ABSTRACT
Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is a rare genetic disease caused by damaging variants in COL7A1, which encodes type VII collagen. Blistering and scarring of the ocular surface develop, potentially leading to blindness. Beremagene geperpavec (B-VEC) is a replication-deficient herpes simplex virus type 1-based gene therapy engineered to deliver functional human type VII collagen. Here, we report the case of a patient with cicatrizing conjunctivitis in both eyes caused by dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa who received ophthalmic administration of B-VEC, which was associated with improved visual acuity after surgery.
Subject(s)
Collagen Type VII , Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica , Genetic Therapy , Humans , Blister/etiology , Cicatrix/etiology , Collagen Type VII/genetics , Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica/complications , Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica/genetics , Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica/therapy , Conjunctivitis/etiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Immune-mediated conjunctivitis is a prevalent ocular ailment characterized by inflammation and immune reactions in the conjunctiva. However, the precise causes and therapeutic approaches for this condition remain the main focus for numerous ophthalmological specialists. Recently, accumulating evidence from human and mouse experiments has demonstrated the critical involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome, IL-1ß, and IL-18 in the development of allergic diseases. Targeting specific NLRP3 inflammasome and its related inhibitors may hold potential as therapeutic agents for immunologic conjunctivitis. Despite this, there has been no systematic review specifically addressing the treatment of immunologic conjunctivitis related to NLRP3. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of currently published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on NLRP3-related treatments for immunologic conjunctivitis patients, with the goal of evaluating their efficacy and safety. METHODS: We will conduct a comprehensive search for relevant studies on NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors or NLRP3-related treatments for immunologic conjunctivitis in various databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, and Wanfang. The search will encompass studies from their respective inception dates to July 2023. A meta-analysis will be performed using data extracted from eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs), focusing on the clinical manifestations of immunologic conjunctivitis, levels of NLRP3-related factors in serum or tear samples, quality of life outcomes, and adverse events. Review Manager 5.4.1 software will be employed for the meta-analysis, and the results will be analyzed using either random-effects or fixed-effects models, depending on the presence of heterogeneity. The reliability and quality of evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. RESULTS: The findings of this study will yield robust and high-quality evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of NLRP3-related treatments for immunologic conjunctivitis. This evidence will contribute significantly to our understanding of the potential benefits and risks associated with such treatments and will assist healthcare professionals in making informed decisions regarding the management of immunologic conjunctivitis. CONCLUSION: This study represents the first comprehensive meta-analysis aiming to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NLRP3-related treatments for immunologic conjunctivitis. The findings from this study will provide valuable evidence to guide clinical management strategies for this disease. The results are anticipated to significantly contribute to the understanding of the therapeutic potential and safety profile of NLRP3-related treatments, offering valuable insights for healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with immunologic conjunctivitis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Systematic review registration: PROSPERO with registration number CRD42023437076.
Subject(s)
Conjunctivitis , Inflammasomes , Animals , Humans , Meta-Analysis as Topic , NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Research Design , Systematic Reviews as TopicABSTRACT
Bacterial conjunctivitis is a leading cause of infectious conjunctivitis in children and second most common cause in adults. Although often self-limiting, it can lead to complications like corneal scarring and systemic infections in high-risk groups including newborns and immunocompromised patients. Thus, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for these vulnerable populations. Common bacterial causes are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae in adults and Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis in children. Clinical features alone do not reliably identify the causative pathogen. Microbiological testing is necessary for persistent or severe cases. Topical antibiotics like azithromycin or fluorochinolones are usually prescribed. However, gonococcal and chlamydial conjunctivitis warrant systemic antibiotics due to their potential for severe complications. Increasing antibiotic resistance might even necessitate tailored therapy based on antibiotic susceptibility profiles. Screening and treating pregnant women is an effective prevention strategy by reducing perinatal transmission (especially of gonococcal and chlamydial infections). In summary, while often self-limiting, potential complications and rising antibiotic resistance underscore the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. Preventive measures including maternal screening are crucial public health initiatives to curb the risks associated with this common eye infection.
Subject(s)
Conjunctivitis, Bacterial , Conjunctivitis , Infant, Newborn , Child , Adult , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Conjunctivitis, Bacterial/diagnosis , Conjunctivitis, Bacterial/drug therapy , Azithromycin/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Rosacea is a chronic and inflammatory disease that primarily affects the skin, although more than half of cases also present with ocular symptoms ranging from blepharitis to conjunctivitis and keratitis. It represents a frequent reason for consultation with a psychosocial impact, affecting quality of life, and requires management involving ophthalmologists, dermatologists, and primary care physicians. For this paper, a search was conducted in several databases, including Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, using the MeSH term "rosacea" in conjunction with other relevant keywords such as "ocular rosacea", "management", "treatment", and "guidelines". Available articles were reviewed. International and local guidelines recommend initiating the management of rosacea with lifestyle changes, including ocular hygiene and avoidance of triggers. Topical or oral treatment is recommended as the next step, with topical cyclosporine, topical azithromycin, topical tacrolimus, and oral doxycycline being the treatments most supported by evidence. Combination treatments are also recommended. Current management guidelines mainly focus on cutaneous manifestations, generating few guidelines on ophthalmologic treatment, and most recommendations are issued by experts. This work compares local and international treatment guidelines for rosacea, as well as other available medical literature, and suggests a practical and interdisciplinary treatment scheme for ocular involvement based on the reviewed bibliography.
Subject(s)
Conjunctivitis , Rosacea , Humans , Quality of Life , Rosacea/drug therapy , Doxycycline , Cyclosporine/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Viral conjunctivitis is one of the most common acute eye diseases. The fall and winter months are known to be the main season for viral infections which is also reflected in the ophthalmological outpatient clinics. Viral conjunctivitis is often accompanied by symptoms of the upper and lower respiratory tract, fever, chills, arthralgia or skin lesions. The spectrum of pathogens comprises DNA viruses such as Adeno-, Herpes simplex and Molluscum contagiosum as well as RNA viruses. Symptoms caused by pandemic pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 and mpox viruses can also cause ocular manifestation. Viral conjunctivitis is often self-limiting leaving no residual symptoms, however an ophthalmologist should be consulted if there are inflammatory symptoms of the anterior eye accompanied by visual disturbance. It is particularly important to recognize the affection of corneal or even intraocular structures early to initiate an adequate and effective therapy. Affection of the cornea, vitreus or retina can result in temporary or permanent impairment of the field of vision and visual acuity. The diagnosis is usually made without further tests on the basis of the typical clinical presentation. Rapid tests or PCR diagnostics are also available for confirmation. In most patients the treatment is symptomatically with artificial tears and antibiotic eye drops in cases accompanied by secondary bacterial infections, not prophylactically. If the cornea or other ocular structures are affected by certain viruses, local as well as systemic virostatic therapy is initiated. The most important prophylactic measure is meticulous and consistent hygiene.
Subject(s)
Conjunctivitis, Viral , Conjunctivitis , Humans , Conjunctivitis, Viral/diagnosis , Conjunctivitis, Viral/drug therapy , Conjunctivitis, Viral/prevention & control , Cornea , Lubricant Eye Drops/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Background: Pollen is a key source of aeroallergens responsible for allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. Objective: The goal of this scoping review was to summarize current available literature on the factors that affect pollen counts, allergenicity, and thresholds that induce symptoms in individuals who were sensitized. Methods: Several databases showed no published articles with a similar scope as of January 2022. A search of these data bases yielded 373 articles for assessment. These were then reviewed for relevance, and articles were selected to demonstrate the breadth of available data on pollen counts, allergenicity, and thresholds that induce symptoms in individuals who were sensitized. Additional articles were identified through examination of bibliographies of search-identified articles. Results: Several environmental factors have shown a correlation with pollen counts and allergen load, including the distance from the source, wind characteristics, pollen size, terrain, urban environments, air composition (particulate matter, CO2 levels, ozone, NO2), and weather conditions (humidity, thunderstorms, precipitation). Pollen thresholds at which symptoms were induced varied by study, pollen type, symptom, disease, and location. In addition, there was heterogeneity in study designs, threshold definition, and outcome measures. Conclusion: This scoping review demonstrates the plethora of variables that influence the relationship between pollen and the symptoms of allergic diseases. Analysis of the available data sheds light on the complex interaction between environmental and biologic factors that affect pollen's role in allergic diseases and provides guidance on multiple areas for further investigation.
Subject(s)
Asthma , Conjunctivitis , Rhinitis, Allergic , Humans , Allergens , PollenABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term benefits of tear-exchangeable, limbal-rigid contact lens (CL) wear therapy in patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)-associated ocular sequelae. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 50 eyes of 41 SJS patients (15 men and 26 women) who underwent limbal-rigid CL wear therapy for more than 2 years post fitting. Ocular sequelae (i.e., conjunctival hyperemia, corneal neovascularization, and upper tarsus scarring) before fitting and at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and annually after initiating CL wear therapy were evaluated and then graded on a severity score (range: 0-3, maximum score: 3). Moreover, visual acuity (VA) at immediately post initiating CL wear therapy was evaluated. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 4.3±1.1 years. Compared with before fitting, the mean conjunctival hyperemia score improved from 1.14 to 0.86 at 3 months of CL wear therapy ( P <0.01) and was maintained thereafter; the mean corneal neovascularization score improved from 2.10 to 1.98 at 3 months of CL wear therapy, with no deterioration of the score observed in all cases at the final follow-up examination, and mean VA (log of minimum angle of resolution) improved from 1.60 to 1.04 at immediately post initiating CL wear therapy ( P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Limbal-rigid CL wear therapy can provide long-term ocular surface stabilization and improved VA in SJS patients.
Subject(s)
Conjunctivitis , Contact Lenses , Corneal Diseases , Corneal Neovascularization , Hyperemia , Stevens-Johnson Syndrome , Male , Humans , Female , Corneal Diseases/therapy , Corneal Diseases/complications , Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/therapy , Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/complications , Corneal Neovascularization/therapy , Corneal Neovascularization/complications , Retrospective Studies , Disease ProgressionABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Tralokinumab, the first fully human monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to interleukin-13, was safe and effective for treating atopic dermatitis (AD) in clinical trials, but real-life experience is still limited. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of tralokinumab in severe AD in a real-life multicenter prospective cohort. METHODS: Adult patients with severe AD were enrolled between January 2022 and July 2022 and received tralokinumab subcutaneously for 16 weeks. Objective and subjective scores were collected at baseline, weeks 6 and 16. Adverse events were reported throughout the study. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were included. An improvement of at least 75% on the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI 75) was achieved in 66.7% of patients at week 16. The median objective and subjective scores at week 16 were significantly (p < 0.001) lower than those at baseline. Combination with cyclosporine was sometimes necessary at the beginning of treatment, and addition of upadacitinib was required for some patients with very severe disease during the treatment. The most frequent adverse events were flares of eczema (23.8%) and reactions at injection site (19.0%). No cases of conjunctivitis were reported. Four patients (19.0%) discontinued treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Tralokinumab is an effective first-line biotherapy for severe AD. However, therapeutic response may be progressive. Safety data were reassuring. Atopic dermatitis flares or reactions at the injection site may lead to discontinuation of treatment. A history of conjunctivitis on dupilumab is not a contraindication to the initiation of tralokinumab.
