Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide as an adjunct in the treatment of severe ocular toxoplasmosis

The Role of Corticosteroids and Immunomodulatory Therapy in the Management of Infectious Uveitis

PURPOSE

The index review aims to provide an update on the role of corticosteroids and steroid-sparing immunomodulatory therapy (IMT) in managing patients with infectious uveitis.

METHOD

Narrative literature review.

RESULTS

Corticosteroids and immunomodulatory therapy (IMT) focus on the host defense system instead of the pathogen, adjusting exaggerated inflammatory reactions to reduce potential harm to ocular tissues. Systemic or local corticosteroids are primarily selected as adjunctive medication for infectious uveitis. Concomitant corticosteroids have also been used in cases of paradoxical worsening in ocular tuberculosis and immune recovery uveitis in cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. While there is no well-established evidence to support the use of IMT in infectious uveitis, it is occasionally used in clinical settings to treat persistent inflammation following resolution of infection such as cases of ocular tuberculosis and ocular syphilis where an insufficient response is observed with corticosteroids.

CONCLUSION

There is no consensus on the position of immunomodulatory therapy in the management of infectious uveitis with different etiologies. The index review provides an overview of available adjunctive corticosteroids and IMT options to assist clinicians in managing such disease entities more efficiently.

Outcomes of trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole treatment for ocular toxoplasmosis in Congolese patients

BACKGROUND

Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is the leading cause of infectious posterior uveitis in several areas worldwide. The combination of Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) has been presented as an attractive alternative to the "classic' treatment therapy (Pyrimethamine/Sulfadiazine).

METHODS

A prospective study was carried out between February 2020 and September 2021 in 2 ophthalmic centers in Kinshasa. This study aimed to describe TMP/SMX treatment outcomes for OT in a cohort of immunocompetent Congolese patients.

RESULTS

54 patients were included, with a mean age at presentation of 37.5 ± 13.6 years old and a Male-Female ratio of 1.45:1. Three patients (5.6%) presented a recurrence during the follow-up period. At the end of the follow-up, improvement in VA and resolution of inflammation concerned 75.9% and 77.5% of patients, respectively. Cataracts (3.7%), macular scars (3.7%), and vitreous opacities (3.7%) were the principal causes of non-improvement in VA. Treatment-related adverse events were present in 10 patients (18.5%); gastrointestinal (14.8%) and dermatological (3.7%) adverse events were the most frequent. Dermatological adverse events led to discontinuation of treatment.

CONCLUSION

TMP/SMX regimen appears to be a safe and effective treatment for OT in Congolese patients. The low cost and the accessibility of the molecules make this regimen an option for treating OT in resource-limited countries.

Ocular toxoplasmosis: a review of the current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches

PURPOSE

This review aims to summarize the current knowledge concerning the clinical features, diagnostic work-up and therapeutic approach of ocular toxoplasmosis focusing mainly on the postnatally acquired form of the disease.

METHODS

A meticulous literature search was performed in the PubMed database. A supplementary search was made in Google Scholar to complete the collected items.

RESULTS

Ocular toxoplasmosis is one of the most frequent infectious etiologies of posterior uveitis. It typically presents with retinochoroiditis. Setting an accurate diagnosis depends to a considerable degree on detecting characteristic clinical characteristics. In addition to the evaluation of clinical features, the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis relies at a large degree on serologic testing. The detection of the parasite DNA in the aqueous or vitreous humor can provide evidence for a definitive diagnosis. The current mainstay for the treatment, if necessary, is the use of oral antibiotic with systemic corticosteroids. Recent evidence suggests other therapeutic approaches, such as intravitreal antibiotics can be used.

CONCLUSION

Recent developments in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach have contributed to preventing or limiting vision loss of patients suffering from ocular toxoplasmosis. Further studies are required to provide a better understanding of epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment with a significant impact on the management of this challenging clinical entity.

Toxoplasma retinitis following intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide: A case report and review of literature

The aim of this study was to report a case of atypical toxoplasma retinochoroiditis following intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) injection and to review the literature pertaining to toxoplasma retinochoroiditis following intravitreal injection of corticosteroid. Clinical data were collected from a 64-year-old male who developed toxoplasma retinitis 2 months after IVTA. A review of the literature was conducted to identify additional reports on similar cases. A 64-year-old male, known diabetic with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy in both the eyes and optic atrophy in the left eye, presented with atypical retinitis inferior to the disc following IVTA. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and serology confirmed the toxoplasma etiology, and the patient was started on anti-toxoplasma therapy along with oral corticosteroid leading to regression of the lesion by 3 months. A high index of suspicion and proper microbiological diagnosis with appropriate antimicrobial therapy can aid in the management of toxoplasma retinochoroiditis following intravitreal injection of corticosteroid.

