Brasnu E, Wechsler B, Bron A, Charlotte F, Bliefeld P, Lehoang P, Marcelin AG, Bodaghi B. Efficacy of interferon-alpha for the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus-associated uveitis.
Am J Ophthalmol 2005;
140:746-8. [PMID:
16226536 DOI:
10.1016/j.ajo.2005.04.025]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2004] [Revised: 04/10/2005] [Accepted: 04/11/2005] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE
To report cases of uveitis that are associated with human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) and the impact of interferon-alpha therapy on their visual outcome.
DESIGN
Interventional case reports.
METHODS
Extensive examination was performed in patients with chronic and severe uveitis to exclude a viral cause that requires specific therapy. After histopathologic, molecular, and/or serologic confirmation of HHV-8 uveitis, interferon-alpha2a therapy (3 millions IU/d, 3 days per week, subcutaneously) was initiated.
RESULTS
Two patients of Mediterranean origin were included. HHV-8 serologic result was positive in both cases. Histopathologic examination of conjunctival biopsy specimens confirmed Kaposi's sarcoma in the second case, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction identified HHV-8 DNA in the biopsy specimen. Disease was controlled by interferon-alpha2a in both cases, but maintenance therapy was mandatory to prevent relapses.
CONCLUSION
HHV-8-associated uveitis is a rare condition in immunocompetent hosts. Severe and chronic conditions may require antiviral and immunomodulatory therapies. Interferon alpha seems to be a good candidate and may be proposed in these cases.
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