Posters

Ocular rosacea in childhood: diagnosis and evolution

Poster Details

First Author: H.Santiago Balsera SPAIN

Co Author(s):    E. Escobar Martin   C. Del Prado Sanchez   J. Ferreiro Lopez   M. Matilla Rodero   A. Arias Puente        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To describe the ability of ophthalmologic evaluation in the detection of uncommons pathologies in childhood as rosacea.

Setting:

A sample of 1 patient (10 years old woman) examined at the Ophthalmology Department of Hospital Universitario Fundacion Alcorcon from Madrid.

Methods:

The patient is a 10 years old girl with a 3 years history of chronic keratoconjunctivitis, chalazions and seasonal allergy that was previosuly treated in Cuba with oral and topical steroids, antihistamine and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. She first came to consultation complaining about photophobia and ocular redness with facial papular and pustular lesions. Her visual acuity was 0.05 and 0.2 (LogMar). Biomicroscopy showed tarsal papillary reaction, ciliary injection and corneal vascularization signs. She was referred to Dermatology.

Results:

Treatment was started with topical azithromycin, fluorometholone (FML), dexamethasone and artificial tears and oral prednisone. Cutaneous biopsy reveals dermatitis compatible with rosacea, so treatment with oral Metronidazole 5 ml/12h is initiated. Dermatological symptoms were improved after 2 months of therapy. Ophthalmological inflammation and corneal vascularization were reduced after 4 months of treatment. After 1 year of follow up, the patient is asymptomatic and follow treatment only with artificial tears, eyelid hygiene and regular check-ups.

Conclusions:

Ocular rosacea is an uncommon disease in childhood that may go unnoticed if a correct ophthalmologic evaluation is not performed. Metronidazole appears to be an effective therapeutic alternative to tetracyclines that should be avoided in children. Future prospective studies are needed to assess the validity and reliability of metronidazole as a treatment for childhood rosacea.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE