Abstract
Aims
To present current expert practice patterns and to formulate a consensus for the management of HSV and VZV AU by uveitis specialists worldwide.
Methods
A two-round online modified Delphi survey with masking of the study team was conducted. Responses were collected from 76 international uveitis experts from 21 countries. Current practices in the diagnosis and treatment of HSV and VZV AU were identified. A working group (The Infectious Uveitis Treatment Algorithm Network [TITAN]) developed data into consensus guidelines. Consensus is defined as a particular response towards a specific question meeting ≥75% of agreement or IQR ≤ 1 when a Likert scale is used.
Results
Unilaterality, increased intraocular pressure (IOP), decreased corneal sensation and diffuse or sectoral iris atrophy are quite specific for HSV or VZV AU from consensus opinion. Sectoral iris atrophy is characteristic of HSV AU. Treatment initiation is highly variable, but most experts preferred valacyclovir owing to simpler dosing. Topical corticosteroids and beta-blockers should be used if necessary. Resolution of inflammation and normalisation of IOP are clinical endpoints.
Conclusions
Consensus was reached on several aspects of diagnosis, choice of initial treatment, and treatment endpoints for HSV and VZV AU. Treatment duration and management of recurrences varied between experts.
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Data availability
The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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Funding
HNS’s work is supported by the NIH Intramural Research Program (IRP). The funding organisation had no role in the design or conduct of this research. RA has received NMRC Clinician Scientist Award from National Medical Research Council, Singapore, but the funding organisation has no role in the design or conduct of this research.
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All authors contributed to the intellectual development of this paper. RA and VG conceived and planned the study. ZXT and IP wrote the first draft of the paper. ZXT, IP, IT, and KC performed the literature review. ZXT, IP, IT, KC, MW, SPC, ADD, JHK, BB, JET, TBA, MDdS, JRS, PM, RLDN, DAJ, JHdB, HNS, DAG, MK, JLD, JTR, NPJ, QDN, CP, RA, and VG contributed to interpreting the results and provided critical feedback to the paper. The final version of the paper has been seen and approved by all authors.
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41433_2023_2630_MOESM1_ESM.pdf
Currently available evidence for Herpes Simplex Virus and Varicella-Zoster Virus anterior uveitis management- Studies graded by level of evidence
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Thng, Z.X., Putera, I., Testi, I. et al. The Infectious Uveitis Treatment Algorithm Network (TITAN) Report 1—global current practice patterns for the management of Herpes Simplex Virus and Varicella Zoster Virus anterior uveitis. Eye 38, 61–67 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-023-02630-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-023-02630-9