The clinical patterns and treatment options in patients with ocular graft vs host disease

Session Details

Session Title: Cornea Miscellaneous

Session Date/Time: Monday 24/09/2018 | 16:30-18:00

Paper Time: 17:21

Venue: Room A3, Podium 3

First Author: : R.Altan-Yaycioglu TURKEY

Co Author(s): :                        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is being used as a theraphy for a large number of hematologic diseases. Ocular Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD) is a disabling condition occurring in approximately 40-60% of these patients following allo-SCT. It usually involves the goblet cells, lacrimal gland, meibomian glands, cornea and conjunctiva. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the clinical patterns of patients who were diagnosed with ocular GvHD.

Setting:

Acibadem Adana Hospital, Adana, Turkey

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study patients with a history of allo-SCT, who were examined at the ophthalmology clinic between April and December 2017, and were diagnosed as ocular GvHD were included. Patients were evaluated for history, clinical findings and treatment modalities.

Results:

Eigth- patients, whose age ranged between 3 and 20 years, were included. All patients had symptoms of photophobia, hyperemia, burning, tearing, and foreign body sensation. Meibomian gland orifices were occluded in all patients, in different degree. Diffuse corneal punctuate epithelial erosions were observed in 5 patients. Two patients had corneal abrasions, and used bandage contact lenses for one-month. All patients received frequent non-preserved artificial tears, four (50%) were given cyclosporine %0.5, 3 had coenzyme Q10 eye drops, and 3 had dexpanthenol eye drops. Eventually 3 patients were started on autologous serum 30%, which resulted improvement in corneal epithelial problems.

Conclusions:

Ocular GvHD is a disabling condition. There are still no guidelines for the treatment yet. The patients’ response to topical treatment options is variable. Non-preserved artificial tears are satisfactory only in mild cases. Topical cyclosporine is helpful in mild to moderate cases. Autologous serum drops are usually necessary in severe cases.

Financial Disclosure:

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