Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:To evaluate the efficacy of ophthalmic cyclosporine in patients with dry eyes secondary to Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD). Methods:A retrospective chart review of 36 patients with a known diagnosis of ocular GVHD, of which 6 were treated with topical cyclosporine. Results:The average length of follow–up in the six patients with ocular GVHD who were treated with topical cyclosporine was 51.5 days (26–70). Demographic data included: age (mean = 39.2, range = 19–53) and sex (male = 3, female = 3). Three (50%) patients noted subjective improvement in dry eye symptoms at repeat examination, with the remainder noting no change. Clinician assessment of corneal staining improved in 5 (83.3%) patients and worsened in 1 (17.7%) patient. Global physician impression was favorable in 4 patients (66.7%). No significant trends were noted in best–corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, conjunctival assessment and Shirmer’s testing. Ocular side effects (itching and burning) were noted in 2 (33.3%) of the patients, both reporting improvement in symptoms with reduction in dose or concentration of the cyclosporin. Conclusions:Ophthalmic cyclosporine appears to be safe and may be beneficial for patients with ocular GVHD. Further prospective, controlled clinical trials are needed to elucidate the efficacy and desired therapeutic dose for ophthalmic cyclosporine in GVHD patients.
Keywords: cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye • cornea: epithelium • lacrimal gland