Características epidemiológicas, clínicas y oftalmológicas de pacientes con queratoconjuntivitis seca / Epidemiological, clinical and ophthalmologic characteristics of patients with keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Introducción: La queratoconjuntivitis seca es una enfermedad de causa multifactorial, que afecta la producción de lágrimas y la superficie ocular, a la vez que ocasiona malestar, visión borrosa e inestabilidad de la película lagrimal. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 50 pacientes con diagnóstico de queratoconjuntivitis seca, atendidos en el Centro Oftalmológico del Hospital General Docente Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero hasta julio de 2020. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes con queratoconjuntivitis seca según variables epidemiológicas clínicas y oftalmológicas. Resultados: En la serie predominaron las féminas (66,0 %), los pacientes mayores de 60 años (40,0 %), la lectura excesiva como factor de riesgo (42,0 %), la irritación, la fatiga ocular y la visión borrosa como criterios diagnósticos, además de la disminución del tiempo de rotura de la película lagrimal en 68,0 % de la muestra, entre otros resultados. Conclusión: La queratoconjuntivitis seca, desde el punto de vista clínico y epidemiológico fue similar a lo descrito en la bibliografía especializada en cuanto a los grupos de edades, sexo y principales síntomas descritos.

Introduction: The keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a disease of multifactorial cause that affects the production of tears and the ocular surface, at the same time that causes discomfort, blurred vision and instability of the lacrimal thin layer. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 50 patients with diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, assisted in the Ophthalmolgic Center of Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso Teaching General Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, was carried out from January to July, 2020. Objective: To characterize patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca according to clinical, epidemiologic and ophthalmologic variables. Results: In the series there was a prevalence of the females (66.0 %), patients over 60 years (40.0 %), excessive reading as risk factor (42.0 %), irritation, ocular fatigue and blurred vision as diagnostic criteria, besides the decrease of the lacrimal thin layer break up time in 68.0 % of the sample, among other results. Conclusion: The keratoconjunctivitis sicca was similar to that described in the specialized literature review as for the age groups, sex and main described symptoms from the clinical and epidemiologic points of view.

Study shows there are lots of dry eyes in the house.

Georgina Mills reports on research that examines the frequency and breed-related risk factors for keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK: an epidemiological study.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the frequency and breed-related risk factors for keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in dogs under UK primary veterinary care. METHODS: Analysis of cohort electronic patient record data through the VetCompass Programme. Risk factor analysis used multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: There were 1456 KCS cases overall from 363,898 dogs [prevalence 0.40%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38-0.42] and 430 incident cases during 2013 (1-year incidence risk 0.12%, 95% CI 0.11-0.13). Compared with crossbreds, breeds with the highest odds ratio (aOR) for KCS included American cocker spaniel (aOR 52.33: 95% CI 30.65-89.37), English bulldog (aOR 37.95: 95% CI 26.54-54.28), pug (aOR 22.09: 95% CI 15.15-32.2) and Lhasa apso (aOR 21.58: 95% CI 16.29-28.57). Conversely, Labrador retrievers (aOR 0.23: 95% CI 0.1-0.52) and border collie (aOR 0.30: 95% CI 0.11-0.82) had reduced odds. Brachycephalic dogs had 3.63 (95% CI 3.24-4.07) times odds compared to mesocephalics. Spaniels had 3.03 (95% CI 2.69-3.40) times odds compared to non-spaniels. Dogs weighing at or above the mean bodyweight for breed/sex had 1.25 (95% CI 1.12-1.39) times odds compared to body weights below. Advancing age was strongly associated with increased odds. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Quantitative tear tests are recommended within yearly health examinations for breeds with evidence of predisposition to KCS and might also be considered in the future within eye testing for breeding in predisposed breeds. Breed predisposition to KCS suggests that breeding strategies could aim to reduce extremes of facial conformation.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa is Associated with Symptoms of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and psoriasis vulgaris (PSO) are chronic inflammatory dermatoses in which proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-17, play a central role. The prevalence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is commonly higher in PSO than in healthy individuals. This study was thus set up to investigate the prevalence of KCS among patients with HS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study standardized tear film parameters and symptom-oriented questionnaires (OSDI, SPEED) were analyzed in a total of 71 subjects (HS n = 20, PSO n = 20, healthy controls n = 31). Additionally, IL-17 and MMP-9 in the tear film were analyzed. These parameters were correlated to the clinical severity of the skin disease. PSO patients served as inflammatory control group. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in OSDI (p = .003) and SPEED (p ≤ 0.001) between HS and the control group, but not between PSO and controls. For HS, there was a statistically significant correlation between symptoms (OSDI) and the severity of HS according to Hurley stage (p = .023). Tear film concentrations showed significantly increased levels of IL-17 (p = .018), but not MMP-9, in PSO alone compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Data show that subjective complaints of KCS may be associated with HS and correlate with the severity of the respective Hurley stage, but do not involve alterations of tear film MMP-9 and IL-17. Clinicians should remain mindful that ocular complications in HS are often more vague than in psoriatic patients, but dry eye symptoms might be detrimental for the patients' quality of life.

