Incidence of corneal melting in association with systemic disease in the Yorkshire Region, 1995–7. Issue 8 (1st August 1999)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McKibbin, M; Isaacs, J D; Morrell, A J
• Is Part Of: British journal of ophthalmology. Volume 83:Issue 8(1999)
• Page Start: 941
• Page End: 943
• Publication Date: 1999-08-01
• Subjects: corneal melting -- vasculitis -- Wegener's granulomatosis -- rheumatoid arthritis; Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1136/bjo.83.8.941
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1161

Abstract

Abstract : AIMS: To estimate the incidence of corneal melting or necrotising keratitis in association with systemic disease in the Yorkshire Region and to determine the type and duration of the systemic association. METHODS: In a prospective study, vigorous attempts were made to identify all patients presenting with newly diagnosed corneal melting over a 3 year period. RESULTS: 27 patients were identified during the study period. Rheumatoid arthritis and Wegener's granulomatosis were the most common disease associations. Corneal melting was a late complication of rheumatoid arthritis, but usually occurred during early and overt systemic disease in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis. CONCLUSION: The annual incidence of corneal melting in the Yorkshire Region is 3.01/million/year (95% CI = 0.7–9.6).