Role of the Infectious Disease Consultant in Management of Patients With Tuberculosis-Associated Ocular Inflammation. (15th December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Conant, Marjorie M.; Vrasich, Chuck R.; Wongskhaluang, Jeff V.; Ferenchak, Kevin; Asano, Matthew K.; Becker, Norbert; DeMarais, Patricia
• Is Part Of: Open forum infectious diseases. Volume 3:Number 1(2016)
• Publication Date: 2015-12-15
• Subjects: Mycobacterium -- ocular infections -- tuberculosis -- uveitis; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Medical microbiology -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofv195
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2328-8957

Abstract

Abstract : Tuberculosis-associated ocular inflammation is a difficult disease to diagnose and treat. In the US, being foreign born was the significant risk factor. 74% of treated cases had stable or improved vision. Infectious disease and ophthalmology should provide multidisciplinary care. Abstract: Background. Tuberculosis is a disease with continued worldwide prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. Tuberculosis-associated ocular inflammation (TB-AOI) is a manifestation that can occur with pulmonary or extrapulmonary TB. Evaluation of these ocular presentations and treatment in the United States are limited. Our objective was to describe cases in an urban area and assess the role of the infectious diseases specialist in managing these complex patients. Methods. We performed a retrospective case series of all patients referred to our infectious disease clinic for presumed TB-AOI from 2005 through 2013. Patients with ocular inflammation were determined to have presumed TB-AOI based on clinical presentation with correlative positive tuberculin skin test and/or QuantiFERON-TB Gold. Attempts were made to exclude other diagnoses. Data were collected and analyzed with respect to demographics, ocular manifestations, and treatment. Results. Sixty eyes of 42 patients were included in the study; anterior uveitis was the most common site of involvement. The median age was 46 years, and 33 patients (79%) were foreign born. Forty patients (95%) received a course of antituberculous therapy with 38% experiencing treatment-related side effects. A 6-month duration was recommended in 78% cases. There was improvement or stability of the vision in 42 eyes (74%) of those treated. Conclusions. Ocular involvement is an uncommon but important manifestation of TB. Our data further characterize TB-AOI cases in the United States. Treatment provides significant benefit to properly selected patients. A multidisciplinary approach, with care provided by ophthalmology and infectious disease providers, should be used to allow for the most efficacious treatment.