CLINICAL AND MICROBIOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BLEPHAROKERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS AT VIETNAM NATIONAL EYE HOSPITAL
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Abstract
Purpose: To describe the clinical and microbiogical features of Blepharokeratoconjunctivitis (BKC). Methods: A prospective descriptive study of all cases with BKC at VietNam national eye hospital. Results: 45 eyes of 31 demonstrated features of BKC. The mean age of patients was 13.78 ± 11.32 years (range, 3-50 years). Females were more commonly affected (69%) than males, with a female-to-male ratio of 2.21:1. The history of recurrent chalazia, blepharitis and conjunctivitis were the major risk factors. All of the patients had anterior blepharitis (itching, squamous) and Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). 100.00% of patients has conjunctival hyperemia and phlyctenular conjunctivitis occurs in only 6.67%. The corneal involvements include: superficical punctate keratitis (84.44%); limbitis (57.78%); neovascularization (68.89%) and marginal infiltrates (61.36%). Pathogens were found in 100.00% eyelid specimens on smear, of which 77.78% were Gram – positive organisms, Fungal (2.22%) and Demodex (2.22%). No pathogens were found on culture. Conclusion: Blepharokeratoconjunctivitis is commonly seen in children, a majority of patients are females. BKC has a wide range of clinical manifestations including finding on palpebral margin, conjunctival and corneal. The most common pathogen found on smear is Gram-positive cocci. Early detection and prompt treatment of corneal involvement may prevent worse vision outcome.
Article Details
Keywords
Blepharokeratoconjunctivitis; phlyctenular conjunctivitis; phlyctenular keratitis.
References

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