Effective treatment with topical cyclosporine of a child with steroid-dependent interstitial keratitis

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2008 Sep-Oct;18(5):816-8. doi: 10.1177/112067210801800526.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of steroid-dependent idiopathic interstitial keratitis in a child successfullytreated with topical cyclosporine 2% drops.

Methods: Case report.

Results: The authors describe a case of a 6-year-old boy with a history of recurrent idiopathic bilateral interstitial keratitis. The patient had recurrent episodes of corneal inflammation that became more frequent and severe during the follow-up, and caused severe corneal opacities and visual loss. Long-term treatment with topical corticosteroid was required to avoid corneal scarring that eventually caused secondary elevation of intraocular pressure. Topical cyclosporine 2% was therefore introduced as a steroid sparing agent totreat the keratitis. The treatment was continued for 1 year and the patient achieved a complete remission of corneal inflammation with resolution of corneal scarring and normalization of intraocular pressure.

Conclusions: In this child with recurrent episodes of interstitial keratitis, topical cyclosporine 2% has been shown to be a safe and effective alternative for treating corneal inflammation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Child
  • Corneal Stroma / drug effects*
  • Cyclosporine / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Intraocular Pressure
  • Keratitis / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Prednisolone / analogs & derivatives
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Recurrence

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclosporine
  • prednisolone acetate
  • Prednisolone