Current Practices in Ocular Toxoplasmosis: A Survey of Brazilian Uveitis Specialists. (17th February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morais, Fábio Barreto; Arantes, Tiago Eugênio Faria e; Muccioli, Cristina
• Is Part Of: Ocular immunology and inflammation. Volume 26:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 317
• Page End: 323
• Publication Date: 2018-02-17
• Subjects: Antibiotics -- ocular toxoplasmosis -- practices -- specialists -- survey -- treatment -- uveitis; Eye -- Diseases -- Immunological aspects -- Periodicals; Eye -- Inflammation -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2016.1215471
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0927-3948

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Purpose : To describe treatment practices for ocular toxoplasmosis among members of the Brazilian Uveitis Society. Methods : An online questionnaire sent to specialists, between October 2014 and March 2015. Results : Most respondents (67.9%) treat all active cases. Most specialists consider visual acuity <20/200 (88.2%), severe vitreous inflammation (94.1%), and ocular disease during acquired infection (88.2%) as absolute indications for treatment. Systemic steroids are associated with anti-toxoplasmic therapy in most cases by 50.9% of the respondents. For immunocompetent individuals, 57.4% of the respondents chose trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Classical therapy (sulfadiazine/pyrimethamine) is preferred most for patients with central lesions (70.4%), immunosuppression (68.4%), acquired infection (70.4%), and atypical forms (74.1%). For patients with frequent relapses, 84.9% of the respondents preferred antibiotic prophylaxis. Conclusions : Treatment patterns of ocular toxoplasmosis are not uniform among Brazilian specialists. Most specialists treat all cases of active retinochoroiditis. Typical cases are more frequently treated with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. However, classical therapy is the regimen of choice when lesions are considered more severe.