Subject(s)
Conjunctivitis , Dermatitis, Atopic , Eczema , Humans , Adult , Prospective Studies , Dermatitis, Atopic/diagnosis , Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy , Treatment Outcome , Injections, Subcutaneous , Double-Blind Method , Antibodies, Monoclonal/adverse effects , Severity of Illness Index , Conjunctivitis/chemically induced , Conjunctivitis/drug therapy , Eczema/chemically induced , Eczema/drug therapyABSTRACT
Staphylococcus aureus y Staphylococcus epidermidis son los principales agentes etiológicos de las conjuntivitis bacterianas, que al tratarse con antibióticos de manera empírica, incrementan la resistencia antimicrobiana después de exposiciones repetidas. Se están buscando alternativas naturales para el tratamiento de infecciones bacterianas autolimitadas de la conjuntiva. Objetivo: determinar la actividad antimicrobiana de ocho extractos de las plantas frente a bacterias aisladas de pacientes con conjuntivitis bacterianas. Materiales y métodos: se tomaron muestras de 15 pacientes con conjuntivitis bacterianas. Se cultivaron en agar sangre y chocolate durante 24 h a 37 °C y se identificaron mediante el sistema automatizado vitek y pruebas de susceptibilidad antimicrobiana por el método de Kirby-Bauer. A cada aislamiento identificado con el género Staphylococcus se le evaluó su susceptibilidad frente a siete extractos: Ocimum basilicum, Sambucus nigra L., Delphinium elatum, Calendula officinalis, Bixa ore-llana (parte aérea y fruto independiente), Clinopodium brownei y Laurus nobilis, con un uso tradicional reportado para el tratamiento de infecciones oculares. Resultados: las bacterias aisladas con más frecuencia fueron S. epidermidis, S. hominis y S. aureus, las cuales presentaron resistencia antimicrobiana a oxacilina, tetraciclinas y eritromicina. Todos los aislamientos fueron inhibidos por los extractos de O. basilicum (cmi: >0.9 mg/mL) y L. nobilis (cmi: hasta 15 mg/mL). Conclusión: los extractos de C. officinalis y D. elatum tuvieron actividad antimicrobiana solo frente a los aislados con mayor sensibilidad antimi-crobiana. Los extractos etanólicos de O. basilicum y L. nobilis pueden ser una alternativa de tratamiento de las infecciones de la conjuntiva.
Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis are the primary etiological agents of bacterial conjunctivitis which are empirically treated with antibiotics. This results in an increase in antimicrobial resistance due to repeated exposure. Currently, natural treatment alternatives are being sought for self-limited bacterial infections of the conjunctiva. Objective: To determine the antimicrobial activity of eight extracts from Colombian plants against bacteria isolated from patients with bacterial conjunctivitis. Materials and methods: Samples were taken from 15 patients with bacterial conjunctivitis which were grown on blood and chocolate agar for 24 h at 37 °C. These samples were identified by the vitek automated system and antimicrobial susceptibility tests by the Kirby Bauer method. Each isolate identified with the genus Staphylococcus was evaluated for susceptibility to the following eight plant extracts of seven plant: Ocimum basilicum (basil), Sambucus nigra L. (elderberry), Delphinium elatum(belladonna), Calendula officinalis (marigold), Bixa orellana (annatto) (aerial part and independent fruit), Clinopodium brownei (pennyroyal), and Laurus nobilis (laurel), with traditional use previously reported for treating eye infections. Results: The most frequently isolated bacteria were S. epidermidis, S. hominis, and S. aureus, which exhibited antimicrobial resistance mainly to oxacillin, tetracyclines, and erythromycin. All isolates were inhibited by O. basilicum extracts (mic > 0.9 mg/mL) and L. nobilis (mic < 15 mg/mL). Conclusion: The extracts of C. officinalis y D. elatum showed antimicrobial activity only against isolates with higher antimicrobial sensitivity. Ethanolic extracts of O. basilicum y L. nobilis can be used as an alternative treatment for infections of the anterior segment of the eye.
