I hope that the "possible strategies" for ocular GvHD discussed in the full article had the BOSP at the top of the list. I think it is unconscionable to fail to educate GvHD patients on the potential of this treatment, given how serious the complications can be for the eyes when other treatments fail.
Ocular Involvement in Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease: Therapeutic Approaches to Complicated Courses.
Cornea. 2010 Sep 15. [Epub ahead of print]
Koch KR, Joussen AM, Huber KK.
From the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany.
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) is a major concomitant phenomenon in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations, affecting multiple organ systems including the eye. Ocular structures, such as lacrimal gland, conjunctiva, and eyelids with meibomian glands, are frequently involved with clinical features ranging from dry eyes and common inflammatory conjunctival disease to severe complications like corneal ulcerations or even perforations. We present 2 patients with complicated courses of ocular cGvHD. In both cases, keratoconjunctivitis sicca refractory to systemic immunosuppressive therapy and to conventional topical treatment resulted in progressive binocular corneal melting and finally repeated perforations. According to our 2 cases and to the current pathophysiological understanding, we discuss possible strategies for the treatment and prevention of ocular cGvHD complications.
2 comments:
Thanks for sharing this abstract. And, I agree. I hope all patients with ocular cGVHD learn about the benefits of the BOSP. I'm a cGVHD patient and have used the BOSP for over 2 years now with great success. Huge relief from a miserable condition!
I agree with your comment about educating patients (and parents ) about possible solutions for GvHD issues/ involving the eye . My son is a cancer survivor having received 2 bone marrow/stem cell transplants, 10 and 12 yrs ago . After immune suppression meds. were reduced. He endured about 7 years of extreme dry eye,multiple infections ,a corneal infiltration and pain EVERYDAY. Jacob was fitted for Boston Scleral lenses nearly 2 years ago AND what a difference!!! He still uses LOTS of eye drops but has thankfully not experience any infections since receiving the lenses and can now open his eyes fully(whereas before looked like a "mole" much of the time ). Thank you for all you do to assist and inform people with similar problems !
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