Revisiting Keratoconjunctivitis sicca associated with Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1: prevalence, clinical aspects and proviral load.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) associated with Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1) (HTLV-1/KCS) has been estimated at around 37%, but its clinical manifestations are poorly described. PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of HTLV-1/KCS in a large cohort of HTLV-1-infected individuals living in Salvador, Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2004 and September 2017 at the Integrative and Multidisciplinary Center for HTLV in Salvador, Bahia-Brazil. Data from 758 HTLV-1-infected patients was collected. A complete ophthalmologic examination was performed in both eyes. Lacrimal function was evaluated by breakup time, Rose Bengal and Schirmer I Tests. KCS diagnosis was considered in the presence of at least two out of three positive tests. HTLV-1 proviral load Crude and Adjusted Prevalence Rates (PR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI) were estimated using multivariate Poisson Regression with robust error variance. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of KCS was 31.7%, with higher rates observed in HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis patients (crude PR: 1.84; CI95%: 1.50-2.26) even after adjusting for age, sex, time of HTLV-1 diagnosis and schooling (adjusted PR: 1.63; CI95%: 1.31-2.02). Proviral load, low corrected visual acuity, burning and/or pain and itching were all significantly higher in patients with KCS. CONCLUSION: Burning and/or pain and itching and low corrected visual acuity were the most common alterations of HTLV-1/KCS. High Proviral load was found to be associated with the presence of KCS. It is strongly recommended that HTLV-1 patients undergo periodic ophthalmologic examination to promote the early diagnosis of KCS and prevent the consequences associated with dry eye disease.

Revisiting Keratoconjunctivitis sicca associated with Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1: prevalence, clinical aspects and proviral load

ABSTRACT Background: The prevalence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) associated with Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1) (HTLV-1/KCS) has been estimated at around 37%, but its clinical manifestations are poorly described. Purpose: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of HTLV-1/KCS in a large cohort of HTLV-1-infected individuals living in Salvador, Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2004 and September 2017 at the Integrative and Multidisciplinary Center for HTLV in Salvador, Bahia-Brazil. Data from 758 HTLV-1-infected patients was collected. A complete ophthalmologic examination was performed in both eyes. Lacrimal function was evaluated by breakup time, Rose Bengal and Schirmer I Tests. KCS diagnosis was considered in the presence of at least two out of three positive tests. HTLV-1 proviral load Crude and Adjusted Prevalence Rates (PR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI) were estimated using multivariate Poisson Regression with robust error variance. Results: The overall prevalence of KCS was 31.7%, with higher rates observed in HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis patients (crude PR: 1.84; CI95%: 1.50-2.26) even after adjusting for age, sex, time of HTLV-1 diagnosis and schooling (adjusted PR: 1.63; CI95%: 1.31-2.02). Proviral load, low corrected visual acuity, burning and/or pain and itching were all significantly higher in patients with KCS. Conclusion: Burning and/or pain and itching and low corrected visual acuity were the most common alterations of HTLV-1/KCS. High Proviral load was found to be associated with the presence of KCS. It is strongly recommended that HTLV-1 patients undergo periodic ophthalmologic examination to promote the early diagnosis of KCS and prevent the consequences associated with dry eye disease.