Staphylococcus aureus e Staphylococcus epidermidis são os principais agentes etiológicos da conjuntivite bacteriana, estes são tratados empiricamente com antibióticos, causando aumento da resistência antimicrobiana após repetidas exposições aos mesmos. Atualmente, estão sendo estudadas alternativas naturais para o tratamento de infecções bacterianas autolimitadas da conjuntiva. Objetivo: determinar a atividade antimicrobiana de oito extratos de sete vegetais contra bactérias isoladas de pacientes com conjuntivite bacteriana. Materiais e métodos: foram retiradas amostras de 15 pacientes com conjuntivite bacteriana. As amostras foram cultivadas em ágar sangue e ágar chocolate por 24 horas a 37°C e os isolados foram identificados pelo sistema automatizado vitek, além de testes de susce-tibilidade antimicrobiana pelo método Kirby Bauer. Cada isolado identificado como sendo pertencente ao gênero Staphylococcus foi avaliado quanto à suscetibilidade a oito extratos vegetais: Ocimum basili-cum (manjericão), Sambucus nigra L. (sabugueiro), Delphinium elatum (belladona), Calendula officinalis(calêndula), Bixa orellana (urucum; parte aérea e fruto independente), Clinopodium brownei (poejo) e Laurus nobilis (louro), anteriormente relatados como uso tradicional para o tratamento de infecções ocu-lares. Resultados: as bactérias mais frequentemente isoladas foram S. epidermidis, S. hominis e S. aureus, que apresentaram resistência antimicrobiana principalmente à oxacilina, tetraciclinas e eritromicina. Todos os isolados foram inibidos por extratos de O. basilicum (cim: >0,9 mg/mL) e L. nobilis (cim: até 15 mg/mL). Conclusão: os extratos de C. officinalis e D. elatum apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana apenas contra os isolados com maior sensibilidade antimicrobiana. Os extratos etanólicos de O. basilicum e L. nobilis podem ser uma alternativa de tratamento para infecções conjuntivais.
Subject(s)
Humans , Patients , Staphylococcus , Bacteria , Bacterial Infections , Plant Extracts , Eye Infections , Conjunctivitis, Bacterial , Conjunctivitis , Anti-Bacterial AgentsABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Brimonidine is a commonly used drug for glaucoma treatment, which has been linked to ocular autoimmune disorders like uveitis and conjunctivitis. Corneal pathology under brimonidine is generally less common. CASE DESCRIPTION: Here, we report a 78 -year-old male patient suffering from immune corneal stromal inflammation with hypotony and resulting hypotonic maculopathy after 6 weeks after introduction of brimonidine treatment. Systemic work-up for system autoimmune and infectious diseases was negative. We discontinued brimonidine and administered topical prednisolone under which inflammatory corneal signs and intraocular pressure normalized. Chorioretinal folds persisted after 9 months. CONCLUSION: Our case report suggests monitoring patients under brimonidine for sterile corneal infiltration.
Subject(s)
Conjunctivitis , Macular Degeneration , Ocular Hypertension , Retinal Diseases , Male , Humans , Aged , Brimonidine Tartrate/therapeutic use , Cornea , Intraocular Pressure , Conjunctivitis/diagnosis , Ophthalmic SolutionsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To determine the safety and efficacy of black tea extract in the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis in a rabbit model and compare it with that of gatifloxacin drops. METHODS: Black tea extract was tested in vitro on bacterial cultures of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Forty-two rabbit eyes were cultured with either MRSA (n=21) or P. aeruginosa (n=21) and further divided into a control group (n=5), a tea group (n=8) treated with black tea extract, and a gatifloxacin group (n=8) treated with 0.3% gatifloxacin eye drops. Conjunctival swabs were collected on the third and fifth days. RESULTS: The tea extract successfully inhibited the growth of both organisms at a concentration of 400 mg/mL. Rabbits in the treatment groups showed a reduction in the clinical index on day 2 (P<0.01), unlike the control group (P=0.1), for both organisms. Resolution of conjunctivitis was achieved on days 4 and 5 in the tea and gatifloxacin groups, respectively. On days 3 and 5, while the control group still showed considerable bacterial growth, the tea and gatifloxacin groups showed its inhibition. CONCLUSION: Tea extract has antimicrobial effects similar to those of gatifloxacin in a rabbit model of conjunctivitis.
