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Journal of Ophthalmology 2021Corticosteroids are used in a variety of ophthalmological diseases. One challenge faced by ophthalmologists is to deliver corticosteroids to the posterior segment of the... (Review)
Review
Corticosteroids are used in a variety of ophthalmological diseases. One challenge faced by ophthalmologists is to deliver corticosteroids to the posterior segment of the eye with efficacy and safety. Sustained-release corticosteroid implants may be the answer to this problem. The 0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant (Iluvien®) releases FAc for 36 months, and it is approved for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) and noninfectious uveitis. We decided to do a systematic review to acknowledge in which other diseases FAc implant is being used off-label. A literature search was performed in the following three electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (from January 1, 2000, to September 20, 2020), using the following query: ("Fluocinolone Acetonide" OR Iluvien®) AND ("eye" OR "ocular" OR "intravitreal)." A total of 11 papers were included, and the use of FAc implant was analyzed in the following diseases: radiation-induced maculopathy (RM); paraneoplastic visual syndromes (melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR) and cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR)); Sjogren's syndrome-related keratopathy; retinal vein occlusion (RVO); cystoid macular edema (CME); diabetic retinal neurodegeneration (DRN); and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). FAc implant may be a potential treatment for these diseases; however, the level of scientific evidence of the included studies in this review is limited. Further studies with larger cohorts and longer follow-ups are needed to validate this data.
PubMed: 34055398
DOI: 10.1155/2021/6678364 -
Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases Oct 2019To discuss available information on the effectiveness of anti-toxoplasma therapy for ocular toxoplasmosis and to provide clinicians with a practical approach to the...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
To discuss available information on the effectiveness of anti-toxoplasma therapy for ocular toxoplasmosis and to provide clinicians with a practical approach to the disease.
RECENT FINDINGS
Only eleven randomized studies were identified. In the three studies for acute retinitis, there was a clear trend in favor of treatment. In the two studies for the prevention of recurrences, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis was superior to placebo. In the six studies comparing different regimens, there was no statistically significant difference between the regimens. In the setting of acute posterior uveitis suspected to be caused by toxoplasma, serological testing should always be obtained, and anti-toxoplasma drug treatment, and corticosteroids should be instituted for at least 6 weeks. Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis during pregnancy represents a particular challenge.
SUMMARY
Treatment with at least two drugs and corticosteroids should be offered to patients with active toxoplasmic chorioretinitis. Pregnant women with confirmed acute infection and concomitant acute retinitis should be treated for the ocular lesion(s) and to prevent vertical transmission. Pregnant women with chronic Toxoplasma infection acquired prior to gestation and concomitant retinitis by reactivation should be treated for the retinitis and monitored for vertical transmission.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adult; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antiprotozoal Agents; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Disease Management; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Pregnant Women; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Toxoplasmosis, Ocular; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31313714
DOI: 10.1097/QCO.0000000000000577 -
Medicina Clinica Sep 2020To generate recommendations on the use of immunomodulators in patients with non-infectious, non-neoplastic intermediate uveitis (IU), posterior uveitis (PU) and...
OBJECTIVE
To generate recommendations on the use of immunomodulators in patients with non-infectious, non-neoplastic intermediate uveitis (IU), posterior uveitis (PU) and panuveitis (PanU) based on best evidence and experience.
METHODS
A multidisciplinary panel of 5 experts was established, who defined the scope, users, and sections of the document. A systematic literature review (SLR) was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of immunomodulatory drugs in patients with non-infectious, non-neoplastic, non-anterior uveitis. The results of the SLR were presented and discussed during an expert meeting in which 34 recommendations were generated. The level of agreement with the recommendations was also tested in 25 additional experts following a Delphi process. Recommendations were voted from 1 (total disagreement) to 10 (total agreement). We defined agreement if at least 70% of the experts voted ≥7. The level of evidence and grade or recommendation were assessed using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine Levels of Evidence.
RESULTS
The SLR included 33 articles. The 34 recommendations were accepted after 2 Delphi rounds (3 of them were modified after the first round). They include specific recommendations on patients with non-infectious, non-neoplastic, PU and PanU, as well as different treatment guidelines.
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with non-infectious, non-neoplastic, non-anterior uveitis these recommendations might help treatment decision making, due to the lack of robust evidence or other globally accepted algorithms.
