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[Dry eye in graft-versus-host disease]
Wen-lei Fei1, Jia-qi Chen, Xin Du
1Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Zhongshan University, Guangzhou 510060, China.
[Zhonghua Yan Ke Za Zhi] Chinese Journal of Ophthalmology
|February 10, 2004
Summary
Dry eye is a significant ocular complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, severely impacting patients. Early ophthalmic monitoring is crucial for managing these severe dry eye cases and preventing vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hematology
- Immunology
Context:
- Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a life-saving procedure for hematologic malignancies.
- Ocular complications can arise post-HSCT, impacting patient quality of life.
- Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a known complication of HSCT.
Purpose:
- To investigate the ocular presentations in patients after allogeneic HSCT.
- To determine the incidence and severity of dry eye disease in this patient population.
- To identify pathological changes associated with ocular complications post-HSCT.
Summary:
- Twenty leukemia patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT were evaluated for ocular issues.
- Dry eye was prevalent, affecting 57% of patients with cGVHD, with some cases leading to severe vision impairment and corneal ulcers.
- Ophthalmic findings included goblet cell loss, epithelial metaplasia, and T-cell infiltration.
Impact:
- Dry eye is a major ocular complication after allogeneic HSCT, significantly affecting patient quality of life.
- The high incidence and potential severity underscore the need for vigilant ophthalmic surveillance in HSCT recipients.
- Findings highlight the link between cGVHD and severe ocular surface disease, necessitating integrated care approaches.