Clinical characterisation and cytological study of dry eye in patients with autoimmune disease.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical characteristics and changes in ocular surface cytology of dry eye in patients with systemic autoimmune disease. METHODS: The case-control study was conducted in the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China, from February 2016 to January 2017, and comprised systemic autoimmune disease patients and healthy controls. Schirmer's I test, tear breakup time test, and fluorescein staining were performed on all subjects. Both groups were evaluated for dry eye with the current diagnostic criteria. Conjunctival impression cytology and the morphology of epithelial cells were observed in both groups of subjects. Flow cytometry was used to identify the amount of apoptosis. SPSS 15 was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Each of the two groups had 60(50%) subjects each. The morbidity of dry eye in the control group was 17(28.3%), while it was 31(51.7%) in the patients (p<0.01). Among the patients with dry eye, the severity level of cells obtained by conjunctival impression sampling was significantly higher in patients than in controls (p<0.01). The percentage of conjunctival epithelial cells undergoing apoptosis was higher in patients with dry eye than in patients without dry eye in each group, and among patients with dry eye, the percentage of conjunctival epithelial cells undergoing apoptosis was higher in the patients than in controls (p<0.01 each). CONCLUSIONS: The cell injury on the ocular surface was more serious in subjects with dry eye in systemic autoimmune disease than in subjects with dry eye in healthy controls.

Comportamiento clínico-oftalmológico del síndrome de ojo seco / Clinical-ophthalmologic behavior of the dry eye syndrome

Introducción: el síndrome de ojo seco o queratoconjuntivitis seca, constituye uno de los trastornos oculares de mayor frecuencia en la actualidad. Objetivo: evaluar el comportamiento clínico del síndrome de ojo seco en la consulta de córnea. Material y Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo en 103 pacientes con diagnóstico de síndrome de ojo seco que acudieron al Servicio de Córnea del Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico Comandante Faustino Pérez, de Matanzas, en el período comprendido entre noviembre de 2013 a noviembre de 2016. Se analizaron las variables clínico-epidemiológicas, examen oftalmológico, test de Schirmer y BUT. Resultados: el grupo etáreo que predominó fue el de 60 a 69 años y el género femenino. La medicación sistémica fue el factor de riesgo que en mayor porciento se presentó. El síntoma predominante fue la sequedad ocular, mientras que la disminución del menisco lagrimal estuvo presente en gran parte de los pacientes. Tanto el BUT, como el test de Schirmer se presentaron alterados en el 81,5 y 65% de los investigados respectivamente. Conclusiones: el síndrome de ojo seco es una enfermedad frecuente en la práctica oftalmológica, el reconocimiento de sus elementos clínicos contribuye al diagnóstico preciso de la misma (AU).

Introduction: the dry eye syndrome or dry keratoconjunctivitis is, nowadays, one of the most frequent ocular disorders. Objective: to assess the clinical behavior of the dry eye syndrome in the cornea consultation. Materials and methods: a prospective, descriptive, observational study was carried out in 103 patients with diagnosis of dry eye syndrome who came to the Service of Cornea of the Clinical Surgical University Hospital "Comandante Faustino Pérez", of Matanzas, between November 2013 and November 2016. The clinical epidemiological variables, the ophthalmologic examination, the Schirmer´s test and BUT were analyzed. Results: the age group that predominated was the 60-69 years group, and female gender. Systematic medication was the risk factor showing higher percent. The predominant symptom was eye dryness, while the reduction of the lachrymal meniscus was present in most of the patients. The BUT as much as the Schirmer´s test were altered in 81.5 % and 65 % of the studied persons respectively. Conclusions: the dry eye syndrome is a disease frequently found in the ophthalmological practice; the recognition of its clinical elements contributes to its precise diagnosis (AU).

[Ocular involvement in rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue diseases and vasculitis]. / Augenbeteiligung bei rheumatoider Arthritis, Kollagenosen und Vaskulitiden.

There are many interfaces between ophthalmologists and rheumatologists. On the one hand ophthalmologists face the question if an inflammation of the eye is caused by systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases and on the other hand rheumatologists have to consider that ocular manifestations are relatively common in some inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Furthermore, these ocular manifestations may influence therapeutic decisions of the rheumatologist. This article summarizes which ocular inflammations can be associated with rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue diseases and vasculitides. The description of acute anterior uveitis in spondyloarthritis and in juvenile idiopathic arthritis is omitted in this article but will be dealt with elsewhere in this issue.

Sensitivity of Diagnostic Tests for Dry Eye in Patients with Blepharospasm.

