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[Atopic keratoconjunctivitis in patients of the pediatric dermatology ambulatory in a reference center]
Bernardo Kaplan Moscovici1, Andréa Santucci Cesar, Maria Cristina Nishiwaki-Dantas
1Setor de Doenças Externas e Córnea, Departamento de Oftalmologia, Irmandade da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil. bernardokaplan@yahoo.com.br
Insights
Atopic keratoconjunctivitis affects 76.9% of children with atopic dermatitis, with itching and red eyes being common symptoms. Routine eye exams are recommended for these pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition in children.
- Ocular manifestations, such as atopic keratoconjunctivitis, frequently co-occur with atopic dermatitis.
- Early identification and management of ocular complications are crucial for preventing long-term vision impairment.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) in pediatric patients diagnosed with atopic dermatitis.
- To identify the specific symptoms and clinical signs associated with AKC in this population.
- To assess changes in ocular parameters, such as tear break-up time.
Summary:
- A study evaluated 52 pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis, finding a 76.9% prevalence of atopic keratoconjunctivitis.
- Common symptoms included itching and red eyes, particularly in the atopic conjunctivitis group.
- Frequent signs were blepharitis and papillae, with altered tear break-up time observed in most patients.
Impact:
- Highlights the high frequency of atopic keratoconjunctivitis in children with atopic dermatitis.
- Underscores the need for routine ophthalmologic evaluations in pediatric dermatology patients.
- Provides data on common symptoms and signs, aiding in earlier diagnosis and intervention.
Purpose:
To evaluate the frequency of atopic keratoconjunctivitis, its symptoms and changes in patients of Pediatric Dermatology Service of 'Santa Casa de Misericordia de São Paulo' Hospital with a previous diagnosis of atopic dermatitis.
Methods:
Fifty-two patients with atopic dermatitis under 16 years old (mean age 8.9 +/- 4.1 between 2 and 16 years old) were evaluated through a protocol of questions and assessment of signs and symptoms. The signs and symptoms were graded from 0 (absent) to 4 (highest intensity), and in some cases only as present or not. The analysis was descriptive and statistical, with a 5% significance level.
Results:
The frequency of atopic keratoconjunctivitis was 76.9% among the 52 patients with atopic dermatitis, including atopic conjunctivitis (26.7%) and atopic blepharitis (50.2%). Atopic dermatitis is more frequent in female patients and atopic conjunctivitis in male. Age was practically the same in both groups. The most frequent symptoms were red eye and itching, especially in the atopic conjunctivitis group. Itching was the most intense symptom and was present in all patients of the atopic conjunctivitis group. Blepharitis and papillae were the most common signs. Other signs were less frequent. The tear break-up time was changed in most patients.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of atopic keratoconjunctivitis was 76.9% in patients with atopic dermatitis. Itching was the most frequent symptom, followed by red eye, in patients with atopic conjunctivitis. Blepharitis and papillae were the most frequent signs in patients with atopic conjunctivitis. Due to the increasing prevalence of atopic dermatitis in children, it would be prudent to perform a routine ophthalmologic evaluation of these patients. From the patients evaluated in this study, none had been previously monitored with ophthalmological exams.
