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Published on: November 8, 2015
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Syphilitic interstitial keratitis treated with topical tacrolimus.
Jacob Martin1, Laura Kopplin2, Deborah Costakos1
1Medical College of Wisconsin, 925 N 87th St, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports
|August 9, 2021
Summary
Topical tacrolimus offers a new treatment for syphilitic interstitial keratitis in children. This approach is effective for patients experiencing steroid-induced high intraocular pressure, preventing disease recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Syphilitic interstitial keratitis (SIK) is an inflammatory eye condition often associated with congenital syphilis.
- Standard treatment involves topical steroids, which can lead to significant side effects like elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).
Observation:
- A pediatric patient with congenital syphilis presented with bilateral SIK.
- Initial management with topical steroids resulted in steroid-induced ocular hypertension and recurrent keratitis.
- Topical tacrolimus was administered following a recurrence in the right eye.
Findings:
- The patient achieved sustained remission of SIK with topical tacrolimus.
- Normal intraocular pressure was maintained throughout the treatment period.
- The patient remained recurrence-free for nearly three years.
Implications:
- Topical tacrolimus is a promising alternative for managing SIK, especially in pediatric cases.
- This treatment is particularly valuable for patients intolerant to steroids due to elevated IOP.
- Tacrolimus offers a steroid-sparing option for chronic or recurrent SIK.
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