The aim of the study was to evaluate diagnostic tests for keratoconjunctivitis sicca (Schirmer test, tear break-up time (TBUT) test, and corneal staining with fluorescein and lissamine green dye) in patients with blepharospasm. This prospective study included 60 female patients older than 40 with blepharospasm, divided into two groups according to clinical symptoms. For fluorescein test, the surface under the ROC curve was 1.0 with standard error (SE) 0 and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.940-1.0; for Schirmer test, the surface under the ROC curve was 0.817 with SE 0.0555 and 95% CI 0.696-0.905; for lissamine green test, the surface under the ROC curve was 0.813 with SE 0.056 and 95% CI 0.691-0.902; and for TBUT test, the surface under the ROC curve was 0.772 with SE 0.061 and 95% CI 0.645-0.870. According to the results of ROC curve, which determines the sensitivity and specificity of normal values, comparison of diagnostic tests for keratoconjunctivitis sicca used in this study showed that fluorescein test had the best sensitivity and specificity. Schirmer test should be avoided in patients with blepharospasm because its results are influenced by frequent blinking and are not appropriate for study interpretation. Despite the pathologic values of TBUT test (numerically), this test is still acceptable for patients with blepharospasm because its interval takes more time than the interval between two blinks.

Dry Eye Disease: Present Challenges in the Management and Future Trends.

Dry eye disease (DED) is a tear film disorder resulting in hyperosmolarity of the tear film and inflammation of the ocular surface. DED is also referred to as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and dry eye syndrome. DED represents a significant public health issue, particularly in older adults, and needs more research and attention. Despite the urgent need for safe and effective pharmacotherapies, there is currently only one approved medication, Restasis®, to tackle DED. In this review article, we present an overview of DED, classification, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and risk factors of DED. Special emphasis is placed on current treatment options for DED such as artificial tears, lipid-containing lubricants, liposomal spray, inserts, anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant drops, antibiotics, dietary omega-3 essential fatty acids, autologous serum, intense-pulsed-light (IPL), punctual plugs, moisture-retaining eyeglasses, hydrophilic bandage contact lenses and secretagogues. The review also summarizes trends in DED treatment that are patented and are currently under investigation in clinical trials.

The management of dry eye.

Dry eye disease (also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is a common condition, with a prevalence ranging from 8-34%, depending on the criteria used.(1) It becomes more common with increasing age and affects more women than men. Artificial tears and ocular lubricants are considered the mainstay of treatment and there is a very wide range of these products available. In England in 2014, over 6.4 million prescription items for artificial tears, ocular lubricants and astringents were dispensed in the community at a cost to the NHS of over £27 million.(2) In this article we review the management of dry eye disease, focusing on artificial tears and ocular lubricants.

Incidence and risk factors for ocular GVHD after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

We analyzed the incidence and risk factors for ocular GVHD in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in Korea. In this retrospective, noncomparative, observational study, 635 subjects were included who had at least 2 years of follow-up ophthalmological examinations after allo-HSCT from 2009 to 2012 at Seoul St Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Korea. The mean duration between allo-HSCT and onset of ocular GVHD was 225.5±194.3 days. The adjusted incidence for acute ocular GVHD was 1.33% and that for chronic GVHD was 33.33%. In the multivariate analysis, preexisting diabetes mellitus (odds ratio (OR): 4.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.66-10.72), repeated allo-HSCT (OR: 29.10, 95% CI: 1.02-8.28) and the number of organs that chronically developed GVHD by stage I (OR: 14.63, 95% CI: 9.81-21.84) increased risk of ocular GVHD. Careful monitoring of ocular GVHD is needed in patients with chronic GVHD in multiple organs and preexisting diabetes.