Topics: Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Panuveitis; Uveitis; Uveitis, Anterior
PubMed: 32199631
DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2019.10.023 -
Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and... Jan 2020This study aims to determine if the intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX implant, Ozurdex; Allergan, Inc., Irvine, California) is effective for treating intermediate,...
BACKGROUND
This study aims to determine if the intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX implant, Ozurdex; Allergan, Inc., Irvine, California) is effective for treating intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis as a monotherapy or adjunctive treatment to systemic immunomodulatory therapies.
METHODS
A systematic review using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed database searches was conducted with the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine Levels of Evidence criteria to select publications. Available background information and patient data from each study was tabulated. Outcomes studied were central retinal thickness (CRT), best corrected visual acuity, intraocular inflammation (anterior chamber cells, vitreous haze), number of patients with prior and concomitant immunomodulatory treatments, intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation (≥ 25 mmHg), and other adverse effects associated with the implant.
RESULTS
One hundred ninety-five (61.51%) patients had previous immunomodulatory treatment while 232 (64.8%) were treated with concomitant immunomodulatory therapy with the DEX implant. CRT decreased by an average of 198.65 μm (42.74%). Visual acuity improved to an average of 0.451 (logMAR) or 20/57 (Snellen) which is a 43.11% improvement from baseline. One hundred seventy-three (59%) of eyes were quiescent at the end of the trials, of which 40 (13.7%) previously inflamed eyes became quiescent. Elevated IOP occurred in 91 (20.6%). The most common adverse events were cataract/posterior subcapsular opacities in 47 (11.03%) patients and conjunctival hemorrhage in 24 (5.44%) patients.
CONCLUSIONS
The DEX implant is an effective medication for the treatment of posterior segment uveitis, uveitic macular edema, and results in improved visual acuity. Development of elevated IOP and cataract should be closely monitored as they are tangible risks associated with the DEX implant. This study was not able to determine whether the DEX implant was more effective as a monotherapy or as an adjunctive therapy to systemic immunomodulatory treatment.
PubMed: 31925591
DOI: 10.1186/s12348-019-0189-4 -
Acta Ophthalmologica May 2019To explore the effectiveness and safety of vitrectomy for congenital cataract surgery. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To explore the effectiveness and safety of vitrectomy for congenital cataract surgery.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Science Direct, The Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and the Wanfang Database. Two researchers extracted data and assessed paper quality independently. Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) or visual axis opacification (VAO), reoperation rate, visual acuity, intraocular lenses (IOL) deposit, synechias, uveitis, secondary glaucoma, low-contrast sensitivity and IOL decentration were compared.
RESULTS
We included 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 634 congenital cataract eyes. Cases of posterior capsule opacification in vitrectomy group were significantly less than that of control group, with risk ratio (RR) of 0.15 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.09, 0.26], and there was no heterogeneity (I = 0%, p = 0.94). Reoperation rate in vitrectomy group was lower than that of control group either (RR = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.17, 0.94), and there was no heterogeneity (I = 0%, p = 0.85). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measured in LogMAR unit of vitrectomy group was smaller, with a mean difference (MD) of -0.17 (95%CI: -0.28, -0.05), and I was only 22%, indicating of a small heterogeneity. No statistical difference was found between two groups on IOL deposit (RR = 1.23, 95%CI: 0.70, 2.17), and the heterogeneity was small (I = 16%, p = 0.31). No statistical difference was found between two groups on synechias (RR = 1.08, 95%CI: 0.60, 1.94), with a quite small heterogeneity (I = 3%, p = 0.38). No statistical difference was found between two groups on uveitis (RR = 0.55, 95%CI: 0.15, 2.01), and there was no heterogeneity (I = 0%, p = 0.94). There was no statistical difference on IOP either, with a MD of 0.25 (95%CI: -1.56, 2.07), and there was no heterogeneity (I = 0%). Egger's test showed that there was no publication bias for all assessed outcomes. Low-contrast sensitivity was better in the vitrectomy group. And no evidence indicated vitrectomy could lead to a higher risk on secondary glaucoma or IOL decentration.
CONCLUSION
Vitrectomy helps lower the PCO risk and reoperation risk after congenital cataract surgery, and also, vitrectomy helps patients gain a better BCVA and achieve a better low-contrast sensitivity, with no trade-off on IOP control, IOL deposit, synechias, uveitis and secondary glaucoma. We recommend performing vitrectomy during congenital cataract surgery.
