Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease: the step-by-step approach to a better understanding of clinicopathology, immunopathology, diagnosis, and management: a brief review.

BACKGROUND: Appraisals of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH) have become progressively more complete, since its first description in 1906. The availability of new investigational methods has improved our knowledge of the immunopathology, clinicopathology, diagnosis, and management of VKH disease. This review aimed to describe some of the steps that led to better characterization of VKH as a clinical entity. METHODS: We searched on PubMed for articles that described the history of VKH disease and analyzed the progress in disease appraisal with new investigational and imaging methods. In particular, we searched for articles that investigated the clinicopathology, diagnosis, and management of VKH. FINDINGS: The following developments were considered essential for improving the appraisal and understanding of VKH: (1) the history of the disease, (2) immunopathological mechanisms, (3) clinicopathology, (4) the importance of distinguishing initial-onset from chronic disease, (5) relevant imaging modalities, among which indocyanine green angiography is crucial, (6) diagnostic criteria that facilitate early diagnosis, and (7) the need for early, prolonged, aggressive treatment that combines steroidal and non-steroidal immunosuppression. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, the definition of VKH has improved. VKH disease starts in the choroidal stroma and later involves other structures when it is not diagnosed and treated early. Indocyanine green angiography and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography facilitate early diagnosis and precise monitoring of choroidal inflammation. ICGA is clearly the gold standard for appraisals and follow-ups in VKH disease, however EDI-OCT should be especially considered in those areas where ICGA is not fully available. These modalities have contributed substantially to a "cure" for VKH, when treatment is introduced within the therapeutic window of opportunity.

Impacto psicosocial y económico de la uveítis en México / Psychosocial and economic impact of uveitis in Mexico

Resumen Objetivo: Conocer el impacto psicosocial y económico quede la uveítis en México. Métodos: Encuesta en pacientes diagnosticados con uveítis. Se registraron datos demográficos y nivel socioeconómico. Se identificaron síntomas, tiempo al diagnóstico, tratamiento, comportamiento, actitudes y sentimientos ante la enfermedad. Resultados: Se realizaron 100 encuestas a pacientes con uveítis, con edad media de 45 ± 17.08 años, nivel socioeconómico ≤ D; 54 eran mujeres. El diagnóstico se realizó al 1.87 ± 2.73 años. Acuden anualmente a cita 2.1 ± 2.14 mes, más de 1 a urgencias y son hospitalizados 3.7 días. Utilizan tratamiento sistémico con antiinflamatorios esteroideos (53 %), inmunosupresor (31 %), terapia biológica (7 %), tratamiento tópico con lubricantes (44 %), esteroides (26 %) y cirugías (39 %). Comorbilidades observadas: hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus, artritis reumatoide (18 %), síndrome de Sjögren, lupus y colitis ulcerativa crónica inespecífica. Complicaciones: deterioro visual, cataratas y ceguera. La uveítis afecta su vida en el 83 % de los casos, en el 41 % a diario y el 49 % necesitan cuidados de otra persona. El 79 % reciben atención privada, el 43 % cuenta con seguridad social, gastando mensualmente $3,590 ± $2,730.65 pesos en medicamentos, transporte, consulta médicas y estudios. Anualmente con ausentismo laboral de 8.5 ± 14.56 días, más 7.0 días de incapacidad u hospitalización. El 51 % refieren falta de apoyo para conocer la enfermedad. Conclusiones: Se trata del primer estudio nacional que escenifica la condición de los pacientes con uveítis y las insuficiencias por las que atraviesan, incluyendo el ámbito económico y biopsicosocial.

Abstract Objective: Determine the psychosocial and economic impact suffered by patients diagnosed with uveitis in Mexico. Methods: Survey in uveitis-diagnosed patients. Demographic data and socioeconomic level were recorded. Symptoms, time to diagnosis, type of treatment, behavior, attitudes and feelings towards the disease were identified. Results: One hundred surveys were conducted in patients with uveitis, who had a mean age of 45 ± 17.08 years, and socioeconomic level ≤ D; 54 were females. Diagnostic delay was 1.87 ± 2.73 years. Annually, patients attend 2.1 ± 2.14 appointments per month, and are admitted once to the emergency department and remain hospitalized for 3.7 days. Patients use systemic treatment with steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (53 %), immunosuppressant agents (31 %), biological therapy (7 %), topical treatment with lubricants (44 %) or steroids (26 %) and undergo surgery (39 %). Observed comorbidities include hypertension, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis (18 %), Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, and nonspecific chronic ulcerative colitis. Complications: visual impairment, cataracts and blindness. Uveitis affects their life in 83 % of cases, in 41 % does it daily, and 49 % need care from another person. Seventy-nine percent receive private care and 43 % have social security, with $ 3,590 ± $ 2,730.65 pesos being spent monthly on medicines, transportation, medical appointments and studies. Annually, work absenteeism is 8.5 ± 14.56 days, plus 7.0 days of disability or hospitalization; 51% refer lack of support to learn about the disease. Conclusions: This is the first national study to portray the condition of patients with uveitis and the shortcomings they go through, including the economic and biopsychosocial fields.