Case Series and Literature Review of Ophthalmologic Disorders Seen in a Specialist Rheumatology Clinic in Lagos, Nigeria

• Published in: Ocular immunology and inflammation 2019-08, Vol.27 (6), p.905-911
• Main Authors: Adelowo, Olufemi O., Akpabio, Akpabio A., Oderinlo, Olufemi, Okonkwo, Ogugua N., Raphael, John
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Autoimmune Diseases - diagnosis; Autoimmune Diseases - drug therapy; Autoimmune Diseases - epidemiology; Autoimmune eye disease; Eye Diseases - diagnosis; Eye Diseases - drug therapy; Eye Diseases - epidemiology; Female; Fluorescein Angiography; Glucocorticoids - therapeutic use; Hospitals, Private - statistics & numerical data; Hospitals, Special - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents - therapeutic use; Male; Middle Aged; Nigeria - epidemiology; ophthalmic disorders; Ophthalmology - statistics & numerical data; outcomes; pattern; Referral and Consultation - statistics & numerical data; Retrospective Studies; Rheumatology - statistics & numerical data; rheumatology clinic referrals; Specialization - statistics & numerical data; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0927-3948; 1744-5078
• DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2019.1611873

Purpose: To highlight the pattern and treatment outcomes of ophthalmologic disorders referred to a private specialist rheumatology clinic. Methods: Retrospective review (January 2015-December 2016) of referrals from Eye Foundation Hospital, Lagos to Arthrimed Specialist Clinic, Lagos. Case records were retrieved and relevant information extracted. Ethical standards were observed. Results: Twenty-two referrals (35 eyes) were received out of 643 patients (3.4%) seen during the study period. The majority were female (63.6%) with mean age 48.9 ± 19.3 years and bilateral disease (59%). Diagnoses included uveitis (45.5%), optic neuritis (36.4%), non-specific autoimmune eye disease (9.1%), keratoconjunctivitis sicca (4.5%), and giant cell arteritis (4.5%). Treatment was with steroids and immunosuppressive agents. Fourteen patients improved (63.6%), five remained unchanged (22.7%), while three worsened (13.6%). Conclusions: Our patients were mostly fourth-decade females with bilateral disease. Uveitis was the commonest presentation, and two-thirds of the treated patients improved after treatment. Early specialist referral and co-management of severe autoimmune eye diseases are desirable.