Abstract

FR.23.11

Analysis of ocular surface complications in graft-versus-host disease following bone marrow transplantation. Follow-up study in special consideration of the inflammatory changes at the ocular surface

Westekemper H.¹, Altin S.¹, Meller S.², Homey B.², Steuhl K.-P.¹, Meller D.^1
1Zentrum für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Essen, ²Hautklinik, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf

Serious Sicca-syndrome represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Diagnostic, because primarily immunological parameters e.g. in autoimmune disease have to be distinguished from secondary changes. The clinical picture can be very similar. The findings concerning the pathogenesis of sicca-syndrome have to be translated in specific therapeutic options. Patients suffering from graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after bone marrow transplantation are a group of patients often presenting with a severe sicca-syndrome. Both pretransplant therapy (radiation, chemotherapy) and immunological reactions triggered by the GVHD can cause ocular surface problems. The lacrimal gland and ocular surface cells represent target organs in the course of chronic GVHD. In the presented study, patients suffering from chronic GVHD are examined systematically and additional analyses are supposed to identify further immunological characteristics of the disease. Tear-film proteomics may lead to the identification of biomarkers beyond the tear film proteins in order to allow for a more specific diagnostic approach in future. Biomarkers are also useful in monitoring therapeutic progress or failure. Chemokine-expression analysis is used to correlate ocular GVHD with known changes in other target organs.

Copyright: Porstmann Kongresse GmbH. All rights reserved. Impressum, Disclaimer.