Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Editorial Comment Comparative Study
CT angiography in the diagnosis of brain death.
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Review Comparative Study
The therapeutic potential of intraocular depot steroid systems: developments aimed at prolonging duration of efficacy.
Corticosteroids play a major role in the treatment of many diseases of the posterior ocular segment. Systemically or topically administered steroids usually do not attain therapeutic concentrations in the retina, as they must first cross the blood-retina barrier. Intravitreal application is a useful alternative means of achieving therapeutic concentrations in the posterior segment but must be repeated every few weeks, because drugs given in this way have a short half-life. Intraocular sustained-release implants have been now developed in order to prolong the effect of intravitreal drugs and to lessen the need for repeated application. Macular edema is a typical indication for intravitreal steroid treatment. ⋯ Intravitreal corticosteroid implants are a new option in the treatment of diseases of the posterior ocular segment. Long-term results are not yet available. The optimal treatment for these diseases will need to be the focus of further clinical research.