Subject(s)
Conjunctivitis, Bacterial , Conjunctivitis , Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus , Animals , Rabbits , Gatifloxacin/pharmacology , Gatifloxacin/therapeutic use , Fluoroquinolones/therapeutic use , Conjunctivitis, Bacterial/drug therapy , Conjunctivitis/drug therapy , Tea , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacologyABSTRACT
Strategies on long-term management of patients affected by atopic dermatitis (AD) undergoing treatment with dupilumab achieving good clinical response (GCR) or experiencing dupilumab-related adverse events (AEs) are scant. Data of patients who implemented longer than scheduled dupilumab dosing interval due to GCR (at least 52 weeks of treatment and controlled AD activity [Eczema Area Severity Index ≤7 and Dermatology Life Quality Index ≤5 for at least 6 months]) or AEs (dupilumab-related and treatment-resistant conjunctivitis) were retrospectively collected. Dupilumab was tapered to Q3W or Q4W based on physician-patient shared decision. At baseline (T0) and each follow-up (week 16 [T1] and week 32 [T2]) disease severity was assessed. A total of 59 patients implemented longer than scheduled dosing interval (44 GCR, 15 AEs). Among these, 50 (35 GCR and 15 conjunctivitis) patients switched to 300 mg Q3W, while nine GCR subjects to Q4W. In the GCR group Q3W, 34 and 31 patients maintained clinical response at T1 and T2, whereas eight and seven Q4W subjects maintained clinical response at the same timepoints, respectively. No significant differences in AD severity were observed between T1 and T2 in both groups. Contrariwise, one Q3W and one Q4W patients at T1, and three Q3W and one Q4W subjects at T2, returned to dupilumab labeled dosage due to AD worsening. In conjunctivitis group, dupilumab Q3W was maintained in eight and four patients at T1 and T2, respectively. Three patients at T1 and three at T2 subjects returned to the labeled interval due to conjunctivitis remission. Four patients at T1 and four subjects at T2 interrupted dupilumab due to the persistence of conjunctivitis. A longer dupilumab dosing interval may be a valuable option in patients with a GCR and may be a useful strategy to reduce treatment-related conjunctivitis, also with pharmacoeconomic benefit.
Subject(s)
Conjunctivitis , Dermatitis, Atopic , Humans , Adult , Dermatitis, Atopic/diagnosis , Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy , Retrospective Studies , Severity of Illness Index , Treatment Outcome , Conjunctivitis/chemically induced , Conjunctivitis/diagnosis , Conjunctivitis/drug therapyABSTRACT
In this work, we investigate the correlation between ragweed pollen concentration and conjunctival, nasal, and asthma symptom severity in patients allergic to ragweed pollen using ambient pollen exposure in the Milan area during the 2014 ragweed season We calculate the pollen/symptom thresholds and we assess the effectiveness of ragweed allergen immunotherapy (AIT). A total of 66 participants allergic to ragweed (Amb a 1) were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups: AIT treated (24) and no AIT treated (42). Pollen counts and daily symptom/medication patient diaries were kept. Autoregressive distributed lag models were used to develop predictive models of daily symptoms and evaluate the short-term effects of temporal variations in pollen concentration on the onset of symptoms. We found significant correlations between ragweed pollen load and the intensity of symptoms for all three symptom categories, both in no AIT treated (τ = 0.341, 0.352, and 0.721; and ρ = 0.48, 0.432, and 0.881; p-value < 0.001) and in AIT treated patients ([Formula: see text]= 0.46, 0.610, and 0.66; and ρ = 0.692, 0.805, and 0.824; p-value < 0.001). In both groups, we observed a positive correlation between the number of symptoms reported and drug use. Mean symptom levels were significantly higher in no AIT treated than in AIT treated patients (p-value < 0.001) for all symptom categories. Pollen concentration thresholds for the four symptom severity levels (low, medium-low, medium-high and high) were calculated. Ragweed pollen concentration is predictive of symptom severity in patients with a ragweed (Amb a 1) allergy. Patients treated with AIT had significantly reduced mean symptom levels compared to those without AIT.
