Clinical Features and Prognostic Factors in Northern Chinese Patients with Peripheral Granuloma Type of Ocular Toxocariasis: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE

To summarize the clinical features and probable factors associated with recurrence within 6 months in northern Chinese ocular toxocariasis (OT) patients.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study (38 OT eyes) was conducted. Clinical features, aqueous inflammatory cytokines, complications, and parameters associated with recurrence after treatment were analyzed.

RESULTS

The initial best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was related to the anterior inflammation grade at the onset ( = .028). The mean BCVA and anterior inflammation improved significantly ( < .05) after treatment. The OT eyes had higher aqueous humor cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10) compared with the normal eyes ( < .001). More severe anterior inflammation grade or longer duration of uveitis were more likely to increase the probability of recurrence ( = .008 and = .025), TA injection during/after vitreous surgery can reduce the probability of recurrence ( = .031).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination therapy of vitreoretinal surgery, steroids, and albendazole therapy may reduce inflammation and recurrence of OT effectively. BCVA: best-corrected visual acuity; BFGF: basic fibroblast growth factor; CFT: central foveal thickness; CI: confidence interval; ELISA: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; ERM: epiretinal membrane; IOP: intraocular pressure; IQR: interquartile range; IL: interleukin; LFM: laser flare meter; MH: macular hole; OCT: optical coherence tomography; OR: odds ratio; OT: ocular toxocariasis; RD: retinal detachment; TA: triamcinolone acetonide; TCLA: Toxocara canis larva crude antigen; TGF: transforming growth factor; VCAM: vascular cell adhesion molecule; VEGF: vascular endothelial growth factor.