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Positive FTA-ABS tests in subjects with corticosteroid-induced uveitis
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|August 1, 1976
Summary
Topical corticosteroid preparations can cause severe anterior uveitis. Most patients with this side effect tested positive for fluorescent-treponemal-antibody absorption (FTA-ABS), but no link to HL-A locus was found.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Topical corticosteroids are widely used for ocular inflammation.
- Uveitis is a potential adverse effect of corticosteroid therapy.
- The association between corticosteroid-induced uveitis and syphilis serology is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between topical corticosteroid-induced anterior uveitis and fluorescent-treponemal-antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test results.
- To explore potential links between corticosteroid-induced uveitis and human leukocyte antigen (HL-A) loci.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of 17 subjects who developed severe anterior nongranulomatous uveitis.
- Assessment of FTA-ABS test results in affected subjects.
- Analysis of HL-A locus associations in the study cohort.
Main Results:
- 14 out of 17 subjects (82%) with corticosteroid-induced uveitis had a positive FTA-ABS test.
- No significant association was identified between corticosteroid-induced uveitis and any specific HL-A locus.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of positive FTA-ABS tests was observed in patients with topical corticosteroid-induced anterior uveitis.
- These findings suggest a potential, though not fully understood, link between syphilis seroreactivity and this specific ocular side effect.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications.