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

ABSTRACT

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.

Keywords:

• Autoimmune eye disease
• ophthalmic disorders
• outcomes
• pattern
• rheumatology clinic referrals

Declaration of interest

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

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Clina-Lancet and Pathcare Laboratories, Lagos; Staff of Eye Foundation & Arthrimed Specialist Clinics, Ikeja, Lagos.

Consent

For this retrospective study, formal consent was not required.

Ethical approval

Local ethical committee approval was obtained.