Photo Rounds: Painful facial blisters, fever, and conjunctivitis.

Following Tx for facial blisters, our patient returned with what appeared to be viral conjunctivitis. Further evaluation revealed a missed tip-off to the proper Dx.

[Evaluating the effectiveness of Solanum tuberosum shoots extract in experimental ocular herpes].

UNLABELLED: Ocular herpes (OH) is an infectious disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) characterized by a variable clinical presentation and often accompanied by complications that may lead to deterioration of visual functions, cataract development, or even blindness. Its treatment is arduous. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of Panavir eye drops in a rabbit model of OH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ocular infection was induced with HSV-1 (EU strain) in grey rabbits (all males, 2.5-3.0 kg) according to the standard technique. The treatment included Panavir-GLA (Panavir-gamma-linolenic acid) and Panavir medications. RESULTS: Panavir eye drops instilled 6 times daily for 8 days showed a pronounced therapeutic effect and prevented the development of severe corneal opacities. The most rapid and significant results were seen in rabbits with epithelial keratitis and those with short-term persistence of the virus. Generally, the effectiveness of Panavir eye drops was comparable with that of the reference drug (Oftalmoferon). Panavir instillations caused no irritation, toxic and/or allergic effects and were well tolerated by the rabbits. CONCLUSION: The data obtained suggest that Panavir eye drops may be included in OH treatment schemes.

Herpetic keratouveitis mixed with bilateral Pseudomonas corneal ulcers in vitamin A deficiency.

A 56-year-old woman complained of blurred vision and pain in her right eye for several days. Slit lamp examination revealed a large epithelial defect and disciform stromal edema with ring infiltration in her right cornea. Unfortunately, hypopyon and purulent discharge subsequently developed in both eyes. Herpetic keratouveitis and a superimposed pseudomonas infection were diagnosed. A systemic review on the patient showed malnutrition due to her dietary preference and vegetarianism. After the infection was controlled, bilateral epithelial defects persisted for a long time. We performed amniotic membrane transplantation on both eyes and the clinical status improved with administration of vitamin and protein supplements. Although rare in Taiwan, vitamin A deficiency should be kept in mind when conjunctival and corneal xerosis occurred. Vitamin A supplements are suggested because of the increased susceptibility to infection in patients with this clinical status.

[The use of cycloferon in the therapy of experimental herpetic keratitis]. / Ispol'zovanie tsikloferona v terapii éksperimental'nogo gerpeticheskogo keratita.

The cycloferon efficacy was investigated in the treatment of experimental herpesvirus kerato-conjunctivitis in rabbits. The model was demonstrated to reflect the main aspects of herpesvirus eye lesions in humans. Cycloferon application similarly to that of known interferon inducer poludan has been shown to enhance processes of inflammation and subsequent regeneration of eye tissues as well as to decrease mortality of animals due to the generalization of infection.