Intravitreal Clindamycin and Dexamethasone Combined with Systemic Oral Antitoxoplasma Therapy versus Intravitreal Therapy Alone in the Management of Toxoplasma Retinochoroiditis: A Retrospective Study

Purpose

To compare clinical outcome of IVCD combined with oral therapy with IVCD alone in patients with toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis.

Patients and Methods

Thirty eyes were reviewed. Two equal groups were identified (15 eyes each). Clinical outcome measures were resolution of active inflammation, changes in BCVA and CMT, adverse drug reactions, and rate of recurrence.

Results

Mean baseline of BCVA 1.08 ± 0.17 and 1.03 ± 0.15 improved to 0.64 ± 0.18 and 0.69 ± 0.17 at the end of follow-up in group I and II, respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed. CMT was 392.6 ± 33.16 μm and 397.3 ± 14.6 μm significantly decreased to 314.7 ± 4.43 μm and 319.6 ± 7.8 μm. Resolution of acute inflammation was achieved in all cases in both groups. There were no recurrent cases in group I, and only one out of 15 (6.7%) in group II. No ocular or systemic adverse events were recorded.

Conclusion

IVCD is an effective route of treatment for active toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis that can be used solely without the need to use systemic medications..

SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF INTRAVITREAL DEXAMETHASONE IMPLANTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MACULAR EDEMA SECONDARY TO INFECTIOUS UVEITIS

PURPOSE

To assess the safety and efficacy of intravitreal dexamethasone implants in the treatment of macular edema secondary to infectious uveitis.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed clinical records from three uveitis referral units in Spain. The main outcome measures were rate of reactivation of infection, improvements in visual acuity and resolution of macular edema, as measured by optical coherence tomography.

RESULTS

We included eight eyes from seven patients with a median age of 64 years (30-75). Etiologies of the infections were Herpes simplex virus-type 1, Varicela-Zoster virus, Treponema pallidum, Brucella mellitensis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Toxoplasma gondii, and cytomegalovirus. Median visual acuity was 20/160 (20/30-20/400) at baseline and 20/70 (20/25-20/200) at the last follow-up visit. Mean macular thickness was 516 μm (115) at baseline and 266.3 μm (40) at the last follow-up visit. Visual acuity improved in 100% of the eyes and none of the eyes showed macular edema at the last follow-up visit. Five patients required reinjections of the implant. Only one patient required antiglaucoma drops for a temporary increase in ocular pressure. There were no cases of reactivation of the infectious ocular disease. Median follow-up time was 18 months.

CONCLUSION

In this small case series of eyes with macular edema secondary to infectious uveitis, treatment with dexamethasone intravitreal implants was not associated with reactivation of the infectious ocular disease. Furthermore, significant improvements in visual acuity and macular thickness were observed in our patients.

Current Therapy of Acquired Ocular Toxoplasmosis: A Review

Caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is the most common form of posterior infectious uveitis. Combined antiparasitic therapy is the standard treatment for OT, but several other schemes have been proposed. The purpose of the present study was to review the literature on the treatment of OT and provide ophthalmologists with up-to-date information to help reduce OT-related visual morbidity. In conclusion, no ideal treatment scheme was identified; currently prescribed therapeutic schemes yield statistically similar functional outcomes.

Ocular toxoplasmosis II: clinical features, pathology and management

The term, ocular toxoplasmosis, refers to eye disease related to infection with the parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. Recurrent posterior uveitis is the typical form of this disease, characterized by unilateral, necrotizing retinitis with secondary choroiditis, occurring adjacent to a pigmented retinochoroidal scar and associated with retinal vasculitis and vitritis. Multiple atypical presentations are also described, and severe inflammation is observed in immunocompromised patients. Histopathological correlations demonstrate focal coagulative retinal necrosis, and early in the course of the disease, this inflammation is based in the inner retina. For typical ocular toxoplasmosis, a diagnosis is easily made on clinical examination. In atypical cases, ocular fluid testing to detect parasite DNA by polymerase chain reaction or to determine intraocular production of specific antibody may be extremely helpful for establishing aetiology. Given the high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in most communities, serological testing for T. gondii antibodies is generally not useful. Despite a lack of published evidence for effectiveness of current therapies, most ophthalmologists elect to treat patients with ocular toxoplasmosis that reduces or threatens to impact vision. Classic therapy consists of oral pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, plus systemic corticosteroid. Substantial toxicity of this drug combination has spurred interest in alternative antimicrobials, as well as local forms of drug delivery. At this time, however, no therapeutic approach is curative of ocular toxoplasmosis.

