2†Pathways to detection of non-infectious childhood uveitis in the UK: findings from the UNICORN cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Prompt detection of childhood uveitis is key to minimising negative impact. From an internationally unique inception cohort, we report pathways to disease detection.UNICORNS is a national childhood non-infectious uveitis study with longitudinal collection of a standardised clinical dataset and patient reported outcomes. Descriptive analysis of baseline characteristics are reported.Amongst 150 recruited children (51% female, 31% non-white ethnicity) age at detection ranged from 2-18yrs (median 10). In 69%, uveitis was diagnosed following onset of symptoms: time from first symptoms to uveitis detection ranged from 0-739days (median 7days), with longer time to detection for those presenting initially to their general practitioner. Non symptomatic children were detected through JIA/other disease surveillance (16%), routine optometry review (5%) or child visual health screening (1%). Commonest underlying diagnoses at uveitis detection were JIA (17%), TINU (9%, higher than pre-pandemic reported UK disease frequency) and sarcoid (1%). 60% had no known systemic disease at uveitis detection. At disease detection, in at least one eye: 34% had structural complications (associated with greater time to detection - 17 days versus 4 days for uncomplicated presentation).The larger relative proportions of children with non-JIA uveitis reported here increase the importance of improving awareness of childhood uveitis amongst the wider clinical communities. There is scope for improvement of pathways to detection. Forthcoming analysis on the full cohort (251 recruited to date across 33 hospitals and 4 nations) will provide nationally representative data on management and the determinants of visual and broader developmental/well-being outcomes.

Acute corneal hydrops in keratoconus: a national prospective study of incidence and management.

PurposeTo determine incidence and management of acute corneal hydrops in the UK.MethodsWe used the BOSU report card system to survey cases of acute corneal hydrops in patients with keratoconus that occurred in the UK between November 2009 and December 2010. Ophthalmologists who reported a case were sent an initial questionnaire, with a follow-up questionnaire after 6 months. We collected information on the demographics, complications, changes in visual acuity, and management. The 2011 National Census was used as a source for population and ethnicity in the UK.ResultsThere were 73 incident cases of acute corneal hydrops, with a response to the initial questionnaire for 64 (88%) patients and follow-up data at 6 months for 57 (78%) patients. For the 64 confirmed cases the median (interquartile range) age of onset was 31.9 (23.2, 41.3) years and 48 (75%) of the cases occurred in males. A total of 42 (66%) patients were white, 14 (22%) were South Asian, and 7 (11%) were black. The proportion of South Asian and black patients with acute corneal hydrops was significantly higher than in the general population (P<0.001). The minimum estimated annual incidence of acute corneal hydrops in patients with keratoconus was estimated to be 1.43 (1.10, 1.83) per 1000. At 6 months following acute corneal hydrops a decision to proceed with keratoplasty had been made for 12 (20.3%) patients.ConclusionsThis is the first population-based estimate of the incidence of acute corneal hydrops in keratoconus.

Endogenous endophthalmitis and liver abscesses.

We present a case of endogenous endophthalmitis secondary to liver abscesses, in a patient with no previous medical comorbidities or risk factors for immunosuppression. The patient presented with acute painless loss of vision and feeling generally unwell. Investigations revealed Streptococcus anginosus-constellatus bacteraemia, and evidence of diverticular disease that likely predisposed to the liver abscesses. Due to prompt diagnosis and administration of antibiotics, the patient had a good visual outcome. This case highlights the importance of being aware of endogenous endophthalmitis, as early diagnosis and prompt administration of antibiotics will optimise visual outcomes.

Tuberculous orbital apex syndromes.

AIMS: To describe the clinical and radiological features of orbital apex syndromes caused by presumed tuberculosis (TB). METHODS: A review of the discharge summaries of all patients seen in the Medical Eye Unit (MEU), St Thomas' Hospital between 1975 and 2006 identified seven patients with a diagnosis of orbital apex syndrome or optic neuropathy attributable to TB. Case notes and radiology were reviewed retrospectively for each patient. RESULTS: All of the patients were born outside the UK and were HIV-negative. Four presented during 2005-6. Six of the seven patients presented with a visual acuity (VA) of less than counting fingers (CF), but all achieved a VA of 6/9 or better after a median 3 weeks of treatment with antituberculous treatment and systemic corticosteroids. All patients had constitutional symptoms. Chest x ray and CSF were normal in each case, but MRI was abnormal in six. CONCLUSIONS: We report a recent cluster of tuberculous orbital apex syndromes, in the context of an increasing incidence of TB in the UK. The condition is difficult to diagnose, but the combination of high-dose corticosteroids and anti-TB medication was rapidly effective and achieved a good outcome in all cases.