Phacoemulsification in patients after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

OBJECTIVE: To study the outcomes of phacoemulsification in allogeneic bone marrow transplant (allo-BMT) recipients. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. METHODS: Retrospective study of 34 eyes of 19 consecutive patients who had visually significant cataracts after allo-BMT and subsequently underwent phacoemulsification. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Best-corrected vision at the last follow-up visit and development of postoperative complications. RESULTS: Surgery was done at a mean interval of 37 months after BMT, and the mean postoperative follow-up was 13 months. Twenty-one eyes (62%) had subnormal Schirmer I scores as a result of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) involving the lacrimal gland. Of these, 71% (15 eyes) additionally had significant ocular surface epitheliopathy because of conjunctival GVHD. Frequent lubrication (95%), punctal occlusion (76%), topical steroids (33%), and other topical immunosuppressive therapies (14%) were used to manage GVHD-induced ocular surface disease before cataract surgery. Twelve patients (63%) also received systemic steroids and immunosuppressives. Patients proceeded to surgery only after their ocular surface disease was well controlled. Early postoperative complications included intraocular pressure elevation (three eyes), worsening of dry eye syndrome (two eyes), and corneal thinning (one eye). Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) requiring laser capsulotomy occurred in 44% of eyes. In eyes with preoperative conjunctival GVHD, 47% had recurrence with cessation of immunosuppressive therapy after surgery. Visual acuity at last follow-up visit was 20/30 or better in 33 (97%) eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Phacoemulsification is an effective procedure in restoring vision in patients who have cataracts develop after BMT. However, coexisting ocular disease must be recognized and aggressively treated both before and after surgery to ensure good visual outcomes.     

Short term effects of topical cyclosporine and viscoelastic on the ocular surfaces in patients with dry eye

PURPOSE: To compare the short term effects of topical 0.05% cyclosporine (CsA) and a mixture of 0.08% chondroitin sulfate and 0.06% sodium hyaluronate (CS-HA) on dry eye ocular surfaces. METHODS: 36 patients with moderate to severe dry eye (5 mm/5 min or less with Schirmer's test or tear break up time (BUT) less than 6 seconds), were treated with topical application of CS-HA on one eye and CsA on the other 4 times a day for 6-8 weeks. BUT, Schirmer's test without anesthesia, and conjunctival impression cytology (CIC; goblet cell density, nucleus to cytoplasmic ratio, and epithelial cell morphology) were evaluated and compared between eyes before and after treatment (repeated measurement of ANOVA). RESULTS: After treatment, BUT and tear wettings were significantly prolonged in each group. Topical CsA treated eyes had greater increase in BUT (p=0.026); there was no significant difference in tear wetting (p=0.132). While the 3 parameters of CIC improved in both groups, goblet cell density was significantly higher in eyes treated with CsA (p=0.033). CONCLUSIONS: While both CS-HA and 0.05% CsA eyedrops improve ocular surfaces, topical CsA may have a better effect on enhancing tear film stability and goblet cell density.     

造血干细胞移植术后的眼部观察

目的 观察造血干细胞术后移植物抗宿主病(GVHD)及预处理措施对眼部的影响。方法 对35例行造血干细胞移植患者的眼科检查进行回顾性分析。结果 35例中慢性GVHD14例，占异基因造血干细胞移植的70％。其中8例合并有干眼，占GVHD患者的57．14％；6例睑板腺功能障碍并伴有干眼。眼部其他并发症有结膜瘢痕、睑球粘连、角膜溃疡、白内障、急性结膜炎、眼底出血或结膜出血。自体造血干细胞移植不出现移植物抗宿主病及干眼。结论 干眼是异基因造血干细胞移植术后的主要眼部并发症，仅见于发生GVHD的患者。异基因造血干细胞移植的眼部并发症明显高于自体干细胞移植。     

Long-term outcomes of keratolimbal allograft for the treatment of severe ocular surface disorders

PURPOSE: To investigate the long-term outcome of keratolimbal allograft (KLAL) for the treatment of severe ocular surface disorders. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty patients (23 eyes) with severe ocular surface disorders. INTERVENTION: Thirty-three KLAL procedures were performed. Ten patients (10 eyes) underwent KLAL in combination with other surgical procedures. Oral or topical cyclosporine or both were used after surgery in 15 patients to prevent allograft rejection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Reconstruction of the ocular surface with restoration of phenotypic corneal epithelium, reduction of corneal vascularization and conjunctivalization, decreased pain, and visual improvement. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 60 months (range, 15-96 months). Eight eyes (24.2%) never reepithelialized and were considered primary failures. The remaining 25 grafts initially restored a phenotypic corneal epithelium, but at last follow-up only 7 (21.2%) were stable. Graft survival rate was 54.4% at 1 year, 33.3% at 2 years, and 27.3% at 3 years. Visual acuity improved or was unchanged in 19 eyes (82.6%) and decreased in 4 eyes (17.4%). Seventeen corneal transplantations (3 lamellar keratoplasties and 14 penetrating keratoplasties) were performed either in combination with or after a KLAL. All three lamellar keratoplasties were successful, whereas 13 of the 14 penetrating keratoplasties failed. Cyclosporine was used initially in high-risk recipients and later in all recipients. Allograft rejection episodes occurred in 13 KLAL procedures of 11 eyes (39.4%) and were more common in patients treated with cyclosporine compared with the untreated group (87.5% vs. 22.2%). Graft survival was longer in the cyclosporine-treated group compared with the untreated group. CONCLUSIONS: Keratolimbal allograft is useful in ocular surface reconstruction and restores phenotypic corneal epithelium. Graft survival rate, however, decreases dramatically over a 2-year period. Long-term use of cyclosporine appears to prolong graft survival but does not prevent acute allograft rejections.     

【In Press】Cinical efficacy of combined topical 0.05% cyclosporin A and 0.1% sodium hyaluronate in the dry eyes with meibomian gland dysfunction

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of combined topical 0.05% cyclosporin A (CsA, Restasis®, Allergan pharmaceuticals, USA) and 0.1% sodium hyaluronate treatment in dry eyes with meibomian gland dysfunction. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, 53 patients (106 eyes) with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) were enrolled and performed lid warm massage for 10min daily and be instilled preservative free sodium hyaluronate 0.1% eye drops 4 times daily. Patients were divided into subjects treated with topical 0.05% cyclosporine A and preservative free sodium hyaluronate vehicle (CsA group, n=74 eyes) and subjects treated with the preservative free sodium hyaluronate vehicle (control group, n=32 eyes). They were evaluated at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3mo for subjective symptoms and objective signs including tear break-up time, schirmer test, corneal staining score, lid margin telangiectasia, meibomian gland secretion, and conjunctival injection. RESULTS: In the short-term treatment, CsA group showed a statistically significant improvement in the ocular surface disease index (P<0.001), tear film break-up time (P=0.004), schirmer test score (P=0.008) and lid margin telangiectasia (P=0.021) by repeated measure ANOVA. Additionally, mean changes from baseline in ocular surface disease index (P<0.001), tear film breakup time (P=0.001), schirmer test score (P=0.029), corneal staining score (P=0.047), eyelid margin telangiectasia (P=0.002), conjunctival injection (P=0.030) were improved better in CsA group than in the control group at 3mo. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in meibomian gland secretion (P=0.67). CONCLUSIONS: In dry eyes with meibomian gland dysfunction, 0.05% cyclosporin A improves the tear film stability as well as subjective ocular discomfort, and is effective in controlling lid margin inflammation.     

Comparison of topical cyclosporine, punctal occlusion, and a combination for the treatment of dry eye

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of topical cyclosporine, punctal occlusion, and a combination for the treatment of dry eye. METHODS: Patients with dry eye (N = 30) seen in a university-affiliated private practice were randomized to 1 of 3 treatments: cyclosporine 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion (RESTASIS) twice daily, lower-lid punctal plugs (PARASOL), or a plugs-cyclosporine combination. Tear volume, ocular surface staining, and artificial tear use were assessed at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: All treatments improved Schirmer scores by 6 months (P < or = 0.005 vs. baseline), with plug-containing regimens favored at 1 and 3 months (P < 0.001 vs. cyclosporine alone). Cyclosporine-containing regimens, but not plugs alone, improved rose bengal staining at 3 and 6 months (P < or = 0.010 vs. baseline). Artificial tear use decreased with plug-containing regimens at 1 month and with all treatments at 3 and 6 months (P < or = 0.005 vs. baseline). Combination therapy produced the greatest overall improvements and was superior to plugs alone in decreasing artificial tear use at 6 months (P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: All 3 regimens effectively treated dry eye. Plug-containing regimens increased wetness initially; cyclosporine appeared to promote long-term ocular surface health. The effects may be additive. Patients with punctal occlusion may benefit from adjunctive cyclosporine.     

Clinical efficacy of combined topical 0.05% cyclosporine A and 0.1% sodium hyaluronate in the dry eyes with meibomian gland dysfunction

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of combined topical 0.05% cyclosporine A (CsA; Restasis®, Allergan pharmaceuticals, USA) and 0.1% sodium hyaluronate treatment in dry eyes with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). METHODS: In a retrospective analysis, 53 patients (106 eyes) with MGD were enrolled and performed lid warm massage for 10min daily and be instilled preservative free sodium hyaluronate 0.1% eye drops 4 times daily. Patients were divided into subjects treated with topical 0.05% CsA and preservative free sodium hyaluronate vehicle (experimental group, n=74 eyes) and subjects treated with the preservative free sodium hyaluronate vehicle (control group, n=32 eyes). They were evaluated at baseline and 1, 2, and 3mo for subjective symptoms and objective signs including tear film break-up time (tBUT), Schirmer test, corneal staining (CS) score, lid margin telangiectasia (LMT), meibomian gland secretion (MGS), and conjunctival injection (CI). RESULTS: In the short-term treatment, the experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement in the ocular surface disease index (OSDI; P<0.001), tBUT (P=0.004), Schirmer test score (P=0.008) and LMT (P=0.021) by repeated measure ANOVA. Additionally, mean changes from baseline in OSDI (P<0.001), tBUT (P=0.001), Schirmer test score (P=0.029), CS score (P=0.047), LMT (P=0.002), CI (P=0.030) were improved better in the experimental group than in the control group at 3mo. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in MGS (P=0.67). CONCLUSION: In dry eyes with MGD, 0.05% CsA improves the tear film stability as well as subjective ocular discomfort, and is effective in controlling lid margin inflammation.     

Cataract surgery in allogeneic bone marrow transplant recipients with graft-versus-host disease(1)

PURPOSE: To study the outcomes of cataract surgery in allogeneic bone marrow transplant recipients with documented graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and to elucidate the concomitant ocular surface problems often encountered in these patients. SETTING: W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. METHODS: This retrospective study comprised 12 cataract surgeries in 7 patients with GVHD) after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. In particular, visual acuity improvement, surgical complications, and problems associated with concomitant ocular surface disease were reviewed. RESULTS: The mean visual acuity improved significantly from 20/46 (logMAR 0.32) preoperatively to 20/21 (logMAR 0.02) postoperatively (P <.005). The mean postoperative follow-up was 23 months (range 3 to 48 months). All patients had dry eyes, and 3 had conjunctival cicatrization with mild keratinization. No patient had postoperative corneal breakdown. CONCLUSION: With aggressive management of dry eyes and other ocular surface problems, cataract surgery had excellent outcomes in patients with GVHD.     

Efficacy of topical cyclosporine 0.05% in the treatment of dry eye associated with graft versus host disease

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of topical cyclosporine 0.05% (Restasis) in patients with dry eye associated with graft versus host disease after stem cell transplantation. METHODS: After completing a 3-month run-in period of using only artificial tears to control dry eye symptoms in both eyes, patients who failed to achieve adequate relief (n = 8) were instructed to instill topical cyclosporine twice a day. Visual acuity, slit-lamp appearance, and intraocular pressure were evaluated every 2 weeks for a minimum of 3 months. In addition, Schirmer basal secretion tests, noninvasive fluorescein breakup time, and tear lysozyme were also performed. Patients were also given a dry eye questionnaire regarding symptoms of burning, tearing, and blurred vision. RESULTS: Dry eye signs improved significantly with cyclosporine treatment in 7 of 8 patients. Cyclosporine provided statistically significant improvements in Schirmer basal secretion scores (P = 0.003), tear breakup time (P = 0.002), and tear lysozyme levels (P = 0.033) after 3 months of treatment. CONCLUSION: The findings in this prospective study suggest that dry eye associated with graft versus host disease can be effectively treated with topical cyclosporine, especially in patients unresponsive to other treatment modalities. These findings should be further evaluated in large-scale, controlled clinical trials.     

Dry‐eye syndrome after allogeneic stem‐cell transplantation in children

Purpose: To report the prevalence of dry‐eye syndrome (DES) in children and young adults treated with allogeneic stem‐cell transplantation (SCT) during childhood; to relate DES to conditioning regimes, including total body irradiation (TBI) and chemotherapy, and to immunosuppressive drugs and graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). Methods: This cross‐sectional study included 60 children/young adults transplanted because of leukaemia, various haematological disorders and inborn errors of metabolism between 1986 and 2004, with a follow‐up time of 7.0 years (median, range 2–18). Clinical assessments, performed at a median age of 15.6 years (range 5.5–23.5), included an inquiry form on dry‐eye symptoms, corneal status including fluorescein staining, ‘break‐up time’ (BUT) and Schirmer test. Results: A total of 37 of 60 patients had DES defined as presence of corneal epithelial lesions with a pathological BUT and/or Schirmer test. Twenty‐nine had had staining <1–10% of the corneal surface while eight patients had staining ≥10–25% of the corneal surface. All 37 patients with objective signs of DES, graded and not graded, had significant associations to subjective symptoms of dry eyes including dry eyes, red eyes, ocular irritation, secretion and sensitivity to light. Frequent occasions (above median; n = 7) of high cyclosporine A trough levels above 250 ng/ml were associated significantly with DES (P = 0.002). However, there was no association between DES and conditioning with single‐dose (s‐TBI) or fractionated TBI (f‐TBI), busulfan or other chemotherapy. There were no associations between prolonged corticosteroid treatment or chronic GVHD and DES in the present study. DES was more common in patients with malignant diseases (P = 0.02). Malignant disease increased the risk of DES in girls but not in boys. Increased age at SCT increased the risk for DES in boys but not in girls (P = 0.02). Although severe keratitis occurred in three patients, nobody suffered corneal perforation. Conclusion: DES with epithelial punctata keratopathy was common in children/young adults treated with SCT and more common if the patients were exposed to repeated high trough levels of cyclosporine A; however, DES was not associated with irradiation, corticosteroids or GVHD in the present study. Patients with objective DES also had subjective symptoms of dry eyes, which facilitate diagnosis. Girls with malignant diseases and boys who underwent SCT at later ages seem to demand higher attention and more frequent check‐ups regarding DES. Patients with diagnosed severe DES needed frequent and continuous ophthalmological care to maintain treatment motivation.     

Efficacy of topical cyclosporine 0.05% and osmoprotective lubricating eye drops in treating dry eye disease and inflammation

Purpose:To evaluate the effect of topical cyclosporine 0.05% and osmoprotective lubricating eye drops on patients with dry eye disease (DED) with inflammation as measured by raised tear matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-9).Methods:This prospective study included 106 eyes of 53 patients diagnosed with DED based on any of the following DED criteria (Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI] score >12, tear film breakup time [TBUT] <10 s, Schirmer’s I test result <10 mm/5 min, ocular surface staining). Ocular surface inflammation was assessed by assessing MMP-9 positivity from tears of the patients in the study (Inflammadry kit Quidel corporation). Patients were prescribed osmoprotective lubricating eye drops (Osmodrops, Cipla Ltd) four times a day and cyclosporine A 0.05% eye drops (Imudrops, Cipla Ltd) twice a day for 6 months. Efficacy of the formulations was evaluated by OSDI scores, Schirmer’s test, TBUT change, reduction in ocular surface staining, and reduction in MMP-9 levels after 6 months of usage. Check P value and add from resultsResults:After 6 months of topical therapy, improvement was observed in OSDI scores (mean pretreatment: 25.7 ± 12.8, and mean posttreatment: 15.2 ± 8.4), P < 0.001. There was also reduction number of patients who were MMP-9 positive. Out of 75 eyes that tested MMP-9 positive, 70.66% showed reduction in MMP-9 levels P < 0.0001). Ocular surface staining also improved.Conclusion:Topical osmoprotective lubricating eye drops and cyclosporine A 0.05% reduce inflammation in cases of DED, which correlates with improvement in OSDI scores, ocular surface staining, and reduction in inflammation as measured by levels of tear MMP-9.     

Outcome of penetrating keratoplasty in rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND: Keratolysis in rheumatoid arthritis is a well-known disorder that may rapidly destroy the entire corneal stroma, resulting in descemetocele formation and eventually corneal perforation. The purpose of this study was to determine the anatomical and functional results of therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the charts of patients having undergone PK over a 5-year period and evaluated the outcome. In 16 eyes of 15 patients, PKs were performed (graft diameter 3.0-11.0 mm) because of corneal melting with perforation or descemetocele formation. In 9 eyes, we used topical cyclosporine A (2%) as an adjunct therapy after transplantation in addition to systemic immunosuppressive agents. RESULTS: Following a mean follow-up time of 17 months, anatomical success could be achieved in all eyes; none of the eyes underwent enucleation or evisceration. Postoperative complications following the first PK were epithelial keratopathy in 8 eyes (50%), corneal ulceration in 5 eyes (31%), fistulation in 4 eyes (25%), suture loosing in 4 eyes (25%) and graft rejection in 2 eyes (13%). Additionally 5 regrafts were required because of recurrence of corneal melting or persistent deep stromal defects. Comparison of complications of the patients receiving topical cyclosporine A to the control group showed a statistically significant lower incidence of epithelial keratopathy (p < 0.025) and ulcer recurrence in the cyclosporine A group during the first 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). The final best corrected visual acuity was 20/40 in 4 eyes but was limited to 20/200 or less in 7 eyes. CONCLUSION: Whereas PK can be successful to restore the anatomical integrity of severely altered eyes, the high prevalence of complications limits the indication for PK as a last stage procedure when other methods of management have failed. The use of topical cyclosporine A as adjunct therapy needs further evaluation.     

Ocular surface treatment before laser in situ keratomileusis in patients with severe dry eye

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in patients with severe dry eye associated with Sj?gren's syndrome. METHODS: Three patients (six eyes) with Sj?gren's syndrome who underwent bilateral LASIK were retrospectively evaluated for visual outcome, intraoperative and postoperative complications, dry eye status (subjective symptoms and objective findings, Schirmer test, vital staining of the ocular surface), and outcome satisfaction by subjective questionnaire. All patients had negative reflex tearing and were treated with topical autologous serum and/or punctal occlusion prior to LASIK to improve the ocular surface. This treatment was continued postoperatively. RESULTS: Mean attempted correction of six eyes was -8.46 +/- 1.55 D (range -7.00 to -10.63 D). One year after LASIK, mean uncorrected visual acuity was 1.07 (range 0.7 to 1.5), mean best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was 1.29 (range 1.2 to 1.5), and mean refraction was -0.19 +/- 0.51 D (range -1.00 to +0.50 D). Tear production, rose bengal and fluorescein staining, and dry eye symptoms were not exacerbated after LASIK. No complications, such as intraoperative epithelial defect, diffuse lamellar keratitis, epithelial ingrowth, or recurrent erosion occurred. All three patients were satisfied with the outcome of their surgery. CONCLUSION: LASIK can be safely and effectively managed in patients with severe dry eye with reduced reflex tearing by preoperative and postoperative treatments consisting of a combination of artificial tears, topical autologous serum, and punctal occlusion. Careful assessment of preoperative and postoperative ocular surface status is mandatory in such patients.     

0.5g/L环孢素A滴眼液对中重度干眼患者眼部症状及体征评分的影响

目的：探讨0.5g/L环孢素A滴眼液对中重度干眼患者眼部症状及体征评分的影响。
　　方法：中重度干眼症患者80例160眼依据随机双盲试验原则将其分为两组：观察组40例80眼,采用10 g/L羧甲基纤维素钠和0.5g/L环孢素A滴眼液治疗,对照组40例80眼,采用10 g/L羧甲基纤维素钠滴眼液治疗,比较两组患者眼部症状和体征评分变化。
　　结果：观察组治疗总有效率95.0%,显著高于对照组(85.0%),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组和对照组患者未治疗时症状积分分别为36.1±4.4、36.4±4.5分,经治疗后,观察组1、3 lo 时症状积分下降至25.2±3.2、11.09±3.9分,对照组下降至29.4±4.1、22.05±3.1分,治疗前后差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05),但观察组治疗1、3 lo的症状积分显著低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗前,两组患者泪膜破裂时间(BUT)、泪液分泌试验( Slt)、角膜荧光素染色( FL)和生活质量(OSDI)评分之间无统计学差异(P>0.05);经治疗后,观察组四项指标均显著下降(P<0.05),对照组仅 FL 和OSDI评分显著下降,差异有统计学意义( P<0.05);观察组治疗后四项指标均显著高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组在用药14~28d时3眼出现刺痛感,对照组2眼刺痛感,1眼结膜充血,继续用药时2 d后全部消失。
　　结论：0.5g/L环孢素A滴眼液能够有效缓解中重度干眼患者症状和体征,促进泪液分泌,改善患者眼表环境,治疗效果良好。     

Treatment of ocular rosacea:comparative study of topical cyclosporine and oral doxycycline

AIM:To compare the effectiveness of topical cyclosporine A emulsion with that of oral doxycycline for rosacea associated ocular changes and dry eye complaints.METHODS:One hundred and ten patients with rosacea were screened. Thirty-eight patients having rosacea associated eyelid and ocular surface changes and dry eye complaints were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups:nineteen patients were given topical cyclosporine twice daily and nineteen patients were given oral doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for the first month and once daily for the following two months. Symptom and sign scores, ocular surface disease index questionnarie and tear function tests were evaluated at baseline and monthly for 3mo. Three months after results were compared with that of baseline.RESULTS:Mean values of symptom, eyelid sign and corneal/conjunctival sign scores of each treatment group at baseline and 3mo after treatments were compared and both drugs were found to be effective on rosacea associated ocular changes (P<0.001). Cyclosporine was more effective in symptomatic relief and in the treatment of eyelid signs (P=0.01). There was statistically significant increase in the mean Schirmer score with anesthesia and tear break up time scores in the cyclosporine treatment group compared to the doxycycline treatment group (P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Cyclosporine as a topical drug can be used in the treatment of rosacea associated ocular complications because it is more effective than doxycycline. In addition ocular rosacea as a chronic disease requires long term treatment and doxycycline has various side effects limiting its long term usage.     

Treatment of the sequelae of ocular burns using limbal transplantation

PURPOSE: To report the results of limbal transplantation in patients with severe ocular burns and limbal stem cell deficiency. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This series includes six autografts (unilateral ocular burns) and five allografts (bilateral ocular burns) performed in ten eyes of ten males with an average age of 43 years. The origin of the ocular burn was chemical in eight cases and thermal in the remaining two cases. The average time between the initial trauma and limbal transplantation was 79 months. The average size of limbal grafts was 190 degrees (range: 80-20 degrees for autografts and 120-360 degrees for allografts). Patients with allografts received oral cyclosporine in three cases, topical cyclosporine in one case, and intravenous methylprednisolone in one case. Eight patients underwent penetrating keratoplasty an average of 11 months after limbal transplantation (range: 5-24 months). RESULTS: The average follow-up time was 36 months (range: 7-77 months). The overall success rate of limbal transplantation (ocular surface improvement) was 73% (8/11). The success rate of penetrating keratoplasty was 63% (5/8). The average initial visual acuity was 0.4/10 and the average final visual acuity was 1.6/10. Visual acuity improved by two lines or more in seven cases. DISCUSSION: Limbal transplantation is a useful surgical technique in patients with severe ocular burns. However, results remain insufficient and new techniques such as limbal stem cell culture and transplantation are needed to improve the visual prognosis of these patients.     

