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Ali A, Bielory L, Dotchin S, Hamel P, Strube YNJ, Koo EB. Management of vernal keratoconjunctivitis: Navigating a changing treatment landscape. Surv Ophthalmol 2023:S0039-6257(23)00138-8. [PMID: 37890678 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic, progressive, and potentially sight-threatening form of ocular inflammatory disease that primarily affects children and young adults. Prevalence varies by region, ranging from <2 per 10,000 in the United States to as high as 1,100 per 10,000 in parts of Africa. The rarity of VKC in developed countries can make differential diagnosis challenging, and treatment is often delayed until the disease is advanced, and symptoms are significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Although once viewed primarily as an immunoglobulin E-mediated condition, approximately 50% of patients with VKC do not exhibit allergic sensitization. It is now recognized that the immunopathology of VKC involves multiple inflammatory pathways that lead to the signs, symptoms, and conjunctival eosinophilic and fibroproliferative lesions that are a hallmark of the disease. We examine the evolution of our understanding of the immunopathology of VKC, the expanding VKC treatment armamentarium, the clinical implications of emerging treatment approaches, and future directions for VKC research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asim Ali
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Leonard Bielory
- Departments of Medicine, Allergy, Immunology and Ophthalmology, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
| | - Stephanie Dotchin
- Department of Surgery, Section of Ophthalmology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Patrick Hamel
- CHU Ste-Justine, Université de Montréal and McGill University Health Center, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Yi Ning J Strube
- Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's University/Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Euna B Koo
- Stanford Byers Eye Institute, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Leonardi A, Doan S, Aragona P, Amrane M, Ismail D, Montero J, Németh J, Bremond-Gignac D. Topical cyclosporine A cationic ophthalmic emulsion in paediatric vernal keratoconjunctivitis: pooled analysis of randomised NOVATIVE and VEKTIS trials. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:2320-2326. [PMID: 36564576 PMCID: PMC10366270 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-022-02342-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Cyclosporine A cationic ophthalmic emulsion (CsA CE) was evaluated in paediatric and adolescent patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) in the NOVATIVE (NCT00328653) and VEKTIS (NCT01751126) trials. The similarity of these studies permitted pooled assessment of the effect of CsA CE on corneal damage as well as safety and tolerability. SUBJECTS/METHODS Pooled outcomes were assessed for the first 28 days of treatment. In NOVATIVE, 118 patients were randomised to 4 times daily (QID) CsA CE 0.05%, 0.1%, or vehicle eye drops. In VEKTIS, 169 patients were randomised to CsA CE 0.1% QID or twice daily (BID) or vehicle. For these analyses, treatment groups comprised: (1) pooled CsA CE 0.1% QID arms (high-dose; n = 96); (2) pooled CsA CE 0.05% QID arm from NOVATIVE and CsA CE 0.1% BID data from VEKTIS (low-dose; n = 93); and (3) pooled vehicle QID arms (vehicle; n = 98). RESULTS Changes from baseline to day 28 (mean ± standard deviation) in corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) scores for CsA CE high-dose, low-dose, and vehicle groups were -1.6 ± 1.47 (95% CI: -0.9, -0.1; p = 0.0124 vs vehicle), -1.7 ± 1.39 (95% CI: -1.1, -0.3; p = 0.0015 vs vehicle), and -1.0 ± 1.55, respectively. Adverse events (AEs) of any type were reported in 37.5%, 34.4%, and 37.8% of the high-dose, low-dose, and vehicle groups, respectively. Most were mild or moderate in severity. CONCLUSIONS CsA CE significantly decreased corneal damage and was safe and well tolerated in patients with VKC. These data support CSA CE as a treatment option for the management of VKC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Leonardi
- Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Serge Doan
- Bichat Hospital and Foundation A. de Rothschild, Paris, France
| | - Pasquale Aragona
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | | | | | - János Németh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dominique Bremond-Gignac
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Necker Enfants Malades, APHP, Paris, France
- INSERM Unit 1138, T17 Paris Cité University, Paris, France
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Bruschi G, Ghiglioni DG, Cozzi L, Osnaghi S, Viola F, Marchisio P. Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis: A Systematic Review. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2023; 65:277-329. [PMID: 37658939 PMCID: PMC10567967 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-023-08970-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic, bilateral corneal and conjunctival problem which typically presents in young individuals. VKC is characterized by itching, photophobia, white mucous discharge, lacrimation, foreign body sensation, and pain due to corneal involvement of shield ulcers. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is categorized within ocular diseases. The diagnosis is clinical, as no sure biomarkers pathognomonic of the disease have yet been identified. The VKC therapy relies on different types of drugs, from antihistamines and topical steroids to cyclosporine or tacrolimus eye drops. In extremely rare cases, there is also the need for surgical treatment for the debridement of ulcers, as well as for advanced glaucoma and cataracts, caused by excessive prolonged use of steroid eye drops. We performed a systematic review of the literature, according to PRISMA guideline recommendations. We searched the PubMed database from January 2016 to June 2023. Search terms were Vernal, Vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and VKC. We initially identified 211 articles. After the screening process, 168 studies were eligible according to our criteria and were included in the review. In this study, we performed a systematic literature review to provide a comprehensive overview of currently available diagnostic methods, management of VKC, and its treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniele Giovanni Ghiglioni
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Via della Commenda 9, 20122, Milan, Italy.