Retrospective study of the prevalence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in diabetic and nondiabetic dogs after phacoemulsification.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in diabetic and nondiabetic dogs following phacoemulsification. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed for signalment, body weight, diabetes status, and STT at the preoperative and all postoperative examinations. A clinical diagnosis of KCS was defined as a STT <15 mm/min with compatible clinical signs. Schirmer tear test values and the prevalence of KCS based on STT <15 mm/min were evaluated at 2-4, 5-8, 9-14, 15-20, and 41-52 weeks postoperatively. Size of dog (large, >10 kg; small, ≤10 kg) and STT ranges (<15 mm/min, 15-22 mm/min and >22 mm/min) were categorized for analysis of effect of body weight and STT on prevalence of KCS. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen nondiabetic (198 eyes) and 118 diabetic dogs (228 eyes) were evaluated. KCS was diagnosed in nearly twice as many diabetics as nondiabetics (27.4% vs. 15.4%) within 2 weeks postoperatively (P = 0.0088). Percentage of eyes with KCS among all dogs decreased over time and did not differ significantly after the first postoperative visit. Diabetic small dogs were 1.7 times more likely to have KCS than nondiabetic small dogs (P = 0.0052). Preoperative STT was significantly associated with likelihood of postoperative KCS among large (P < 0.0001), but not small dogs (P = 0.0781). Among large dogs, eyes with STTs between 15 and 22 mm/min were approximately 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with KCS after surgery than those with STT >22 mm/min. CONCLUSION: The greatest risk for KCS for all dogs is during the first 2 weeks postoperatively. Populations at greatest risk for postoperative KCS are small dogs, small diabetic dogs, and large dogs with preoperative STT ≤22.

A retrospective survey of ocular abnormalities in pugs: 130 cases.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the types and frequency of ophthalmic findings in pugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of case records of pugs presented to an ophthalmology unit between 2001 and 2012. Ophthalmological findings were correlated with age, gender, presenting signs and time of onset of disease. RESULTS: In total, 130 pugs (258 eyes) with a mean (±sd) age of 2 · 8 (±2 · 87) years were examined. Ocular abnormalities identified included keratoconjunctivitis sicca (n = 39 eyes), macroblepharon (n = 258 eyes), entropion (n = 258 eyes), distichiasis (n = 56 eyes), ectopic cilia (n = 8 eyes), conjunctivitis (n = 88 eyes), corneal pigmentation (n = 101 eyes), opacity (n = 63 eyes), ulceration (n = 46 eyes), vascularisation (n = 35 eyes), iris-to-iris persistent pupillary membranes (n = 21 eyes) and cataract (n = 18). Keratoconjunctivitis sicca was significantly associated with the presence of corneal pigmentation (P = 0 · 007 for left eyes; P = 0 · 043 for right eyes). However corneal pigmentation was also identified in pugs (n = 61) without keratoconjunctivitis sicca. There was a significant influence of ectopic cilia on corneal ulceration (P < 0 · 001). Younger dogs (mean age, 1 · 28 (±0 · 45) years) were significantly more affected by distichiasis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The high number of cases of corneal pigmentation without keratoconjunctivitis sicca suggests that there may be additional yet undetermined factors involved in the development of corneal pigmentation in pugs.

Avaliação de células T regulatórias e pefil de ativação de linfócitos T na ceratoconjuntivite seca associada ao HTLV-1 / Regulatory T cells evaluation and T lymphocyte activation profile in keratoconjunctivitis sicca associated with HTLV-1

O HTLV-1 é o agente etiológico da leucemia /linfoma de células T do adulto (ATLL), da paraparesia espástica tropical/ mielopatia associada ao HTLV-1 (HAM/TSP) e da uveíte. Além destas, a ceratoconjutivite seca (CCS), doença multifatorial da lágrima e da superfície ocular, tem sido descrita com maior frequência em indivíduos infectados pelo HTLV-1. Assim como em outras doenças associadas, a CCS tem sido relacionada a uma elevada carga proviral. As células T regulatórias (Treg) são importantes na manutenção da homeostase do sistema imunológico e um comprometimento da imunorregulação exercido por elas pode contribuir para o ambiente inflamatório observado na CCS. Este estudo objetivou avaliar os linfócitos Treg de pacientes com CCS associada à infecção pelo HTLV-1. Foram realizados ensaios de imunofenotipagem por citometria de fluxo para avaliar a frequência de linfócitos T ativados (HLA-DR+) e de células T CD4+ e CD8+ regulatórios (FOXP3+), bem como a produção de IL-10 e TGF-β por estas células. Foram avaliados 37 pacientes infectados pelo HTLV-1 e assintomáticos para HAM/TSP, sendo 27 com diagnóstico positivo para a manifestação ocular (CCS), 10 com diagnóstico negativo (ASS), além de 17 voluntários não infectados pelo vírus (NI). As frequências de linfócitos T CD4+FOXP3+, CD8+FOXP3+, CD4+HLA-DR+ e CD8+HLA-DR+ foram significativamente maiores nos grupos CCS e ASS, quando comparados aos indivíduos não infectados. Quanto à produção das citocinas imunossupressoras, foi observada uma maior frequência de linfócitos T CD4+FOXP3+ duplo produtores de IL-10 e TGF-β no grupo CCS quando comparado ao grupo ASS. Com relação aos linfócitos CD8+FOXP3+, o grupo CCS apresentou uma maior frequência de células mono produtoras de IL-10 quando comparado ao ASS. Nossos resultados sugerem que a menor frequência de células Treg CD8+ produtoras de TGF-β em indivíduos infectados pelo HTLV-1 com CCS, pode contribuir para a intensificação da ativação celular e fisiopatologia da doença.

