Psychological impact of VKC must be addressed
VKC more likely to affect young boys in countries with warmer climates
Priscilla Lynch
Published: Sunday, September 15, 2019
Sihem Lazreg[/caption]
Corneal topography should be performed in all cases of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) due to the high risk of corneal complications in these patients, the dedicated EuCornea session on ocular surface diseases in paediatric patients heard yesterday.
VKC, a severe form of ocular allergy that causes itching, photophobia, burning and tearing, is more likely to affect young boys in countries with warmer climates, Sihem Lazreg MD, Algeria, explained.
Dr Lazreg presented the findings of a large clinical case study of her own patients, involving 867 cases of VKC over an 11-year period. Nearly a third (62%) of the cohort had an allergic history, with corneal involvement in 57% of cases, ie vernal plaques, punctate keratitis, stem cell deficiency etc.
Treatment wise, steroids are very effective, Dr Lazreg noted, adding that as ciclosporin
is not available in Algeria she uses triamcinolone (injection) (398 cases), while tacrolimus ointment is also effective in
non-responders.
Following treatment, 73% of her cases had significantly improved signs and symptoms, while 21% had satisfactory results but frequent relapses. Five per cent had dependence of corticosteroids and 1% had non-responding severe forms.
Concluding, Dr Lazreg stressed that the psychological impact of VKC must also be addressed as well as allergen avoidance for the best outcomes.