Frequent methylprednisone pulse therapy is a risk factor for steroid cataracts in children

BACKGROUND: Pediatricians use corticosteroids for prolonged periods of time for the treatment of many diseases, including rheumatic disease. The side-effects of corticosteroids, especially cataracts, are widely recognized, but the predictive risk factors for steroid-induced cataracts have not yet been fully characterized. METHODS: The relationship between the formation of cataracts and steroid therapy was evaluated in patients with rheumatic disease. RESULTS: The initiation of steroid therapy in children under 12 years of age (P = 0.041) and i.v. methylprednisone pulse therapy (IVMP) (P = 0.046) are significant risk factors for inducing cataracts. In contrast, the cumulative corticosteroid dose, sex, and daily corticosteroid dose were not associated with cataract formation. CONCLUSIONS: Younger children, who need frequent IVMP to treat their rheumatic diseases, should be examined by ophthalmologists frequently to avoid developing amblyopia from cataracts.