HTLV-1 is the causative agent of leukemia/lymphoma adult T-cell (ATLL), tropical spastic paraparesis / myelopathy associated with HTLV-1 (HAM / TSP) and uveitis. In addition, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), a multifactorial disease of the tear and of the ocular surface, has been more frequently reported in patients infected with HTLV-1. As for other HTLV-1-associated diseases, KCS has been related to a high proviral load. Regulatory T (Treg) cells are important in maintaining the homeostasis of the immune system. An impairment in the immunoregulation function of Treg may contribute to the inflammatory environment observed in the KCS. This study aimed to evaluate the Treg cells of patients with KCS associated with HTLV-1. Frequency of activated T cells (HLA-DR+) and CD4+ and CD8+ Treg cells (FOXP3+), as well as IL-10 and TGF-β production by Treg were quantified using flow cytometry. Thirty-seven HTLV-1 individuals were included (27 asymptomatic for HAM/TSP with positive diagnosis of ocular manifestation (KCS), 10 with negative diagnosis (ASS - asymptomatic). Seventeen non-infected individuals were included as controls (NI). The frequencies of CD4+ FOXP3+ T cells, CD8+FOXP3+, CD4+HLA-DR+ and CD8+HLA-DR+ were significantly higher in KCS and ASS groups when compared to non-infected individuals. As the production of immunosuppressive cytokines, a higher frequency of CD4+ FOXP3+ double producers of IL-10 and TGF-β in the KCS group was observed when compared to group ASS. Regarding the CD8+FOXP3+ lymphocytes, the KCS group had a higher frequency of mono cells producing IL-10 when compared to the ASS. Our results suggest that the lower frequency of Treg cells CD8+ TGF-β-producing in individuals infected with HTLV-1 with KCS, may contribute to the intensification of cellular activation and pathophysiology of the disease.

Prevalence of eye disease in Brazilian patients with psoriatic arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to report the type and frequency of ocular manifestations in Brazilian psoriatic arthritis patients. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in a Brazilian tertiary hospital. The test group included 40 patients who had psoriatic arthritis according to the Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis. A control group of 40 individuals was matched for age and gender. All of the patients underwent ophthalmic evaluation, which included best-corrected visual acuity, slit lamp and fundus examinations, and dry eye diagnostic tests (Schirmer I, tear breakup time and rose bengal). Demographic parameters were also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 53.9±13.1 years; the mean disease duration was 8±10.5 years. Most of the patients were women (60%), and the majority had polyarticular disease (57.5%). Several ocular abnormalities were found, including punctate keratitis, pinguecula, blepharitis, pterygium, cataract, glaucoma, uveitis, and retinal microvascular abnormalities. There were no significant differences in the rates of these abnormalities compared with the control group, however. The Keratoconjunctivitis sicca and dry eye diagnostic tests were more often positive in the patients with psoriatic arthritis than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, keratoconjunctivitis sicca was the most common ocular finding related to psoriatic arthritis. Therefore, we recommend early ophthalmologic evaluations for all psoriatic arthritis patients who complain of eye symptoms.

