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Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease in elderly Japanese patients

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) disease in elderly (age ≥65 years) Japanese patients.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of all patients diagnosed with VKH disease at the Department of Ophthalmology, Oita University Hospital between October 1982 and March 2005. Data extracted included age, gender, prodromal symptoms, visual acuity, ocular manifestations, extraocular findings, human leukocyte antigen (HLA), ocular complications, treatment, and smoldering inflammation.

Results

Of the 68 patients with VKH disease, seven (10%) were classified as elderly at onset. The incidence of optic disk hyperemia, choroidal detachment, and cataract was significantly higher in the elderly patients than the non-elderly patients (<65 years). The total dose of corticosteroid used was higher in the elderly. The incidence of smoldering inflammation was more frequent in the elderly. Final visual acuity was preserved relatively well in the elderly.

Conclusion

The significantly higher incidence of optic disk hyperemia, choroidal detachment, and cataract, and the more frequent smoldering inflammation in elderly VKH patients indicate that special attention should be paid to these parameters in elderly patients.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Professor Duco Hamasaki, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine for editing and reviewing the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Oita University, Faculty of Medicine, 1-1 Idaigaoka, Hasama-machi, Yufu, Oita, 879-5593, Japan

    Chihiro Kiyomoto, Masamoto Imaizumi, Kenichi Kimoto, Hiromi Abe, Satoko Nakano & Kazuo Nakatsuka

Authors
  1. Chihiro Kiyomoto
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  2. Masamoto Imaizumi
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  3. Kenichi Kimoto
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  4. Hiromi Abe
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  5. Satoko Nakano
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  6. Kazuo Nakatsuka
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Masamoto Imaizumi.

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Kiyomoto, C., Imaizumi, M., Kimoto, K. et al. Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease in elderly Japanese patients. Int Ophthalmol 27, 149–153 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-007-9067-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-007-9067-4

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