Occurrence and morphological characteristics of cataracts in patients treated with general steroid therapy at Cantonal Hospital Zenica

• Published in: Medicinski glasnik : official publication of the Medical Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina Vol. 11; no. 2; p. 295
• Main Authors: Čerim, Alma, Dizdarević, Admira, Pojskić, Belma
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bosnia and Herzegovina 01-08-2014
• Subjects: Adrenal Cortex Hormones - administration & dosage; Adrenal Cortex Hormones - adverse effects; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cataract - chemically induced; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies
• ISSN: 1840-2445

To determine the occurrence and morphological characteristics of cataracts and the impact of general steroid therapy on its occurrence.
A retrospective/prospective study was conducted on 90 patients who had been treated at the Cantonal Hospital Zenica with general steroid therapy. There were 30 patients whose general steroid therapy lasted shorter than 4 years and 30 patients on steroid therapy for more than 4 years. The remaining 30 patients were the control group. An examination of lens transparency and morphological characteristics of cataract was made by slit lamp with previously achieved mydriasis.
A significant (p less than 0.05) occurrence of cataracts in patients taking general steroid therapy > 4 years and significantly more frequent occurrence of cataract in patients aged 60 years and over was found. Iatrogenic diabetes affects the occurrence of cataracts in addition to age and duration of therapy, especially in those who were on steroid therapy for more than 4 years. Steroid cataract was of subcapsular type according to its morphological characteristics.
A possibility of cataract occurrence during or after the treatment with corticosteroids therapy should not be ignored. Subcapsular location of cataracts reduces work ability, normal daily activities and requires surgery. Ophthalmic examination should be an obligatory part of the preparation of patients for corticosteroids treatment. Control examinations should be repeated every six months during the therapy, and even more frequently if required.