Prevalence of eye disease in Brazilian patients with psoriatic arthritis

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to report the type and frequency of ocular manifestations in Brazilian psoriatic arthritis patients. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in a Brazilian tertiary hospital. The test group included 40 patients who had psoriatic arthritis according to the Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis. A control group of 40 individuals was matched for age and gender. All of the patients underwent ophthalmic evaluation, which included best-corrected visual acuity, slit lamp and fundus examinations, and dry eye diagnostic tests (Schirmer I, tear breakup time and rose bengal). Demographic parameters were also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 53.9±13.1 years; the mean disease duration was 8±10.5 years. Most of the patients were women (60%), and the majority had polyarticular disease (57.5%). Several ocular abnormalities were found, including punctate keratitis, pinguecula, blepharitis, pterygium, cataract, glaucoma, uveitis, and retinal microvascular abnormalities. There were no significant differences in the rates of these abnormalities compared with the control group, however. The Keratoconjunctivitis sicca and dry eye diagnostic tests were more often positive in the patients with psoriatic arthritis than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, keratoconjunctivitis sicca was the most common ocular finding related to psoriatic arthritis. Therefore, we recommend early ophthalmologic evaluations for all psoriatic arthritis patients who complain of eye symptoms.

[Ocular involvement and its' manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis patients].

PURPOSE: To study the type, occurrence and nature of ocular involvement amongst patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to identify demographic, clinical and/or laboratory variables associated with eye involvement in RA. RESEARCH TYPE: Cross sectional research, retrospective METHODS: The research was conducted among 61 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The subjects were recruited for the research during their periodic visits to the Soroka Hospital Rheumatology Clinic. Comprehensive rheumatologic tests were administered and general health was examined with a prepared questionnaire. Additionally, the subjects' personal files were examined with data collected from general serum rheumatologic tests and details regarding medications administered. The patients were given a comprehensive eye examination, including a visual acuity examination, test for anterior and posterior fragments, a slit lamp examination after pupil dilation, for epithelial cell filaments, tests for dry eye symptoms, including a Schirmer's test, a tear breakup time test, and a corneal examination for epithelial cells and the existence of superficial punctate keratopathy. The subjects were also questioned regarding their dry eye syndrome and a specular microscopy test was performed. The assembled data was processed and analyzed with the aim of finding correlations between the subjective and objective sensations of dry eye symptoms and the activity of rheumatoid arthritis disease, blood tests, medications taken, and the patient's general state of health. RESULTS: The majority of the research subjects (90.2%) were women. Their average age was 51.9 +/- 13.21 years; 31.1% of the subjects complained of eye dryness and, during the eye examination, 85% were found to be suffering from dry eye. The study found a correlation between the objective indicators of keratitis sicca and the following parameters: laboratory values for SGOT (p < 0.03), ESR (p < 0.05), Cr (p < 0.05), TG (p < 0.03), LDL (p < 0.02), Hb (p < 0.01), ALP (p < 0.01), in addition to prednisone medication (p < 0.03, df = 2, x2 = 7.02) and methotrexate (p < 0.03, df = 2, x2 = 8.88). No correlation was found with the following parameters: age, disease duration, smoking, disease severity, other background diseases, and additional laboratory findings including RF and ANA measurements, and consuming other anti-rheumatoid arthritis medications. Similarly, no relation was found with the patients' various subjective syndromes. The average results of the specular microscopy test were 2116.15 +/- 416.59 for the right eye and 2125.67 +/- 446.14 for the left eye. CONCLUSIONS: The significance of the specular microscopy test results is that corneal damage found in rheumatoid arthritis patients occurs only to the external layer and does not affect the endothelial layer. The study indicates that keratitis sicca is prevalent among rheumatoid arthritis patients and must be taken into account regardless of the degree that the disease has progressed, because the severity of the dryness is not dependent on disease progression. Additionally, a discrepancy exists between the patients' subjective sensation of their eye condition and the objective findings of the study.

Understanding dry eye disease: a managed care perspective.

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder that results in eye discomfort, visual disturbance, and often ocular surface damage. This supplement to The American Journal of Managed Care discusses the prevalence of DED and the economic burden associated with DED. The etiology and pathophysiology of DED will also be discussed, including disease progression and impact on the patient's quality of life. With greater understanding of the pathophysiology of DED, there are numerous available therapies/strategies for the management of the disorder, ranging from artificial tear substitutes, anti-inflammatory agents, secretagogues, punctal plugs, and systemic immunosuppressives, to surgery. This activity will aim to provide managed healthcare professionals with an understanding of when and how to use these different strategies to reduce morbidity and prevent complications.