Causes of Hypertensive Anterior Uveitis in Thailand

• Main Authors: Chansathya Khieu, Natedao Kongyai, Kessara Pathanapitoon, Annemiek A. Van Der Eijk, Aniki Rothova
• Format: Journal
• Published: 2020
• Subjects: Medicine
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=85074984035&origin=inward; http://cmuir.cmu.ac.th/jspui/handle/6653943832/67998
• Institution: Chiang Mai University

© 2019, © 2019 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. Purpose: To determine the prevalence of viral infections in patients with hypertensive anterior uveitis in Thailand from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of aqueous humor. Methods: Thirty-one patients with anterior uveitis with intraocular pressure (IOP) above 25 mmHg were included for PCR analysis for cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex (HSV), varicella-zoster (VZV), rubella, chikungunya and Zika virus. Results: The prevalence of PCR-positive results was 32%, including 19% for CMV, 10% for HSV, and 3% for VZV; PCR for other tested viruses demonstrated negative results. PCR-positive patients exhibited satisfactory IOP control with antiviral and anti-glaucomatous treatment compared to PCR-negative patients, and more than half of PCR-negative patients required glaucoma surgery within 12 months (P = .01). Conclusion: PCR evidence of infection with herpes group viruses was found in one-third of patients with hypertensive anterior uveitis; CMV being the most common pathogen. The PCR-positive group generally responded well to a combination of antiviral and anti-glaucoma treatment.