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The Infectious Uveitis Treatment Algorithm Network (TITAN) Report 2—global current practice patterns for the management of Cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis

Abstract

Aims

To present current practice patterns in the diagnosis and management of Cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis (CMV AU) by uveitis experts worldwide.

Methods

A two-round modified Delphi survey with masking of the study team was performed. Based on experience and expertise, 100 international uveitis specialists from 21 countries were invited to participate in the survey. Variation in the diagnostic approaches and preferred management of CMV AU was captured using an online survey platform.

Results

Seventy-five experts completed both surveys. Fifty-five of the 75 experts (73.3%) would always perform diagnostic aqueous tap in suspected CMV AU cases. Consensus was achieved for starting topical antiviral treatment (85% of experts). About half of the experts (48%) would only commence systemic antiviral treatment for severe, prolonged, or atypical presentation. The preferred specific route was ganciclovir gel 0.15% for topical treatment (selected by 70% of experts) and oral valganciclovir for systemic treatment (78% of experts). The majority of experts (77%) would commence treatment with topical corticosteroid four times daily for one to two weeks along with antiviral coverage, with subsequent adjustment depending on the clinical response. Prednisolone acetate 1% was the drug of choice (opted by 70% of experts). Long-term maintenance treatment (up to 12 months) can be considered for chronic course of inflammation (88% of experts) and those with at least 2 episodes of CMV AU within a year (75–88% of experts).

Conclusions

Preferred management practices for CMV AU vary widely. Further research is necessary to refine diagnosis and management and provide higher-level evidence.

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Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on 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. Rupesh Agrawal 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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Contributions

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, KC performed the literature review. ZXT, IP, IT, KC, MW, SPC, ADD, JHK, BB, JET, TBA, MDD, 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.

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Rupesh Agrawal or Vishali Gupta.

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Thng, Z.X., Putera, I., Testi, I. et al. The Infectious Uveitis Treatment Algorithm Network (TITAN) Report 2—global current practice patterns for the management of Cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis. Eye 38, 68–75 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-023-02631-8

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