Pattern of Recurrent Inflammation following Anti-tubercular Therapy for Ocular Tuberculosis

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To investigate recurrence patterns following anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) in different anatomical presentations of ocular tuberculosis (OTB).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of clinically diagnosed OTB patients divided anatomically into groups A (anterior + intermediate uveitis) and B (posterior + panuveitis). Recurrence was defined as reappearance of intraocular inflammation in a quiescent eye following completion of at least 6-months ATT. Anatomical sites of recurrence were compared to that of presentation.

Results

No significant difference in post-ATT recurrent inflammation was noted between groups A (14.29%, 4/28) and B (8.59%,11/128) (p = .57). Mean follow up was 13.13 ± 14.67 months. All group A recurrences were in the same anatomical segment, whereas in group B, 41.7% (5/11) recurrences were in group A sites. Overall, the group A:B ratio was significantly higher during recurrent inflammation (8:7) than at presentation (28:128) (p < .0001, z-score).

Conclusion

Anterior and intermediate uveitis, though uncommon at presentation, are relatively more common during post-ATT recurrences in OTB.

KEYWORDS:

• Tuberculosis
• uveitis
• anti-tubercular therapy
• recurrence
• treatment

Declaration of interest

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