Subject(s)
Allergens , Asthma , Conjunctivitis , Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal , Ambrosia , Antigens, Plant , Asthma/chemically induced , Asthma/therapy , Conjunctivitis/chemically induced , Humans , Plant Extracts , Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/drug therapy , SeasonsABSTRACT
Background & objectives: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory disease prevalent worldwide which can affect both olfaction and quality of life (QoL). The objective of the present study was to assess olfaction and QoL changes in patients with AR before and after medical therapy. Methods: Adult participants (>18 yr) with AR were recruited for this study. These patients prospectively underwent olfaction testing using the modified Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Centre Test and QoL assessment using Rhinoconjunctivitis QoL Questionnaire (RQLQ) before and after standard medical therapy with topical steroids and/antihistaminics. Results: Of the 150 patients recruited, 72 per cent had intermittent AR. The symptom of hyposmia was present in 34 patients (22.7%) and was more prevalent in patients with moderate-to-severe type of AR (P<0.001). However, olfaction testing revealed hyposmia/anosmia in 44 patients (29.3%). Mean composite olfaction scores were significantly higher in patients with mild AR compared to moderate/severe AR (P=0.026). The pre-therapy mean composite olfaction score in the 34 patients with olfaction disturbances was 3.1 standard deviation (±1.06 SD). Following therapy, the mean composite olfaction score rose to 4.3 (±1.34 SD) and this change was found to be significant (P<0.001). Mean pre-therapy RQLQ scores were 2.87 (0.06-5.33) overall. Significant improvement was also found in RQLQ scores following therapy (P<0.001). Mean RQLQ scores were significantly lower in those with moderate-to-severe AR (P<0.001) as well as those with intermittent AR (P=0.004). Nine patients had persistently high RQLQ scores after medical therapy. Interpretation & conclusions: Both olfaction and QoL showed significant improvement after medical therapy in Indian adults with AR. In those patients who do not improve, other causes must be sought for the persistent symptoms.
Subject(s)
Anosmia , Conjunctivitis , Quality of Life , Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial , Rhinitis, Allergic , Adult , Humans , Rhinitis, Allergic/drug therapy , Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/diagnosis , Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/drug therapy , SmellABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Dupilumab is the first biotherapy available for the treatment of moderate-to-severe childhood atopic dermatitis (AD). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in daily practice. METHODS: Patients aged 6-11, who had received a first dose of dupilumab, were included in this multicentre retrospective cohort study. The primary endpoint was change in SCORAD after 3 months of treatment. Secondary endpoints were change in IGA score at 3 months, proportion of patients with SCORAD50 and SCORAD75, description of adverse events and proportion of children in our cohort who would be excluded from pivotal phase 3 clinical trial. RESULTS: Eighty patients were included. After 3 months of treatment, there was a significant decrease in SCORAD (mean: 21.8 ± 13.8 vs 53.9 ± 18.5; P < 0.0001) and IGA (1.3 ± 0.8 vs 3.5 ± 0.7; P < 0.0001). Conjunctivitis was observed in 11.3% (n = 9/80); three patients experienced dupilumab facial redness (DFR); 17.5% (n = 14/80) reported injection site reactions; 6.3% (n = 5/80) discontinued treatment. 61.2% (n = 49/80) children were ineligible in the phase 3 trial. LIMITATIONS: There is no control group. Because it was a real life study based on information from patient medical records in a French multicentre cohort, we cannot rule out the presence of reporting bias generated by the use of patient reported characteristics and missing information. CONCLUSION: These real-life data confirm the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in children with moderate to severe AD extended to dyshidrosis and atopic prurigo, but it also revealed a lower frequency of DFR and conjunctivitis. However, administration in injectable form may be a barrier in this age group.
Subject(s)
Conjunctivitis , Dermatitis, Atopic , Child , Humans , Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy , Retrospective Studies , Severity of Illness Index , Treatment Outcome , Conjunctivitis/chemically induced , Cohort Studies , Immunoglobulin AABSTRACT
The patient was a 70-year-old woman who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor in May 2020. She was diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma (high grade, pT1 by pathology). We started bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) intravesical infusion (80 mg Tokyo strain) in August of the same year after a second transurethral resection. Pain during urination persisted during the administration of BCG, and it worsened after the completion of six doses. The patient was hospitalized with back and neck pain and difficulty in physical movement. At the time of admission, bilateral conjunctivitis was observed. The patient was diagnosed with reactive arthritis associated with BCG intravesical injection therapy, as three typical symptoms were observed (bilateral conjunctivitis, urethritis, polyarthritis). The patient was treated with prednisolone and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for arthritis, but the symptoms did not improve. We administered salazosulfapyridine and her reactive arthritis improved.
