The study aims to investigate the efficacy of subcutaneous Betamethasone phosphate sodium injection in the treatment of chalazion. The research was carried out in Al-Assad Hospital, Tishreen University, Lattakia, in the period from January 2009 to De
cember 2010.
The study included 30 patients; their age ranged between 1-54 years. The patients had chalazion treated with an injection (0.2ml) of Betamethasone phosphate sodium in the subcutaneous tissue around the lesion. All injections were given by a single ophthalmologist. No local or topical anaesthetic was used. The patients were monitored after 2 weeks. The injection (half of the first dose 0.1ml) was repeated when the chalazion did not reduce, with a maximum of two more injections given over a 2-week interval.
Thirty patients with chalazion were followed up and treated with injection of Betamethasone phosphate sodium into the subcutaneous tissue around the lesion. In 27 patients (90%), the lesion subsided completely. 16 patients (53.3%) had lesions that subsided with one injection. 11 patients (36.7%) had lesions that subsided after the second injection. 3 patients (10%) did not respond to the treatment. The size and duration of the chalazion up till the time of the patients’ visit to the clinic did not significantly affect the outcome of the treatment. Two patients developed depigmentation of the skin at the site of injection. No other major complications were encountered.
Subcutaneous injection of the Betamethasone phosphate sodium appears to be a simple and effective treatment for chalazion. Further comparative clinical cases are indicated