Methotrexate for uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: value and requirement for additional anti-inflammatory medication

PURPOSE: To study the value of methotrexate (MTX) and the requirement for additional anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of severe chronic iridocyclitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). METHODS: Institutional study of 35 consecutive patients with JIA started on MTX as the single systemic immunosuppressive drug for the treatment of associated iridocyclitis. The clinical epidemiologic data, course of visual acuity (VA), development of complications, and the need for additional anti-inflammatory drugs were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean follow-up with MTX treatment was 27.6 months. Uveitic complications were present in 31 patients before MTX treatment. With MTX, quiescence of uveitis was obtained with (n=21) or without (n=4) additional topical steroids. Additional systemic immunosuppressive drugs were required in another 7 patients: cyclosporine A (n=4), azathioprine (n=1), infliximab (n=1), or etanercept (n=1). Three patients had active uveitis at the end of the follow-up period. During MTX therapy, uveitis first developed in the unaffected fellow eyes in 2 patients, and secondary glaucoma or ocular hypertension occurred in 7 patients. The VA deteriorated in 6, improved in 13, and was stable in the remaining eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that MTX is very effective in controlling inflammation of uveitis in patients with JIA. However, additional topical steroids or systemic immunosuppressive drugs are often required.     

Topical cyclosporine A in severe steroid-dependent childhood phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of topical cyclosporine A (CsA) in children with phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis associated with severe steroid-dependent corneal inflammation. DESIGN: Prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. METHODS: patients: Children with phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis associated with severe steroid-dependent corneal inflammation and not responding to oral antibiotics (cyclines or erythromycin). intervention: Topical CsA 2% four times daily, initially combined with topical dexamethasone for the first week. main outcome measures: Efficacy was judged by the patients (symptoms and ocular redness) and by the ophthalmologist (ocular redness and corneal inflammation). The patients were monitored for adverse effects, and cyclosporinemia was determined every 3 months. RESULTS: We studied 11 children (13 eyes) with a mean age of 9 years (range, 4 to 15 years). Inflammation was controlled in all the eyes within 14 days. Inflammation did not recur during CsA monotherapy, during a mean follow-up of 12 +/- 8 months (range, 6 to 31 months). CsA therapy was stopped in eight patients (10 eyes) after a mean treatment duration of 13 +/- 9 months (range, 6 to 31 months), and no recurrences occurred during 10 +/- 3 months of follow-up (range, 6 to 12 months). Local tolerance of CsA was good. None of the patients had detectable CsA blood levels. CsA was withdrawn in one case after 6 months, because of generalized skin rash. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term topical CsA 2% therapy is safe and effective in children with phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis associated with severe steroid-dependent corneal inflammation.     

Topical retinoid treatment for various dry-eye disorders

We evaluated the clinical efficacy of treating various dry-eye disorders using 0.01% and 0.1% (weight/weight) topical all-trans retinoic acid ointment. Twenty-two patients were selected and classified into four major groups: keratoconjunctivitis sicca (6 patients; 11 eyes), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (9 patients; 17 eyes), ocular pemphigoid or drug-induced pseudopemphigoid (3 patients; 6 eyes), and surgery or radiation-induced dry eye (4 patients; 4 eyes), based on the criterion that they remained symptomatic even under maximum tolerable conventional medical and/or surgical therapies. The results indicated that squamous metaplasia with mucin deficiency secondary to goblet cell loss and keratinization may be the basis for the development of clinical symptoms and morbidities, as these epithelial abnormalities were invariably present before treatment. After treatment, all patients demonstrated clinical improvements in symptoms, visual acuity, rose Bengal staining, or Schirmer test. Most importantly, this topical vitamin A treatment caused the reversal of squamous metaplasia as evidenced by impression cytology. Therefore, this treatment may represent the first nonsurgical attempt to treat these disorders by reversing diseased ocular surface epithelium.