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Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and... Jun 2024The 0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant (ILUVIEN) has been approved for prevention of relapse in recurrent non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior...
BACKGROUND
The 0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant (ILUVIEN) has been approved for prevention of relapse in recurrent non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment of the eye (NIU-PS). There is little data assessing the long-term efficacy and safety of the FAc implant in this indication. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective interventional case review of 18 eyes from 13 patients with NIU-PS treated with the FAc implant at three ophthalmology departments in the Middle East between 2018 and 2021.
MAIN TEXT
Baseline patient characteristics, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT) and intraocular pressure (IOP), were collected at the time of FAc implant administration and at 1-3 months, 6 months and every six months thereafter. The mean time of follow-up was 29.7 ± 14.6 (mean ± SD) months. Over the follow-up, the BCVA significantly increased from month 1 (P = 0.002) until month 36 (P = 0.024) and remained improving throughout the follow-up period (P = 0.004). The CRT significantly decreased from month 1 (P = 0.008) until month 12 (P = 0.003) and was persistently lower during the follow-up period (P = 0.022). Significant improvements in anterior chamber cells (P = 0.004) and vitritis scores (P = 0.001) were observed by Month 6. Similarly, at Month 12, significant improvements were noted in both parameters as well (anterior chamber cells: P = 0.012; vitritis scores: P = 0.004). Mean IOP remained relatively stable throughout (P = 0.205) the follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest improvements and long-term maintenance in functional and anatomical outcomes with FAc implant with a manageable safety profile in a real-world clinical setting in patients with NIU-PS.
PubMed: 38833091
DOI: 10.1186/s12348-024-00409-x -
Scientific Reports May 2024The advent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the incidence and course of various diseases and numerous studies have investigated ocular...
The advent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the incidence and course of various diseases and numerous studies have investigated ocular involvement associated with COVID-19 and corresponding vaccines. In this study, we compared the incidence of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic at a single center in Korea and analyzed the demographic and clinical features of patients with MEWDS presenting during the COVID-19 pandemic. We categorized patients with MEWDS into two groups according to date of diagnosis. Pre-COVID19 group included patients diagnosed during the pre-pandemic period (between March 11, 2017, and March 10, 2020), whereas post-COVID19 group included patients diagnosed during the pandemic period (between March 11, 2020, and March 10, 2023). 6 and 12 patients were included in pre-COVID19 group and post-COVID19 group, respectively. Among all hospital visits during the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods, 0.011% and 0.030% were due to MEWDS, indicating a significant increase during the pandemic (p = 0.029, B = 2.756). The annual incidence of patients with MEWDS in 2017-2022 were 0.73, 0.75, 0.78, 1.32, 2.49, and 2.07 per 10,000 population, respectively, corresponding to a significant increase (p = 0.039, B = 1.316). Our results imply that the incidence and manifestation of MEWDS are likely to become more diverse in the COVID-19 pandemic era.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Male; Female; Incidence; Republic of Korea; Middle Aged; Adult; SARS-CoV-2; White Dot Syndromes; Aged; Pandemics
PubMed: 38816508
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63255-w -
Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and... May 2024Non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment of the eye (NIU-PS) is an inflammatory disease, which can significantly impair visual acuity if not adequately... (Review)
Review
Fluocinolone acetonide 0.2 µg/day intravitreal implant in non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment: EU expert user panel consensus-based clinical recommendations.
BACKGROUND
Non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment of the eye (NIU-PS) is an inflammatory disease, which can significantly impair visual acuity if not adequately treated. Fluocinolone-acetonide sustained-release-0.2 µg/day intravitreal (FAc) implants are indicated for prevention of relapse in recurrent NIU-PS. The aim here was to provide treating clinicians with some consensus-based-recommendations for the clinical management of patients with NIU-PS with 0.2 µg/day FAc implants.
METHODS
A European-clinical-expert-group agreed to develop a consensus report on different issues related to the use of FAc implants in patients with NIU-PS.
