Current Practices in Ocular Tuberculosis: A Survey of Brazilian Specialists. (17th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fernández Zamora, Yuslay; Finamor, Luciana Peixoto; Silva, Luci Meire P.; Rodrigues, Denise S.; Casaroli-Marano, Ricardo P.; Muccioli, Cristina
• Is Part Of: Ocular immunology and inflammation. Volume 28:Number 2(2020)
• Page Start: 256
• Page End: 261
• Publication Date: 2020-02-17
• Subjects: Anti-tuberculous therapy -- Brazilian survey -- interferon-gamma release assay -- tuberculosis -- tuberculin skin test -- tuberculosis-associated uveitis; Eye -- Diseases -- Immunological aspects -- Periodicals; Eye -- Inflammation -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2018.1563705
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0927-3948

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Purpose : To describe the approach of Brazilian specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis-associated uveitis (TBU). Methods : Members of the Brazilian Uveitis Society received an electronic invitation to participate in an online questionnaire. Results : Of the 169 invited specialists, 78 answered the questionnaire. Specialists evaluated 5.6 patients with TBU annually. Tuberculin skin test (TST, 81%) was primarily used for diagnosis. Patients with presumed TBU should always be tested for syphilis and HIV according to 51 (88%) and 47 (81%) of respondents, respectively. Chest computed tomography (CT, 72%) was preferable to chest radiography (CXR) for diagnosis. A positive TST (81%) and CXR (60%) were the main indicators of anti-tuberculous therapy, with 34%, 39%, and 14% of specialists treating for 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively. Conclusions : TST remains the preferred method for TBU diagnosis and prompt treatment by Brazilian specialists, though there is no consensus regarding disease treatment and management.