Fulminant toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis following intravitreal triamcinolone administration

We report two cases of fulminant toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis following intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) administration. Case 1: A 42-year-old female received IVTA for presumed non-infectious panuveitis. Within 2 months, she developed diffuse macular retinochoroiditis with optic disc edema. Upon starting anti-toxoplasmic therapy (ATT), her intraocular inflammation resolved with catastrophic damage to the disc and macula. Case 2: A 30-year-old male received IVTA for presumed reactivation of previously scarred toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. Despite simultaneous ATT, within 6 weeks, he developed extensive, multifocal macular retinochoroiditis. He continued to require ATT for 18 months and later underwent vitrectomy with silicone oil placement for severe epiretinal proliferation. Aqueous tap polymerase chain reactions were found positive for Toxoplasma gondii in both cases. In conclusion, IVTA administration can lead to fulminant toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis even when used with appropriate ATT. Extreme caution should be exercised while administering depot corticosteroids in eyes with panuveitis of unknown origin.

Successful treatment of toxoplasmosis-associated choroidal neovascular lesions with bevacizumab and antiparasitic therapy

PURPOSE

To report the effects of oral trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and intravitreal bevacizumab injection in the treatment of ocular toxoplasmosis-associated choroidal neovascular lesions (CNV).

METHODS

This was a noncomparative, nonrandomized, consecutive case series. All eyes with ocular toxoplasmosis-associated CNV received one intravitreal bevacizumab injection under the coverage of oral trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. The changes in best-corrected visual acuity were recorded. Serial fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and indocyanine green angiography were performed to measure the treatment efficacy.

RESULTS

Three eyes of two patients with a history of ocular toxoplasmosis had active CNV demonstrated by fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography. Each was treated with oral trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and one intravitreal bevacizumab injection. Best-corrected visual acuity, fundus photographs, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and indocyanine green angiography all showed favorable results. No ocular or systemic complications were noted. In all three eyes, the CNV subsided and vision improved.

CONCLUSION

Oral trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole is an effective and less expensive antibiotic against Toxoplasma gondii. Intravitreal bevacizumab injection appears to be a well-tolerated treatment for toxoplasmosis-associated CNV and has the potential as an adjuvant therapy to improve final vision. More cases and further studies are required.

Incidence of endophthalmitis related to intravitreal injection of bevacizumab and ranibizumab

PURPOSE

To report the overall incidence of endophthalmitis associated with office based intravitreal injections of bevacizumab and ranibizumab.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, consecutive, multicenter case series involving four large clinical sites. Included were all patients receiving at least one injection of intravitreal bevacizumab or intravitreal ranibizumab. Follow-up after each injection was at least 4 weeks.

RESULTS

A total of 12,585 injections of intravitreal bevacizumab and 14,320 injections of intravitreal ranibizumab were given during the study period. Infectious endophthalmitis developed in three patients after administration of bevacizumab and in three patients after administration of ranibizumab. Four of these patients were culture positive. Rates of endophthalmitis were 0.02% and 0.02%, respectively, with an overall rate of 0.02%.

CONCLUSION

The rate of endophthalmitis associated with intravitreal bevacizumab and ranibizumab is low, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 4,500 injections.

Active ocular toxoplasmosis in Turkish patients: a report on 109 cases

BACKGROUND

To describe the clinical characteristics of active ocular toxoplasmosis in a large population of Turkish patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 109 consecutive patients with active ocular toxoplasmosis seen at the Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, from 1995 to 2005.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients were female and 52 were male. The mean age at presentation was 25.7 +/- 6.8 years. All patients had positive serum anti-toxoplasma IgG antibodies, but negative IgM antibodies. Preexisting retinochoroidal scars were found in 90 (83%) patients. Central active lesions were significantly more common in eyes without previous involvement than in eyes with preexisting scars (97% vs. 59%). Active lesions were adjacent to a scar in 60 (78.9%) of 76 eyes with preexisting scars. The most common accompanying signs were vitritis (100%), anterior uveitis (49.5%), and periphlebitis (33%). All patients received antiparasitic treatment. Systemic corticosteroids were used in 86% of the patients. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis estimated the cumulative risk of recurrence as 74% at 42 months of follow-up. In 29 (80.5%) of 36 recurrent attacks, active lesions were associated with the scars of the most recent attack. After the resolution of the presenting attack, visual acuity was better than 0.5 in 90%, between 0.1 and 0.5 in 5%, and less than 0.1 in 5% of eyes. Further decrease in visual acuity occurred in only two eyes during our follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the patients with active ocular toxoplasmosis have asymptomatic retinochoroidal scars. Proximity of active lesions to the scars, and especially to those of the most recent episode, may have implications for treatment. Although the recurrence risk is high, the visual prognosis is good in most patients with typical ocular toxoplasmosis.