Prafulla Kumar Maharana1, Deepali Singhal2, Nimmy Raj2, Namrata Sharma2, Jeewan S Titiyal2. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. drpraful13@gmail.com. 2. Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To describe the role of combined topical cyclosporine (CsA) 0.1% and tacrolimus 0.03% in cases with severe steroid intolerant vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). METHODS: Medical records of patients with acute exacerbation of VKC and steroid intolerance referred from glaucoma to cornea clinic were reviewed from March 2017 to December 2018. Eleven patients (22 eyes), (nine with steroid-induced glaucoma, two with steroid-induced cataract and glaucoma) were found. All were started on topical CsA 0.1% QID. Due to suboptimal response at 2 weeks, topical tacrolimus 0.03% BD was also included. RESULTS: The mean total subjective score at presentation was 13 ± 1.4, which reduced to 11.2 ± 1.3 at 2 weeks of topical CsA therapy and further reduced to 5 ± 0 at 2 weeks of combination therapy (p < 0.001). The mean total objective score at presentation was 9.4 ± 1.4 that reduced to 8.0 ± 1.3 at 2 weeks of topical CsA therapy and further reduced to 4.3 ± 1.6 at 2 weeks of combination therapy (p < 0.001). Similar results were obtained in a sub-group analysis including the worse eye or right eye of the cases only. The absolute change in the total subjective and objective score was much more with combination therapy. Photophobia and conjunctival hyperemia resolved within 4 weeks of combined therapy. No recurrence was observed till 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Combined use of cyclosporine and tacrolimus may lead to rapid resolution of symptoms and reduced recurrence rate in cases with severe VKC where steroid has to be avoided.
PURPOSE: To describe the role of combined topical cyclosporine (CsA) 0.1% and tacrolimus 0.03% in cases with severe steroid intolerant vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). METHODS: Medical records of patients with acute exacerbation of VKC and steroid intolerance referred from glaucoma to cornea clinic were reviewed from March 2017 to December 2018. Eleven patients (22 eyes), (nine with steroid-induced glaucoma, two with steroid-induced cataract and glaucoma) were found. All were started on topical CsA 0.1% QID. Due to suboptimal response at 2 weeks, topical tacrolimus 0.03% BD was also included. RESULTS: The mean total subjective score at presentation was 13 ± 1.4, which reduced to 11.2 ± 1.3 at 2 weeks of topical CsA therapy and further reduced to 5 ± 0 at 2 weeks of combination therapy (p < 0.001). The mean total objective score at presentation was 9.4 ± 1.4 that reduced to 8.0 ± 1.3 at 2 weeks of topical CsA therapy and further reduced to 4.3 ± 1.6 at 2 weeks of combination therapy (p < 0.001). Similar results were obtained in a sub-group analysis including the worse eye or right eye of the cases only. The absolute change in the total subjective and objective score was much more with combination therapy. Photophobia and conjunctival hyperemia resolved within 4 weeks of combined therapy. No recurrence was observed till 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Combined use of cyclosporine and tacrolimus may lead to rapid resolution of symptoms and reduced recurrence rate in cases with severe VKC where steroid has to be avoided.