论文部分内容阅读
PURPOSE: To report cases of uveitis that are associated with human herpesvirus- 8 (HHV- 8) and the impact of interferon-α therapy on their visual outcome. DESIGN: Interventional case reports. METHODS: Extensive examination was performed in patients with chronic and severe uveitis to exclude a viral cause that requires specific therapy. After histopathologic, molecular, and/or serologic confirmation of HHV- 8 uveitis, interferon-α 2a therapy (3 millions IU/d, 3 days per week, subcutaneously)was initiated. RESULTS: Two patients of Mediterranean origin were included. HHV- 8 serologic result was positive in both cases. Histopathologic examination of conjunctival biopsy specimens confirmed Kaposi’s sarcoma in the second case, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction identified HHV- 8 DNA in the biopsy specimen. Disease was controlled by interferon-α 2a in both cases, but maintenance therapy was mandatory to prevent relapses. CONCLUSION: HHV- 8- associated uveitis is a rare condition in immunocompetenthosts. Severe and chronic conditions may require antiviral and immunomodulatory therapies. Interferon alpha seems to be a good candidate and may be proposed in these cases.
PURPOSE: To report cases of uveitis that are associated with human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) and the impact of interferon-α therapy on their visual outcome. METHODS: Interventional case reports. METHODS: Extensive examination was performed in patients with chronic and After histopathologic, molecular, and / or serologic confirmation of HHV-8 uveitis, interferon-α 2a therapy (3 millions IU / d, 3 days per week, subcutaneously) was initiated. RESULTS: Two patients of Mediterranean origin were included. HHV-8 serologic result was positive in both cases. Histopathologic examination of conjunctival biopsy products confirmed Kaposi’s sarcoma in the second case, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction identified HHV-8 DNA in the biopsy specimen. Disease was controlled by interferon-α 2a in both cases, but maintenance therapy was mandatory to prevent relapses. CONCLUSION: HHV 8- associated uveitis is a rare condition in Severe and chronic conditions may require antiviral and immunomodulatory therapies. Interferon alpha seems to be a good candidate and may be proposed in these cases.