorothiazide can significantly increase hydrochlorothiazide plasma levels; administration of diflunisal with indomethacin can decrease indomethacin renal clearance and significantly increase plasma levels (their combined use has also been associated with fatal GI hemorrhages); coadministration of diflunisal with sulindac may result in significantly lower plasma levels of active sulindac sulfide metabolite
Documented hypersensitivity; active GI bleeding
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
At high doses, diflunisal inhibits platelet function and bleeding time; ophthalmologic examinations should be performed in patients who develop eye complaints during treatment; peripheral edema has been reported with diflunisal use; caution when in cardiovascular conditions that predispose patient to fluid retention; because diflunisal is a salicylic acid derivative, may potentially cause Reye syndrome
Naproxen (Naprelan, Anaprox, Aleve, Naprosyn)
Used for relief of mild-to-moderate pain. It inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing the activity of the enzyme cyclooxygenase, resulting in a decrease of prostaglandin synthesis.
Naproxen is rapidly absorbed and has a half-life of 12-15 h. It is highly protein bound.
Adult
375-500 mg PO bid
Pediatric
<2 years: Not established
>2 years: 2.5 mg/kg/dose PO; not to exceed 10 mg/kg/d
Coadministration with aspirin increases risk of inducing serious NSAID-related adverse effects; probenecid may increase concentrations and, possibly, toxicity of NSAIDs; may decrease effect of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; monitor PT closely (instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding); may increase risk of methotrexate toxicity; phenytoin levels may be increased when administered concurrently
Documented hypersensitivity; peptic ulcer disease; recent GI bleeding or perforation; renal insufficiency
Pregnancy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Acute renal insufficiency, interstitial nephritis, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, and renal papillary necrosis may occur; patients with preexisting renal disease or compromised renal perfusion risk acute renal failure; leukopenia occurs rarely, is transient, and usually returns to normal during therapy; persistent leukopenia, granulocytopenia, or thrombocytopenia warrants further evaluation and may require discontinuation of drug
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Ibuprin, Advil)
Usually the DOC for treatment of mild- to- moderate pain, if no contraindications exist. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain, probably by decreasing activity of the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which results in prostaglandin synthesis.
Highly protein-bound drug that is readily absorbed orally. The half-life is short (1.8-2.6 h).
Adult
400-600 mg PO qid
Pediatric
<6 months: Not established
6 months to 12 years: 10-70 mg/kg/d PO divided tid/qid; start at lower end of dosing range and titrate to maximum of 2.4 g/d
>12 years: Administer as in adults
Coadministration with aspirin increases risk of inducing serious NSAID-related adverse effects; probenecid may increase concentrations and, possibly, toxicity of NSAIDs; may decrease effect of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; monitor PT closely (instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding); may increase risk of methotrexate toxicity; phenytoin levels may be increased when administered concurrently
Documented hypersensitivity; hypersensitivity to other NSAIDs, aspirin, iodides; peptic ulcer disease; recent GI bleeding or perforation; renal insufficiency; high risk of bleeding
Pregnancy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Caution in congestive heart failure, hypertension, and decreased renal and hepatic function; caution in anticoagulation abnormalities or during anticoagulant therapy
Sulindac (Clinoril)
Decreases activity of cyclooxygenase and, in turn, inhibits prostaglandin synthesis. Results in a decreased formation of inflammatory mediators.
Adult
150-200 mg PO bid or 300-400 PO qd; not to exceed 400 mg/d
Pediatric
Not established
Coadministration with aspirin increases risk of inducing serious NSAID-related adverse effects; probenecid may increase concentrations and, possibly, toxicity of NSAIDs; may decrease effect of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; monitor PT closely (instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding); may increase risk of methotrexate toxicity; phenytoin levels may be increased when administered concurrently
Documented hypersensitivity; hypersensitivity to other NSAIDs, aspirin, iodides; GI bleeding; renal insufficiency
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Acute renal insufficiency, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, interstitial nephritis, and renal papillary necrosis may occur; increases risk of acute renal failure in preexisting renal disease or compromised renal perfusion; low white blood cell counts occur rarely, and usually return to normal in ongoing therapy; discontinuation of therapy may be necessary if leukopenia, granulocytopenia, or thrombocytopenia persists; caution in anticoagulation defects or in those who are receiving anticoagulant therapy
Piroxicam (Feldene)
Chemically different from other NSAIDs. Extensively bound to plasma proteins. Decreases activity of cyclooxygenase and, in turn, inhibits prostaglandin synthesis. These effects decrease formation of inflammatory mediators.
