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Herpes simplex virus keratitis in children

Eva-Marie Chong1, Kirk R Wilhelmus, Alice Y Matoba

  • 1Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

American Journal of Ophthalmology
|September 15, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis in children can affect both eyes and recur. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent vision loss from this serious eye infection.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Virology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis is a significant cause of infectious keratitis worldwide.
  • Pediatric ocular infections require specific diagnostic and management considerations.
  • Understanding the clinical course of HSV keratitis in children is essential for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To delineate the clinical spectrum of herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis in pediatric patients.
  • To investigate the recurrence rates of HSV keratitis in children and adolescents.
  • To identify potential complications associated with HSV keratitis in this age group.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study design.
  • Inclusion of 23 pediatric patients (<16 years) diagnosed with HSV keratitis.
  • Review of clinical presentations, recurrence patterns, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • All patients presented with epithelial keratitis (dendritic or punctate).
  • Stromal keratitis co-occurred in 61% of cases.
  • Bilateral involvement was observed in 26%, and 48% experienced recurrence within 15 months.
  • Amblyopia developed in three children.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric HSV keratitis can manifest with bilateral ocular involvement.
  • Children with herpetic keratitis are susceptible to recurrent episodes.
  • Risk of amblyopia necessitates vigilant monitoring and timely intervention.
Abstract

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