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    Intravenous Methylprednisolone

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    万俊辰

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    Intravenous Methylprednisolone

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    万俊辰
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    Intravenous-Methylprednisolone

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    3 views4 pages

    Intravenous Methylprednisolone

    Uploaded by

    万俊辰

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
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    of 4

    James Paget University Hospitals

    NHS Foundation Trust

    Intravenous Methylprednisolone
    for Thyroid Eye Disease

    Patient Information
    What is Thyroid eye disease?
    Thyroid eye disease is an auto immune disease of the soft tissue
    such as the fat and muscles surrounding the eyes. The disease is
    characterised by a period of inflammation and swelling of these
    tissues, followed by a healing response.
    The body’s immune system usually fights off infection but in an
    auto-immune disease it attacks the body’s own tissues with anti-
    bodies. At the moment the reason for this is not entirely clear.
    When an auto-immune attack starts on the thyroid gland, it
    responds by producing more of its hormones. At the same time
    the auto-antibodies attacking the thyroid gland also attack the
    tissues around the eyes.
    As the soft tissue around the eye becomes inflamed, some of the
    following problems can occur:
    • The eyelids become puffy and red (lid swelling).
    • The muscles of the eyelids contract, producing a staring
    appearance (lid retraction).
    • The muscles and fat surrounding the eye swells, pushing the
    eyes forward so that they bulge
    • Lid retraction and exophthalmos make the dry eye symptoms
    worse.
    • The swelling of the muscles which move the eyes produce
    unequal movements and double vision (diplopia)
    • The orbits may become painful, particularly on eye
    movement.
    In some patients who have firm tissue, the eyes may not bulge
    forward. This results in the pressure inside the orbit increasing
    which in turn compresses on the optic nerve and causes sight
    problems. The optic nerve carries messages from the eye to the
    brain and can be damaged by this increase in pressure.
    What does the treatment involve?
    Intravenous administration of methylprednisolone can help
    to reduce the pressure on the optic nerve. It may also help
    permanent eye damage from occurring. It works by reducing
    the swelling around the eyes. If the steroid treatment is not
    closely monitored then side effects may occur such as weight
    gain, thinning of the bones / skin and raised blood sugar levels.
    These side effects are more likely if steroid treatment is taken
    by mouth rather than an infusion. This is why it is only used for
    more severe cases and is used under specialist supervision.
    When you attend the eye clinic for your consultation, the doctor
    seeing you will take a detailed clinical history from you before
    making the decision to treat your thyroid eye disease with
    intravenous methylprednisolone. You may also be required to
    have some additional diagnostic tests.
    Intravenous administration of methylprednisolone treatment is
    carried out in the eye clinic. Once you have seen the doctor and
    you have given consent to treatment, you will be taken to one
    of the examination / consultation rooms. The nurse will take
    your blood pressure, pulse rate, breathing rate and blood sugar
    levels if you suffer from diabetes.
    With your consent, a small plastic tube (cannula) will be
    inserted into the back of your hand and the intravenous
    methylprednisolone will be administered through a saline drip.
    This treatment will take approximately 1 hour. At the end of
    the treatment the cannula will be removed and a small adhesive
    dressing (plaster) will be applied. You will then be able to go
    home.

    After treatment
    If you have concerns following your treatment, please speak
    to the nurse caring for you. Alternatively you can get further
    advice from the eye clinic on 01493 452594
    Further Information on thyroid eye disease can be
    obtained from:
    www.rnib.org.uk
    The Thyroid Eye Disease Association
    Solstice
    Sea Road
    Winchelsea Beach
    East Sussex
    TN 4LH

    The hospital is able to arrange for an


    interpreter to assist you in communicating
    effectively with staff during your stay
    through INTRAN.
    If you need an interpreter or a person to sign,
    please let us know.
    If you require a large print version of this
    booklet, please contact PALS on
    01493 453240

    Authors: Bridget Hemmant, © July 2011

    Consultant Ophthalmologist and James Paget University Hospitals NHS


    Foundation Trust

    Sarah Morris, Matron. Review Date: July 2014


    OP 45 version 1

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