Hepatitis C-associated peripheral corneal ulceration: rapid response to intravenous steroids.
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.
Pluznik
D
D
Washington National Eye Center, Washington Hospital Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Washington, DC, USA. pluznik@hotmail.com
Butrus
S I
SI
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
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D008775:Methylprednisolone