Subject(s)
Arthritis, Reactive , Carcinoma, Transitional Cell , Conjunctivitis , Mycobacterium bovis , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms , Administration, Intravesical , Aged , Arthritis, Reactive/drug therapy , Arthritis, Reactive/etiology , BCG Vaccine/adverse effects , Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/drug therapy , Conjunctivitis/drug therapy , Female , Humans , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/drug therapy , Sulfasalazine/therapeutic use , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/surgeryABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of adenoviral conjunctivitis in Turkish ophthalmologists, to provide an overview of the treatment and prophylaxis of adenoviral conjunctivitis, and to analyze the data in the context of evidence-based treatment recommendations. METHODS: An online questionnaire consisting of 20 multiple-choice questions about the characteristics of the respondents, the individual adenoviral conjunctivitis history of the ophthalmologists, their practice's approaches, and prescription preferences were emailed to Turkish ophthalmologists. RESULTS: The survey was emailed to 500 ophthalmologists; 45% of them returned the questionnaire. According to the responses, the history of adenoviral conjunctivitis infections was positive in 46.7% (n: 120), recurrent attack prevalence was 16.2% in ophthalmologists. Lubricants (67.6%) are the most preferred first-line treatment options for adenoviral conjunctivitis, followed by povidone-iodine (59.6%), topical antibiotics (51.1%), topical antivirals (29.3%), topical corticosteroids (26.7%), and topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (19.6%). A total of 98.2% preferred to dismiss infected patients. The preferred prophylaxis options were frequent hand washing/use of gloves (97.8%), disinfection of medical devices (95.1%), isolation of infected patients (79.1%), hand hygiene with gemicides (58.7%). The percentage of single-dose eye drop selection was 46.2. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this survey showed that most Turkish ophthalmologists generally follow international guidelines for the treatment of adenoviral conjunctivitis. The treatment algorithm is still controversial, so ophthalmologists should be aware of treatment guideline updates in line with evidence-based recommendations. Having sufficient knowledge of the basic characteristics of viruses is important to control the spread of the disease.
Subject(s)
Adenoviridae Infections , Conjunctivitis, Viral , Conjunctivitis , Ophthalmologists , Adenoviridae Infections/drug therapy , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/therapeutic use , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Conjunctivitis/drug therapy , Conjunctivitis, Viral/drug therapy , Conjunctivitis, Viral/epidemiology , Conjunctivitis, Viral/prevention & control , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Lubricants/therapeutic use , Ophthalmic Solutions/therapeutic use , Povidone-Iodine/therapeutic use , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin translucent mucous membrane, characterized by a dilatation of the conjunctival vessels. Causes leading to conjunctivitis are diverse, being drug related one of them. CASE REPORT: We report a case of an 80-year-old man with a diagnosis of relapsed stage IV colon cancer who developed a severe conjunctivitis, scar ectropion with lack of tissue and eversion of the subconjunctival conjunctiva after being treated with capecitabine. MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME: Capecitabine was discontinued and pharmacological treatment was initiated with a complete resolution of the symptoms. DISCUSSION: Ocular toxicity derived from the use of systemic fluorouracil has been widely described in the literature, as well as the relationship between the use of capecitabine and the appearance of conjunctivitis. However, the development of severe conjunctivitis with other complications has not been previously reported. Monitor patients closely and perform full medication assessment should be undertaken when a patient reports visual changes to manage toxicity in the early stages. Following the patient evaluation and evolution and based on the Karch Lasanga algorithm modified by Naranjo, the adverse reaction is considered as probable.