INTRAVITREAL CLINDAMYCIN FOR TOXOPLASMIC RETINOCHOROIDITIS

Abstract

Purpose: 

To report outcomes of off-label use of intravitreal clindamycin in the treatment of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis.

Methods: 

In a noncomparative, retrospective, interventional case series, we reviewed the charts of six consecutive patients with toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis who were treated with intravitreal injection of clindamycin (1.0 mg/0.1 mL) because of intolerance to or disease progression despite oral microbial treatment. The primary outcome measures were change in Snellen visual acuity, resolution of inflammation, and adverse events.

Results: 

Injection of intravitreal clindamycin was associated with control of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis and resolution of vitreous inflammation in all six patients. Five patients had improvement in visual acuity. One patient's vision was limited because of macular scarring. Four patients underwent concomitant pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) at the time of injection. One patient who had concomitant clindamycin injection and PPV developed a retinal detachment postoperatively.

Conclusion: 

Intravitreal clindamycin injection, alone or in conjunction with PPV, was associated with resolution of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis in six patients.

In Brief

Intravitreal injection of clindamycin (1.0 mg/0.1 mL), alone or with concomitant pars plana vitrectomy, was effective adjunctive treatment of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis in six patients who were intolerant of or did not respond to oral antimicrobial therapy.