Management of chalazion in pediatric patients by intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the safety and efficacy of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection in the treatment of chalazion in pediatric patients not responding to conservative treatment.

Methods: This was a retrospective case series conducted in a single ophthalmology centre in Hong Kong. Medical records of all patients under the age of 18 years who received intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection by a single surgeon for primary chalazion, not responding to conservative treatment for more than 1 month, were reviewed. They were given triamcinolone acetonide injections at doses ranging from 2 mg to 6 mg (40 mg/mL) titrated according to the size of lesion. Main outcome measures included time to resolution, time to 50% reduction in size, and complications from treatment.

Results: From January 2012 to March 2013, 17 patients under the age of 18 years were treated with intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection by a single surgeon. Overall, 70.6% (12/17) of chalazia achieved a 50% reduction in size in 2 weeks and 76.5% (13/17) achieved complete resolution in 6 weeks. The mean (± standard deviation) time to resolution was 18.2 ± 11.0 days. No complications were noted from the injections. Three cases (17.6%) subsequently required incision and curettage, and one case (5.9%) received a second triamcinolone acetonide injection before complete resolution could be achieved.

Conclusion: Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection is a safe and effective office-based procedure for the treatment of primary chalazion in children who fail to respond to conservative treatment.