| | - Laura Cozzi
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Osnaghi
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Via della Commenda 9, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Viola
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Via della Commenda 9, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Marchisio
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Via della Commenda 9, 20122, Milan, Italy
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Novel Insights in the Management of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC): European Expert Consensus Using a Modified Nominal Group Technique. Ophthalmol Ther 2023; 12:1207-1222. [PMID: 36790673 PMCID: PMC10011216 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-023-00665-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a rare, severe allergic ocular disease, typically occurring in children and adolescents, that can have a significant impact on quality of life and lead to visual impairment. Long-term treatment may be necessary to tackle chronic inflammation and topical corticosteroid dependency must be minimised due to the risk of complications. There is a need for unified clinical guidance to aid the assessment, diagnosis and management of VKC across Europe. The aim of this expert panel (the EUR-VKC Group) was to provide clear guidance for primary care physicians and general ophthalmologists involved in the diagnosis and management of VKC. METHODS An expert group of seven European ophthalmologists was convened and a modified nominal group technique used to develop key recommendations on VKC management. The recommendations were subject to up to two rounds of voting using a 5-point Likert scale to ascertain consensus and the strength of each recommendation. Consensus was set at a predetermined threshold of ≥ 75.0% of experts selecting 'Strongly agree' or 'Agree'. RESULTS A total of 47 recommendations were developed relating to the assessment of key of VKC, guidance on who and when to refer, as well as treatment-escalation pathways, long-term follow-up, and supportive care and education. All recommendations reached consensus after two rounds. The group emphasise how timely diagnosis and treatment initiation that is appropriate to disease severity are crucial to benefit patients with VKC. Patients with signs ('red flags') indicating severe VKC, or persistent mild-to-moderate VKC that is non-responsive following 2-4 weeks of treatment, should be referred to a sub-specialist. CONCLUSION The EUR-VKC Group provides recommendations on the assessment, diagnosis, management, referral and follow-up of patients with VKC. It also provides a framework to facilitate collaboration between primary care physicians, general ophthalmologists and sub-specialists to improve the outcomes for patients with VKC.
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Dahlmann-Noor AH, Roberts C, Muthusamy K, Calder V, Hingorani M. Steroid-sparing effect of ciclosporin A 1 mg/mL: 5-year case series of 107 children and young people with vernal keratoconjunctivitis. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2022; 7:e001040. [PMCID: PMC9756209 DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2022-001040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/aims To explore the steroid-sparing and other therapeutic effects of ciclosporin A (CsA) 1 mg/mL in the management of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). Methods Open retrospective single-group interventional consecutive cohort study (case series) of 107 children and young people (CYP) age 4.4–18 years with severe and/or recurrent VKC who were prescribed CsA 1 mg/mL between November 2015 and May 2021 at one institution. Review of electronic patient records, noting clinical indication for prescribing CsA 1 mg/mL, dosage prescribed at initiation and follow-up, impact on steroid usage before and after commencing CsA as well as adverse events and indications for discontinuation of treatment. Results The median number of inflammatory episodes requiring treatment with topical corticosteroids fell from 3 (IQR 2–4) during the 12 months prior to CsA 1 mg/mL to 1 (IQR 0–3) during the 12 months after, excluding steroid prescriptions with the first CsA 1 mg/mL prescription (Wilcoxon signed ranks test, two tailed, p<0.01). In the 12-month period following initiation of CsA 1 mg/mL with concomitant prescription of topical corticosteroids (n=82), daily dosage of steroids was reduced in 79 (96.3%) and discontinued in 67 (81.7%). The median number of hospital clinic visits fell from 4 (IQR 3–5) to 3 (IQR 2–5) (Wilcoxon p<0.01). Adverse events leading to discontinuation of CsA 1 mg/mL within 12 months of starting included stinging (instillation site pain) (6/107, 5.6%) and skinrash (1/107, 0.9%). Conclusion Commercial preparations of CsA 1 mg/mL, licensed for severe VKC in CYP, significantly reduce the need for concomitant topical corticosteroids and hospital clinic visits. Adverse events which may lead to discontinuation are stinging and skin rash.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annegret Hella Dahlmann-Noor
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK,Children's Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Clare Roberts
- Children's Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Kirithika Muthusamy
- Children's Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Melanie Hingorani