RESULTS
The Clinical-expert-panel provided specific recommendations focusing on clinical presentation (unilateral/bilateral) of the NIU-PS; systemic involvement of NIU-PS and the lens status. Treatment algorithms were developed; one that refers to the management of patients with NIU-PS in clinical practice and another that establishes the best clinical scenarios for the use of FAc implants, both as monotherapy and as adjuvant therapy. Additionally, the Clinical-expert-panel has provided recommendations about the use of the FAc implants in a clinical-setting. The Clinical-expert-panel also considered the safety profile of FAc implants and their possible implications in the daily practice.
CONCLUSIONS
As more clinical experience has been gained using FAc implants, it was necessary to update the clinical recommendations that guide patient management in the clinic. The current consensus document addresses relevant issues related to the use of FAc implants on different types of patients with various etiologies of NIU-PS, and was conducted to standardize approaches to help specialists obtain better clinical outcomes.
PubMed: 38814386
DOI: 10.1186/s12348-024-00402-4 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.853315.].
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.853315.].
PubMed: 38808137
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1426456 -
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology Jun 2024A 33-year-old male presented with unilateral painless vision loss with a history of sub-tenon steroid for the same. The fundus showed an elevated focus of...
A 33-year-old male presented with unilateral painless vision loss with a history of sub-tenon steroid for the same. The fundus showed an elevated focus of retinochoroiditis with vitritis. On investigating for the cause, polymerase chain reaction test on the anterior chamber tap was found to be positive for Toxoplasma. Such confusing and atypical cases usually produce a clinical dilemma and should be managed in a stepwise manner. Ancillary investigations usually provide a clue to the clinician and should be performed without any hesitation.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adult; Toxoplasmosis, Ocular; Toxoplasma; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Chorioretinitis; Fundus Oculi; Eye Infections, Parasitic; DNA, Protozoan; Diagnosis, Differential; Fluorescein Angiography
PubMed: 38804796
DOI: 10.4103/IJO.IJO_3341_23 -
Cureus Apr 2024The aim of this study was to explore the patterns of pediatric uveitis and the types of ocular complications of uveitis and to determine the possible risk factors...
AIM
The aim of this study was to explore the patterns of pediatric uveitis and the types of ocular complications of uveitis and to determine the possible risk factors associated with visual impairment.
METHOD
This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Queen Rania Children's Hospital between June 2020 and June 2023. All children diagnosed with uveitis were enrolled in the study. After collecting data from the patients and reviewing their medical records regarding age, gender, and past ocular and medical history, the patients were subjected to a detailed ophthalmic exam including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Anterior segment exam using the slit lamp, intraocular pressure exam using Goldmann applanation tonometry, and posterior segment exam using 78 and 90 diopter Volk lenses were performed. Patients with other ocular diseases that affected visions not related to uveitis were excluded from the study.
RESULTS
A total of 82 children, accounting for 130 eyes, were enrolled in this study, with ages ranging from 2 to 16 years (mean age 10.5±4.3 years). Among them, 27 were males, constituting 32.9% of the participants. Unilateral uveitis was observed in 34 eyes, representing 26.2% of cases. The mean age of uveitis onset was 6.9±1.9 years, and the mean disease duration was 4.8±0.4 years. The majority of cases i.e. 90.8% (n = 74) were non-infectious, with 92.3% (n = 76) classified as non-granulomatous and 79.2% (n = 65) categorized as chronic. Anterior uveitis was the most prevalent site of inflammation in 70.8% of cases (n = 58), followed by panuveitis in 20.0% of cases (n = 16), intermediate uveitis in 6.2% of cases (n = 5), and posterior uveitis in 3.0% of cases (n = 2). The cause of uveitis could not be identified in 40.0% (n = 33) of cases. Juvenile idiopathic uveitis emerged as the most commonly known disorder associated with uveitis in 40.0% (n = 33) of cases. Complications were identified in 52.3% (n = 43) of cases, with posterior synechiae being the most prevalent; 26.9% (n = 22) demonstrated an improvement in BCVA, while 21.5% (n = 18) experienced a decline in BCVA relative to the initial assessment Conclusion: Pediatric uveitis tends to manifest as anterior, chronic, bilateral, and non-granulomatous. Higher frequencies of severe visual impairment are linked to panuveitis, infectious and granulomatous uveitis, early-onset, long-duration cases, and male gender. The use of biologics has a positive effect, significantly improving or preserving visual acuity.