Topics: Cataract; Cataract Extraction; Humans; Lenses, Intraocular; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Visual Acuity; Vitrectomy
PubMed: 30565873
DOI: 10.1111/aos.13974 -
Ocular Immunology and Inflammation Apr 2023To compare the outcomes of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) versus methotrexate (MTX) in non-infectious ocular inflammatory disease (NIOID). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To compare the outcomes of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) versus methotrexate (MTX) in non-infectious ocular inflammatory disease (NIOID).
METHODS
The study was performed as per the PRISMA Guidelines. A search identified all studies comparing MMF versus MTX in NIOID. Treatment result and side effects were primary outcomes.
RESULTS
Four studies enrolling 905 patients were identified. There was no significant difference between MMF and MTX groups in overall treatment success (OR = 0.97, P = .96), treatment failure (OR = 0.86, P = .85). MTX showed a significantly improved effect in cases involving posterior uveitis and panuveitis (OR = 0.41, P = .003). In addition, MTX was associated with a faster median time to treatment success and had less side effects when compared to MTX, however this was not significant. For secondary outcomes, no significant difference was found in visual acuity and resolution of macular oedema.
CONCLUSION
MMF is comparable to MTX in the treatment of NIOID.
Topics: Humans; Methotrexate; Immunosuppressive Agents; Inflammation; Mycophenolic Acid; Enzyme Inhibitors; Treatment Outcome; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35201968
DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2022.2034166 -
International Ophthalmology Apr 2024To review all studies reporting the onset of white dot syndromes following COVID-19 vaccines. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To review all studies reporting the onset of white dot syndromes following COVID-19 vaccines.
METHODS
Our protocol was registered prospectively on PROSPERO [registration number: CRD42023426012]. We searched five different databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Science Direct up to May 2023. All the studies that reported the occurrence of white dot syndrome following COVID-19 vaccines were included. All statistical tests were conducted with a 95% confidence interval and a 5% error margin. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The methodological quality of included studies was performed using the IHE Quality Appraisal Checklist for Case Series studies and JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Case Reports.
RESULTS
Fifty studies involving seventy-one subjects were included. Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) was the most common disease (n = 25, 35.2% %), followed by acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) (n = 22, 31.0%) and acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) (n = 4, 5.6%). They were mostly unilateral (n = 50, 70.4%). The presenting symptoms were blurred vision (n = 26, 36.6%), paracentral scotoma (n = 19, 26.8%), visual field disturbance, and photopsia (n = 7, 9.9%). The mean duration for follow-up was 10.15 ± 14.04 weeks. Nineteen subjects (29.69%) received steroids with improvement reported in 68.4%. Eleven subjects (17.19%) were managed by observation only with reported full recovery and improvement.
CONCLUSION
White dot syndromes are very rare entities. Our findings highlight a possible association between COVID-19 vaccines and the occurrence of white dot syndromes. However, larger studies with good quality should be implemented to confirm these findings.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; SARS-CoV-2; Tomography, Optical Coherence; White Dot Syndromes
PubMed: 38652153
DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03119-4 -
The British Journal of Ophthalmology Jul 2018Sporotrichosis is an implantation mycosis caused by species prevalent worldwide, which occasionally can also result in intraocular infection presenting as an exogenous...
BACKGROUND
Sporotrichosis is an implantation mycosis caused by species prevalent worldwide, which occasionally can also result in intraocular infection presenting as an exogenous or endogenous infection (disseminated sporotrichosis). Knowledge in its clinical recognition and management is limited.
AIMS
To systematically review and analyse data from published literature with a view to comparing clinical outcomes between exogenous and endogenous endophthalmitis caused by .
METHODS
Case reports of intraocular sporotrichosis, published from 1960 to 2016, were retrieved from MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, LILACS and SciELO databases. The entire data set was divided into two patient groups: (1) exogenous endophthalmitis and (2) endogenous endophthalmitis. Primary outcomes were differences in ocular findings and clinical ocular outcomes between the two groups.
RESULTS
From 16 publications retrieved, a total of 8 eyes of 8 patients with exogenous endophthalmitis and 13 eyes of 10 patients with endogenous endophthalmitis were identified. Compared with exogenous endophthalmitis, endogenous endophthalmitis was more common in patients infected with HIV (p=0.001) and those from hyperendemic areas (p=0.036). Anterior uveitis (p=0.015) and posterior uveitis (p=0.04) were more common in the exogenous and endogenous endophthalmitis groups, respectively. The majority of patients with endogenous endophthalmitis had partial or full clinical resolution of ocular lesions with systemic amphotericin B alone or in combination with an oral antifungal, whereas patients with exogenous endophthalmitis had poor outcomes with irreversible vision loss, enucleation and evisceration.