- Children's Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Dogan CU, Tuzer C, Turker IC, Alkan AA, Culha D, Demir S. Topical cyclosporine versus allergen specific immunotherapy in perennial allergic conjunctivitis. Int Ophthalmol 2022:10.1007/s10792-022-02612-y. [PMID: 36513916 PMCID: PMC9747541 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-022-02612-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Symptom control in the long-term with less side effects is important in perennial allergic conjunctivitis, since would improve quality of life. This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacies of topical cyclosporin A and subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) in terms of sign control in perennial allergic conjunctivitis. METHODS This retrospective study included 20 adult patients with perennial allergic conjunctivitis and confirmed sensitization to house dust mites with skin prick test. Patients were assigned to either topical cyclosporine A treatment or SCIT. The participants were followed for 6 months, and signs scores were recorded at 1, 3 and 6 months. RESULTS Overall, both cyclosporine and immunotherapy groups showed significant improvements in papillary reaction (p = 0.011 and 0.003, respectively), limbal involvement (p = 0.031 and 0.001), and conjunctival hyperemia (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001) scores during the 6-month follow-up. However, only cyclosporine group showed a significant improvement in corneal involvement scores (p = 0.015) during the study period. When scores at different time points were compared, significant improvement in conjunctival hyperemia was evident at 6 months in both groups when compared to baseline (cyclosporine group, 0.7 ± 0.68 vs. 2.4 ± 0.84, 70.8% decrease, p = 0.01; immunotherapy group, 0.3 ± 0.48 vs. 2.3 ± 0.95, 87.0% decrease, p = 0.004), whereas for limbal involvement such an improvement was only evident in the immunotherapy group (0.1 ± 0.32 vs. 1.3 ± 0.95, 92.3% decrease, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Allergen immunotherapy and cyclosporin A treatment may provide effective sign relief in perennial allergic conjunctivitis. It may represent an encouraging treatment option particularly for cases with perennial allergic conjunctivitis refractive to other treatments and positive skin prick test to a specific allergen (house dust in the present study). Long-term relief by SCIT would reduce the side effects of polypharmacotherapy. Larger studies with longer follow-up are warranted to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceylan Uslu Dogan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Cumhuriyet and Demokrasi Avenue, No:1, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Can Tuzer
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Cagri Turker
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Cumhuriyet and Demokrasi Avenue, No:1, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Damla Culha
- Lotus Eye Aesthetics & Strabismus Clinic, Halaskargazi Street, Sisli/Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Semra Demir
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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Efficacy of Thin and Ultrathin Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty and Influence of Graft Thickness on Postoperative Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Am J Ophthalmol 2022; 240:170-186. [PMID: 35346623 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2022.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of thin and ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (T-DSAEK and UT-DSAEK, with graft thickness <130 and <100 µm, respectively), depending on graft thickness. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHOD PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ScienceDirect databases were searched until October 1, 2021. We computed random-effect meta-analysis on postoperative outcomes of T/UT-DSAEK, stratified by graft thickness (<80 μm, 80-100 μm, and 100-130 μm). The main postoperative outcome was visual acuity (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]). Secondary outcomes were pachymetry (μm), endothelial cell count (cell/mm2), spherical equivalent (diopter [D]), rebubbling rate (%), and rejection rate (%). Meta-regressions compared postoperative outcomes depending on graft thickness and search for putative confusion factors. RESULTS We included 47 articles for a total of 2141 eyes of 2040 patients. T/UT-DSAEK globally improved visual acuity (effect size = -0.38 logMAR [95% confidence interval {CI} -0.46 to -0.30 logMAR]), without difference depending on graft thickness. Overall, pachymetry improved (-60.6 µm [95% CI -101 to -19.7 µm]), endothelial cell count decreased (-1039 cells/mm2 [95% CI -1209 to -868 cells/mm2), spherical equivalent resulted in a hyperopic shift (0.74 D [95% CI -0.50 to 1.97 D), the graft rejection rate was 0.2% (95% CI -0.1% to 0.4%), and the rebubbling rate was 8.7% (95% CI 6.8%-10.5%). Grafts >100 μm induced a hyperopic shift. Metaregressions did not demonstrate differences between the 3 groups (<80 μm, 80-100 μm, or 100-130 μm) in any outcomes. CONCLUSION All T/UT-DSAEK thickness groups provided similar visual acuity, pachymetry, endothelial cell count, rejection rate, and rebubbling rate regardless of graft thickness. A hyperopic shift was induced by grafts >100 μm.
