IMPACT OF CHRONIC CORTICOSTEROID ADMINISTRATION ON INTRAOCULAR-PRESSURE IN RENAL-TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS

Chronic corticosteroid use has been associated with elevation of intraocular pressure. Intraocular pressure was determined in 46 renal transplant recipients who had received chronic corticosteroid therapy (range 45-5500 days), with a total cumulative dose of 2.3 to 81 grams. No significant positive correlation was observed between intraocular pressure and either total corticosteroid dose or duration of therapy. Contrary to prior data, there was a trend toward lower intraocular pressure with higher total corticosteroid exposure. Although our data did not demonstrate a correlation between steroid dosage and durations and elevations in IOP in this kidney transplant population, individual pressure elevation requiring treatment was recorded, and the physician needs to be aware of the complication of IOP elevations.