CONCLUSIONS
Anterior uveitis is more common in exogenous endophthalmitis with worse overall outcomes and complications, compared with endogenous endophthalmitis where posterior uveitis is the most common clinical manifestation, especially in patients infected with HIV and those from hyperendemic areas. infection should be included in the differential diagnosis for ocular inflammation, regardless of the presence or absence of autoimmune comorbidities and whether the patient resides in an endemic area or not. Ophthalmologists should consider intravitreal and systemic antifungal therapy for exogenous and endogenous endophthalmitis caused by .
Topics: Administration, Ophthalmic; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Amphotericin B; Antifungal Agents; Child; Drug Therapy, Combination; Endophthalmitis; Eye Infections, Fungal; Female; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Intravitreal Injections; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Sporothrix; Sporotrichosis; Treatment Outcome; Visual Acuity; Voriconazole; Young Adult
PubMed: 28972025
DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2017-310581 -
Ocular Immunology and Inflammation Oct 2020: To identify prognosis factors and functional outcomes of persistent placoid maculopathy (PPM). : We collected personal PPM cases and combined them with the data from...
: To identify prognosis factors and functional outcomes of persistent placoid maculopathy (PPM). : We collected personal PPM cases and combined them with the data from the literature. : 68 eyes of 37 patients with PPM were analyzed, including six new cases. Twenty-six patients were men (70%) with a mean age of 51.8 years old. The mean initial visual acuity (VA) was 0.52 LogMar ± 0.55 for a mean final VA of 0.49 LogMar ± 0.51. Risk factors for poor VA included: initial VA less than 0.2 LogMar ( < .0001), cardiovascular risk factor ( = .008), autoimmune-related and/or systemic pro-inflammatory conditions ( = .003), choroidal neovascularization ( = .001), macular atrophy ( = .03) and absence of systemic corticosteroid treatment ( = .03). : PPM is a choroidal inflammation. Identifying prognosis factors may help to guide treatment and follow-up. We showed that anti-inflammatory drugs, and anti-VEGF injections in cases of choroidal neovascularization, may lead to better outcomes.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Choroidal Neovascularization; Choroiditis; Coloring Agents; Female; Fluorescein Angiography; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Indocyanine Green; Male; Middle Aged; Multimodal Imaging; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Visual Acuity
PubMed: 31419178
DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2019.1645187 -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Dec 2024Considering the widespread use of COVID-19 vaccines as a preventive measure against the spread of the virus, it's necessary to direct attention to the adverse effects...
Considering the widespread use of COVID-19 vaccines as a preventive measure against the spread of the virus, it's necessary to direct attention to the adverse effects associated with vaccines in a limited group of populations. Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) following COVID-19 vaccination is a rare adverse reaction associated with COVID-19 vaccines. In this systematic review, we collected 19 articles with 27 patients up to November 1, 2023, summarizing the basic information, clinical manifestations, examinations, treatments, and recoveries of the 27 patients. The 27 enrolled patients (6 males, 21 females) had a median age of 34.1 years (15-71 years old) and were mainly from 5 regions: Asia (8), the Mediterranean region (8), North America (7), Oceania (3) and Brazil (1). Symptoms occurred post-first dose in 9 patients, post-second dose in 14 (1 with symptoms after both), post-third dose in 1, and both post-second and booster doses in 1, while details on 2 cases were not disclosed. Treatments included tapered oral steroids (6), topical steroids (3), tapered prednisone with antiviral drugs and vitamins (1), and valacyclovir and acetazolamide (1), while 16 received no treatment. All patients experienced symptom improvement, and nearly all patients ultimately recovered. Moreover, we summarized possible hypotheses concerning the mechanism of COVID-19 vaccine-associated MEWDS. The findings provide insights into the clinical aspects of COVID-19 vaccine-associated MEWDS. More attention should be given to patients with vaccine-associated MEWDS, and necessary treatment should be provided to patients experiencing a substantial decline in visual acuity to improve their quality of life.
Topics: Humans; Adult; COVID-19 Vaccines; Young Adult; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Adolescent; COVID-19; Aged; White Dot Syndromes; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 38752704
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2350812