PubMed: 38803751
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59136 -
Cureus Apr 2024Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is an idiopathic immune-related sickness that affects multiple systems and melanocytes in organs such as the uvea, ear, and meninges.... (Review)
Review
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is an idiopathic immune-related sickness that affects multiple systems and melanocytes in organs such as the uvea, ear, and meninges. The primary cause of activity is cellular immunological responses. Vogt-Koyanagi disease is identified primarily by skin abnormalities and anterior uveitis. Harada's illness is distinguished by neurological symptoms and exudative retinal detachments, which are associated with the and genes. Pigmented races, such as Hispanics and Native Americans, are more likely to have VKH disease. Clinical features are blurred vision, floaters, alopecia, vitiligo, diffuse choroidal inflammation with disc edema, and exudative retinal detachment. Differential diagnoses include posterior scleritis, uveal effusion syndrome, central serous chorioretinopathy, and sympathetic ophthalmitis. The investigations used are optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus fluorescein angiography (FA), and B-scan ultrasonography (USG). Treatment is done by using systemic steroids, cycloplegics, and immunosuppressants.
PubMed: 38800227
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58867 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is an intraocular infection caused by the parasite OT is manifested as retinal choroiditis and is the most common infectious cause of... (Review)
Review
Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is an intraocular infection caused by the parasite OT is manifested as retinal choroiditis and is the most common infectious cause of posterior uveitis. Invasion of the retina by leads to disruption of the blood-ocular barrier and promotes the migration of immune cells to the ocular tissues. Cytokines such as IFN-γ and IL-1β are effective for controlling parasite growth, but excessive inflammatory responses can cause damage to the host. In this review, we will discuss in detail the latest advances in the immunopathology and treatment of OT.
Topics: Humans; Toxoplasmosis, Ocular; Toxoplasma; Animals; Cytokines
PubMed: 38799473
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1403025 -
European Journal of Ophthalmology May 2024To report a recurrence of punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC) with an inflammatory choroidal neovascular membrane (iCNVM) after the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
PURPOSE
To report a recurrence of punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC) with an inflammatory choroidal neovascular membrane (iCNVM) after the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
METHODS
Case report.
RESULTS
A 38-year-old female with a history of myopia and previous episodes of PIC and iCNVM presented with distorted vision in her right eye, seven days after receiving the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The patient exhibited active PIC lesions with iCNVM confirmed on multimodal imaging. Treatment with a combination of oral corticosteroids and intravitreal anti-VEGF injection led to disease resolution. Subsequent COVID-19 vaccinations, administered while the patient was immunosuppressed, did not lead to disease relapse. However, relapse occurred following the fourth COVID-19 vaccine, when the patient was not immune suppressed.
CONCLUSION
This case highlights the potential risk of PIC disease relapse following COVID-19 vaccination. Further research is needed to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and PIC exacerbation, as well as to determine optimal management strategies in this population, including close observation and consideration of prophylactic immune suppression at the time of COVID-19 vaccine for high-risk individuals.
PubMed: 38794849
DOI: 10.1177/11206721241257969 -
Biomolecules Apr 2024Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is a prompt and non-invasive imaging modality helpful in detecting pathological abnormalities within the retina and the choroid. This... (Review)
Review
Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is a prompt and non-invasive imaging modality helpful in detecting pathological abnormalities within the retina and the choroid. This narrative review and case series provides an overview on the current application of FAF in posterior and panuveitis. The literature was reviewed for articles on lesion characteristics on FAF of specific posterior and panuveitis entities as well as benefits and limitations of FAF for diagnosing and monitoring disease. FAF characteristics are described for non-infectious and infectious uveitis forms as well as masquerade syndromes. Dependent on the uveitis entity, FAF is of diagnostic value in detecting disease and following the clinical course. Currently available FAF modalities which differ in excitation wavelengths can provide different pathological insights depending on disease entity and activity. Further studies on the comparison of FAF modalities and their individual value for uveitis diagnosis and monitoring are warranted.
Topics: Humans; Panuveitis; Fundus Oculi; Optical Imaging; Fluorescein Angiography
PubMed: 38785922
DOI: 10.3390/biom14050515