Causes of Hypertensive Anterior Uveitis in Thailand

ABSTRACT

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.

Keywords:

• Cytomegalovirus
• herpes simplex virus
• hypertensive anterior uveitis
• polymerase chain reaction
• varicella-zoster virus

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.