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Cyclosporin therapy for severe scleritis.
1School of Pathology, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Systemic cyclosporin therapy effectively managed severe scleritis in most patients unresponsive to other treatments. However, side effects were common, and disease recurrence occurred frequently upon dose reduction, indicating its role as an additional treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Scleritis is a severe inflammatory eye disease.
- Refractory cases often require multiple immunosuppressive agents.
- Limited treatment options exist for severe, resistant scleritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of systemic cyclosporin therapy.
- To assess its role in managing severe, refractory scleritis.
- To document treatment outcomes and side effects.
Main Methods:
- An open, uncontrolled study was conducted.
- Seven patients with severe refractory scleritis were included.
- Cyclosporin therapy was administered at 10 mg/kg/day.
Main Results:
- Five of seven patients responded to cyclosporin therapy.
- Common systemic side effects included tremor, hirsutism, hypertension, and elevated creatinine.
- Disease recurrence was frequent upon cyclosporin dosage reduction.
Conclusions:
- Systemic cyclosporin is a potentially useful adjunctive therapy for severe scleritis.
- Careful monitoring for side effects and recurrence is necessary.
- Further research may explore optimal dosing and long-term management strategies.