[Ocular graft versus host disease : Corneal complications]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Immunology
• Stem Cell Transplantation

Background:

• Ocular graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) impacts ocular tissues post-allogeneic blood stem cell transplantation.
• This review focuses on corneal complications in chronic ocular GvHD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance understanding of factors influencing corneal complications in ocular GvHD.
• To outline diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for corneal GvHD.
• To discuss preventative measures for corneal complications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review.
• Analysis of clinical data from the Ophthalmology Clinic at University Hospital Essen.

Main Results:

• Corneal issues in ocular GvHD are often secondary to conjunctival or eyelid inflammation.
• Spontaneous corneal perforations are less common and may present with mild symptoms.
• Ophthalmologists must consider inflammation across all ocular tissues.

Conclusions:

• Systematic diagnosis of ocular GvHD aids in preventing corneal complications and facilitates early treatment.
• An interdisciplinary approach is crucial for optimizing diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Effective management involves optimizing local and systemic immunosuppressive therapy.