Long Term Outcomes of Surgical Excision of Giant Papillae with Mitomycin C and Amniotic Membrane Transplantation in the Treatment of Refractory Palpebral Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis

Combined Papillectomy and Autologous Conjunctival Membrane Graft as Management of Giant Papillae for Severe, Refractory Palpebral Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis-A Case Report

Introduction: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is an allergic disease that predominantly affects young individuals, with a higher incidence among males. Traditionally seen as a condition of childhood that resolves at puberty, recent studies have shown persistent cases in some individuals, potentially influenced by hot and dry tropical environmental conditions. VKC is more prevalent in regions with a hot and humid climate and a high presence of airborne allergens, leading to significant morbidity and impacting the quality of life for affected individuals. Severe and chronic cases can lead to vision-threatening corneal complications, making effective management crucial. Although the clinical profile of VKC varies geographically, comprehensive studies in specific regions remain limited. Case Presentation: In this case report, we present an 18-year-old male patient with severe and refractory VKC. Despite initial treatments, including topical and oral medications, recurrent episodes occurred every 6 months, accompanied by giant papillae (GP) formation and corneal ulcers. The patient had a history of triamcinolone injection and papillectomy combined with amnion membrane transplantation, but presented with a refractory disease in a year. Surgical intervention involving papillectomy and autologous conjunctival membrane graft was performed, leading to a smooth upper tarsal conjunctiva during the 2-year follow-up period, without GP recurrence and maintaining a clear cornea. The patient's symptoms were effectively managed with topical medications. Conclusion: The management of VKC necessitates a comprehensive approach involving preventive measures, pharmacological treatment, and surgical interventions for refractory cases. This case highlights the potential benefits of surgical techniques, such as papillectomy and autologous conjunctival membrane graft, in managing severe and refractory VKC cases with a history of previous surgical procedure failure. However, it is essential to recognize that exposure avoidance and allergic control remain fundamental in VKC management. Further research and larger studies are required to validate the efficacy of these surgical techniques in managing VKC.

Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis: A Systematic Review

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic, bilateral corneal and conjunctival problem which typically presents in young individuals. VKC is characterized by itching, photophobia, white mucous discharge, lacrimation, foreign body sensation, and pain due to corneal involvement of shield ulcers. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is categorized within ocular diseases. The diagnosis is clinical, as no sure biomarkers pathognomonic of the disease have yet been identified. The VKC therapy relies on different types of drugs, from antihistamines and topical steroids to cyclosporine or tacrolimus eye drops. In extremely rare cases, there is also the need for surgical treatment for the debridement of ulcers, as well as for advanced glaucoma and cataracts, caused by excessive prolonged use of steroid eye drops. We performed a systematic review of the literature, according to PRISMA guideline recommendations. We searched the PubMed database from January 2016 to June 2023. Search terms were Vernal, Vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and VKC. We initially identified 211 articles. After the screening process, 168 studies were eligible according to our criteria and were included in the review. In this study, we performed a systematic literature review to provide a comprehensive overview of currently available diagnostic methods, management of VKC, and its treatments.

Surgical Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Patients of Neonatal and Pediatric Age Subjected to Eye Surgery: A RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method Consensus Study

Ocular surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures, including surgery of the tear ducts, eyelid, cornea and conjunctiva, lens, ocular muscle, and vitreoretinal and iris surgery. Operations are also performed for the removal of tumors, repairs of ocular trauma and, finally, corneal transplantation. Antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of surgical site infections (SSIs) in ocular surgery is a complex field in which shared lines of action are absent. In light of the scarcity of shared evidence in the use of ocular antimicrobial prophylaxis for the pediatric population, this consensus document aims to provide clinicians with a series of recommendations on antimicrobial prophylaxis for patients of neonatal and pediatric age undergoing eye surgery. The following scenarios are considered: (1) intraocular surgery; (2) extraocular surgery; (3) ocular trauma; (4) ocular neoplasm; (5) ocular surface transplantations; (6) corneal grafts. This work has been made possible by the multidisciplinary contribution of experts belonging to the most important Italian scientific societies and represents, in our opinion, the most complete and up-to-date collection of recommendations regarding clinical actions in the peri-operative environment in eye surgery. The application of uniform and shared protocols aims to improve surgical practice, through the standardization of procedures, with a consequent reduction of SSIs, also limiting the phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance.