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Peripheral ulcerative keratitis-like findings associated with filgrastim
Frederick W Fraunfelder1, Devin Harrison
1Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239-4197 , USA. eyedrug@ohsu.edu
Cornea
|April 7, 2007
Summary
Filgrastim (a medication used to treat low white blood cell counts) may cause a rare eye condition called keratitis. This condition resolved after the medication was stopped, suggesting a direct link.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Filgrastim is a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor used to treat neutropenia.
- Ocular side effects of filgrastim are rare but can be serious.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old woman developed bilateral keratitis with epithelial defects and peripheral corneal infiltrates.
- Symptoms began one week after initiating intravenous filgrastim therapy.
Findings:
- The keratitis resolved rapidly within two weeks after discontinuing filgrastim.
- Pamidronate was also administered, but the timing of symptom onset and resolution pointed to filgrastim as the likely cause.
Implications:
- Physicians should consider filgrastim-induced keratitis in patients presenting with these ocular symptoms.
- Management involves discontinuing filgrastim and/or using artificial tears.