Adult
10-20 mg/d PO qd
Pediatric
0.2-0.3 mg/kg/d PO qd; not to exceed 15 mg/d
Coadministration with aspirin increases risk of inducing serious NSAID-related adverse effects; probenecid may increase concentrations and, possibly, toxicity of NSAIDs; may decrease effect of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; monitor PT closely (instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding); may increase risk of methotrexate toxicity; phenytoin levels may be increased when administered concurrently
Documented hypersensitivity; active GI bleeding
Pregnancy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Acute renal insufficiency, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, interstitial nephritis, and renal papillary necrosis may occur; increases risk of acute renal failure in patients with preexisting renal disease or compromised renal perfusion; reversible leukopenia may occur, (discontinue if leukopenia, granulocytopenia, or thrombocytopenia persists)
Immunosuppressive agents
These agents are used in severe (necrotizing scleritis) and resistant forms of the disease. Only an ophthalmologist experienced with the medication should prescribe these drugs.
Methotrexate (Folex, Rheumatex)
Mechanism of action in treatment of inflammatory reactions is unknown. May affect immune function and usually ameliorates symptoms of inflammation (eg, pain, swelling, stiffness).
Adult
7.5-15 mg PO qwk or 15 mg IM qwk
Pediatric
5-15 mg/m2/wk PO/IM as a single dose or as 3 divided doses given 12 h apart
Oral aminoglycosides may decrease absorption and blood levels of concurrent oral methotrexate (MTX); charcoal lowers MTX levels; coadministration with etretinate may increase hepatotoxicity of MTX; folic acid or its derivatives contained in some vitamins may decrease response to MTX; coadministration with NSAIDs may be fatal; indomethacin and phenylbutazone can increase MTX plasma levels; may decrease phenytoin serum levels; probenecid, salicylates, procarbazine, and sulfonamides, including TMP-SMZ, may increase effects and toxicity of MTX; may increase plasma levels of thiopurines
Documented hypersensitivity; alcoholism; hepatic insufficiency; documented immunodeficiency syndromes; preexisting blood dyscrasias (eg, bone marrow hypoplasia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, significant anemia)
Pregnancy
X - Contraindicated; benefit does not outweigh risk
Precautions
Monitor CBCs monthly, and liver and renal function q1-3mo during therapy (monitor more frequently during initial dosing, dose adjustments, or when risk of elevated MTX levels, eg, dehydration); MTX has toxic effects on hematologic, renal, GI, pulmonary, and neurologic systems; discontinue if significant drop in blood counts; aspirin, NSAIDs, or low-dose steroids may be administered concomitantly with MTX (possibility of increased toxicity with NSAIDs including salicylates has not been tested)
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar)
Chemically related to nitrogen mustards. As it is an alkylating agent, mechanism of action of active metabolites may involve cross-linking of the DNA, which may interfere with growth of normal and neoplastic cells.
Adult
1-2 mg/kg/d PO
Pediatric
Administer as in adults
Allopurinol, may increase risk of bleeding or infection and enhance myelosuppressive effects; may potentiate doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity; may reduce digoxin serum levels and antimicrobial effects of quinolones; chloramphenicol may increase half-life while decreasing metabolite concentrations; may increase effect of anticoagulants; coadministration with high doses of phenobarbital may increase rate of metabolism and leukopenic activity; thiazide diuretics may prolong cyclophosphamide-induced leukopenia and neuromuscular blockade by inhibiting cholinesterase activity
Documented hypersensitivity; severely depressed bone marrow function
Pregnancy
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Regularly examine hematologic profile (particularly neutrophils and platelets) to monitor for hematopoietic suppression; regularly examine urine for RBCs, which may precede hemorrhagic cystitis
Azathioprine (Imuran)
Inhibits mitosis and cellular metabolism by antagonizing purine metabolism and inhibiting synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins.
Adult
1 mg/kg/d PO/IV for 6-8 wk; increase by 0.5 mg/kg q4wk until response or dose reaches 2.5 mg/kg/d
Pediatric
Initial: 2-5 mg/kg/d PO/IV
Maintenance: 1-2 mg/kg/d PO/IV
Toxicity increases with allopurinol; concurrent use with ACE inhibitors may induce severe leukopenia; may increase levels of methotrexate metabolites and decrease effects of anticoagulants, neuromuscular blockers, and cyclosporine
Documented hypersensitivity
Pregnancy
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Increases risk of neoplasia; caution with liver disease and renal impairment; hematologic toxicities may occur
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
Cyclic polypeptide that suppresses some humoral immunity and, to a greater extent, cell-mediated immune reactions, such as delayed hypersensitivity, allograft rejection, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, and graft versus host disease for a variety of organs.
