Superior Limbic Keratoconjunctivitis-like Inflammation in Patients with Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease Journal Article

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Authors: Sivaraman, K. R.; Jivrajka, R. V.; Soin, K.; Bouchard, C. S.; Movahedan, A.; Shorter, E.; Jain, S; Jacobs, D. S.; Djalilian, A. R.
Article Title: Superior Limbic Keratoconjunctivitis-like Inflammation in Patients with Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Abstract: PURPOSE: Describe the presentation and management of superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (SLK)-like inflammation and secondary limbal stem cell dysfunction in the setting of ocular chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). METHODS: Retrospective observational case series in a multicenter clinical practice. Participants were 13 patients (26 eyes) with ocular cGVHD and SLK-like inflammation presenting to the University of Illinois at Chicago and BostonSight(R) between January 1, 2009 and July 1, 2013. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 1) Reversal or worsening of SLK, and 2) development of limbal stem cell dysfunction. RESULTS: All eyes showed evidence of SLK-like inflammation and superior limbal stem cell dysfunction manifested by conjunctival injection and superior conjunctival and corneal staining. In addition to aggressive lubrication, management strategies for SLK included topical steroids (20/26), punctal occlusion (18/26), topical cyclosporine (24/26), autologous serum tears (12/26), therapeutic soft contact lens (13/26 eyes) and scleral lenses (4/26 eyes). SLK and limbal stem cell dysfunction were reversed in 23/26 eyes. Three eyes of two patients with long-standing disease demonstrated frank limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) and corneal pannus, with one patient requiring multiple reconstructive surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: SLK-like inflammation is an under-recognized condition in patients with severe dry eyes secondary to ocular cGVHD. Untreated SLK can potentially lead to permanent LSCD over time. Early recognition and management of SLK in ocular cGVHD can improve vision, reverse signs, and may prevent these long-term consequences.
Journal Title: The ocular surface
Volume: 14
Issue: 3
ISSN: 1937-5913; 1542-0124
Publisher: Unknown  
Journal Place: United States
Date Published: 2016
Start Page: 393
End Page: 400
Language: eng
DOI/URL:

10.1016/j.jtos.2016.04.003
Notes: CI: Copyright (c) 2016; JID: 101156063; OTO: NOTNLM; 2016/01/31 [received]; 2016/04/26 [revised]; 2016/04/01 [accepted]; 2016/05/12 [aheadofprint]; ppublish