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Central serous retinopathy and hand-foot-mouth disease: coincidence or causation?
Selina Taylor1, Maureen Khan2, Shams Zaidi3
1Centre for Rural and Remote Health, James Cook University, Mount Isa, QLD, Australia, yaqoot.fatima@jcu.edu.au.
Introduction:
The clinical and pathological correlation between hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) and ocular complications has not yet been established. However, individual case reports indicate a trend that may be the emergence of a new burden of the previous self-limiting virus. This virus is particularly prevalent in childcare centers and poses an infectious disease risk for this workplace.
Objectives:
The primary objective of this case report is to describe an unusual clinical record of a patient who developed central serous retinopathy while unwell with HFMD. Discussion of management strategies for this workplace, its staff, and visitors is also included.
Methods:
This was an observational case report that was identified and reported retrospectively. For comparison, a search of the literature to identify similar ocular complications of HFMD was also undertaken. Results from this search, in addition to international data and prevention and management strategies are also provided.
Results:
A total of 13 individual case reports with ocular associations, including this clinical record, were identified in the literature worldwide. The median age was 33 years, and three patients (23%) were female. No treatment or management guidelines for ocular complications of HFMD have been identified.
Conclusion:
Severe and potentially life-threatening complications of a seemingly harmless childhood illness are represented sporadically in the literature. The requirement for research and evaluation into this emerging occupational hazard area is necessary for improved prevention, management, and treatment strategies to be developed.
Insights
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) can cause serious ocular complications, like central serous retinopathy. Further research is needed to develop prevention and treatment strategies for this emerging occupational hazard.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is typically self-limiting but emerging evidence suggests potential for severe ocular complications.
- The clinical and pathological links between HFMD and eye conditions remain largely unestablished.
- HFMD poses an infectious disease risk in childcare settings, impacting staff and visitors.
Observation:
- This case report details a patient developing central serous retinopathy during an HFMD infection.
- A literature review identified 13 cases of ocular complications associated with HFMD globally.
- No established management or treatment guidelines for ocular complications of HFMD currently exist.
Findings:
- The median age of patients with HFMD-associated ocular complications was 33 years, with 23% being female.
- Central serous retinopathy is an unusual but documented complication of HFMD.
- The scarcity of reported cases highlights a potential underestimation of HFMD's severe manifestations.
Implications:
- There is a critical need for further research into the link between HFMD and severe ocular conditions.
- Developing specific prevention and management strategies is essential for addressing this emerging occupational health concern.
- Improved understanding can lead to better patient outcomes and reduced disease burden in affected populations.
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