title: Hepatitis C-associated peripheral corneal ulceration: rapid response to intravenous steroids.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We present a case of peripheral corneal ulceration in a patient with hepatitis C, which rapidly and dramatically responded to intravenous steroid treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical examination and photographs were obtained to document initial presentation and therapeutic response of Mooren's-type ulcers to steroids.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Bilateral peripheral corneal ulceration with documented progression responded to intravenous administration of steroids within 5 days.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Previous reports of Mooren's-type ulcers in patients with chronic hepatitis C have shown a response to interferon alfa-2b, but not to oral corticosteroid therapy. Given the medical contraindications to interferon use in selected patients and the cost, we suggest a trial of high-dose systemic steroids as a possible therapy.
authors.affiliation: Washington National Eye Center, Washington Hospital Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Washington, DC, USA. pluznik@hotmail.com
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pluznik
authors.forename: S I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Butrus
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D008775:Methylprednisolone