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Physicochemical Stability of a Novel Tacrolimus Ophthalmic Formulation for the Treatment of Ophthalmic Inflammatory Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14010118. [PMID: 35057013 PMCID: PMC8778879 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant used to treat a large variety of inflammatory or immunity-mediated ophthalmic diseases. However, there are currently no commercial industrial forms available that can provide relief to patients. Various ophthalmic formulations have been reported in the literature, but their stability has only been tested over short periods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical stability of a preservative-free tacrolimus formulation (0.2 and 1 mg/mL) at three storage temperatures (5 °C, 25 °C and 35 °C) for up to nine months in a multidose eyedropper. Analyses performed were the following: visual inspection and chromaticity, turbidity, viscosity, size of micelles, osmolality and pH measurements, tacrolimus quantification by a stability-indicating liquid chromatography method, breakdown product research, and sterility assay. In an in-use study, tacrolimus quantification was also performed on the drops emitted from the eyedroppers. All tested parameters remained stable during the nine month period when the eyedrops were stored at 5 °C. However, during storage at 25 °C and 35 °C, several signs of chemical instability were detected. Furthermore, a leachable compound originating from a silicone part of the eyedropper was detected during the in-use assay. Overall, the 0.2 mg/mL and 1 mg/mL tacrolimus ophthalmic solutions were physicochemically stable for up to nine months when stored at 5 °C.
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Understanding Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis: Beyond Allergic Mechanisms. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101012. [PMID: 34685384 PMCID: PMC8541022 DOI: 10.3390/life11101012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory disease of the cornea and conjunctiva mostly affecting boys in prepubertal age. VKC recurrence is characterized by intense symptoms of itching, redness, and photophobia associated with corneal damage, impairment of visual function, and quality of life. The pathogenesis of VKC has not yet been completely understood, and it is still controversial. In fact, VKC is considered an ocular allergic disease due to the involvement of immunoglobulin E, eosinophils, and mast cells, and of a lymphocyte T-helper type 2 reaction. However, approximately half of VKC patients have negative allergological history and testing, suggesting that other pathogenic mechanisms participate in VKC development and severity. Specifically, evidence suggests that genetic, endocrine, neuronal factors and an imbalance of innate immunity are involved in the pathogenesis of VKC. The purpose of this review is to summarize evidence on the pathogenic role of innate immunity, neuroimmune reaction, and hormonal changes in VKC. Increasing understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms behind VKC may lead to the identification of novel biomarkers for diagnosis and/or potential therapeutic targets in order to improve the management of this challenging condition.
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Kate A, Basu S. Systemic Immunosuppression in Cornea and Ocular Surface Disorders: A Ready Reckoner for Ophthalmologists. Semin Ophthalmol 2021; 37:330-344. [PMID: 34423717 DOI: 10.1080/08820538.2021.1966059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Many diseases of the cornea and ocular surface are manifestations of an underlying autoimmune process and require systemic immunosuppression for their management. These cases often present to a general ophthalmologist before being referred to an ocular immunologist or rheumatologist. However, the patients do need to be followed by the ophthalmologist to assess disease progression or for management of ocular co-morbidities and for taking care of ocular complications of the disease. Undeniably, there is a certain hesitance to promptly initiate them on systemic therapy because the literature regarding the indications, dosages, and side effects of this group of drugs is vast and dispersed.The aim of this review is to provide a source of ready reference for the general ophthalmologist as well as trainees and residents, on systemic immunosuppression for corneal and ocular surface disease. Methods: This review included 153 studies which were published as randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, or as nonrandomized comparative studies (cohort or case-control series) on the topic of systemic immunosuppression in cornea and ocular surface disorders.Results: This review provides a concise summary of both the types of drugs and the common indications where they would be indicated, along with treatment and monitoring algorithms for each specific disease condition. The most used group of drugs are corticosteroids, which have significant side effects, particularly when administered systemically or for longer periods of time. To overcome this, steroid-sparing immunosuppressants are recommended. The four main classes of immunosuppressants used today are antimetabolites, T-cell inhibitors, alkylating agents and biologic agents. This review details the use of these drugs in ocular surface inflammation, including the dosing schedule, side effects and monitoring in allergic conjunctivitis, mucous membrane pemphigoid, peripheral ulcerative keratitis, immunological rejection against corneal allografts, anterior scleritis and aqueous deficiency dry eyes. Conclusions: This review provides an uncluttered and wholesome understanding of systemic immunosuppression in cornea and ocular surface diseases, with the hope that this will serve as a ready reckoner and help bridge the gap between ophthalmology and rheumatology for the betterment of our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahita Kate
- The Cornea Institute, KVC Campus, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Vijayawada, India
| | - Sayan Basu
- The Cornea Institute, KAR Campus, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre (BHERC), LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
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