For children and adults, dosing should be based on ideal body weight.
Adult
3-5 mg/kg PO qd
Pediatric
Administer as in adults
Carbamazepine, phenytoin, isoniazid, rifampin, and phenobarbital may decrease cyclosporine concentrations; azithromycin, itraconazole, nicardipine, ketoconazole, fluconazole, erythromycin, verapamil, grapefruit juice, diltiazem, aminoglycosides, acyclovir, amphotericin B, and clarithromycin may increase cyclosporine toxicity; acute renal failure, rhabdomyolysis, myositis, and myalgias increase when taken concurrently with lovastatin
Documented hypersensitivity; uncontrolled hypertension or malignancies; do not administer concomitantly with PUVA or UVB radiation in psoriasis since it may increase risk of cancer
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Evaluate renal and liver functions often by measuring BUN, serum creatinine, serum bilirubin, and liver enzymes; may increase risk of infection and lymphoma; reserve IV use only for those who cannot take PO
Glucocorticoids
These agents have anti-inflammatory properties and cause profound and varied metabolic effects. Corticosteroids modify the body's immune response to diverse stimuli and are useful in the treatment of recurrent scleritis.
Methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol, Solu-Medrol, Medrol)
Administered IM or IV. Usually used in addition with other immunosuppressive agents.
Adult
1 g IV 3 times/wk
Pediatric
Not established
Coadministration with digoxin may increase digitalis toxicity secondary to hypokalemia; estrogens may increase levels of methylprednisolone; phenobarbital, phenytoin, and rifampin may decrease levels of methylprednisolone (adjust dose); monitor patients for hypokalemia when taking medication concurrently with diuretics; grapefruit juice increases prednisolone concentrations; methylprednisolone and cyclosporine mutually inhibit one another resulting in increased plasma levels of each drug
Documented hypersensitivity; viral, fungal, or tubercular skin infections
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Hyperglycemia, edema, osteonecrosis, peptic ulcer disease, hypokalemia, osteoporosis, euphoria, psychosis, growth suppression, myopathy, and infections are possible complications of glucocorticoid use; Depo-Medrol contains benzyl alcohol, which is potentially toxic when administered locally to neural tissue
Administration of Depo-Medrol by other than indicated routes, including the epidural route, has been associated with reports of serious medical events including arachnoiditis, meningitis, paraparesis/paraplegia, sensory disturbances, bowel/bladder dysfunction, seizures, visual impairment including blindness, ocular, and periocular inflammation, and residue or slough at injection site
Prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, Sterapred)
Used to treat inflammatory and allergic reactions. By reversing increased capillary permeability and suppressing PMN activity, may decrease inflammation.
Adult
60-120 mg PO qd; following satisfactory response, taper over 2-3 wk to approximately 20 mg/d with gradual taper (2.5-mg increments) until discontinuation
Pediatric
2 mg/kg PO qd
Coadministration with estrogens may decrease prednisone clearance; concurrent use with digoxin may cause digitalis toxicity secondary to hypokalemia; phenobarbital, phenytoin, and rifampin may increase metabolism of glucocorticoids (consider increasing maintenance dose); monitor for hypokalemia with coadministration of diuretics
Documented hypersensitivity; peptic ulcer disease; hepatic dysfunction; connective tissue infections; viral, fungal, or tubercular skin infections
Pregnancy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Precautions
Abrupt discontinuation of glucocorticoids may cause adrenal crisis; hyperglycemia, edema, osteonecrosis, myopathy, peptic ulcer disease, hypokalemia, osteoporosis, euphoria, psychosis, myasthenia gravis, growth suppression, and infections may occur with glucocorticoid use
More on Scleritis |
| Overview: Scleritis |
| Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Scleritis |
Treatment & Medication: Scleritis |
| Follow-up: Scleritis |
| References |
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References
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Further Reading
Keywords
scleritis, sclera, leucitis, anterior scleritis, posterior scleritis, necrotizing anterior scleritis, scleromalacia perforans, diffuse anterior scleritis, eye redness, eye pain, sclerokeratitis
Treatment & Medication: Scleritis