In:
Klinische Monatsblätter für Augenheilkunde, Georg Thieme Verlag KG, Vol. 240, No. 09 ( 2023-09), p. 1077-1083
Abstract:
Background Ocular involvement in mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is relatively rare, with a prevalence of 25 cases per million population, equating to approx. 2,100 patients throughout Germany. Diagnosis can be difficult – especially in cases of isolated ocular involvement – and treatment can be complex and lengthy. Immunosuppressants or immunomodulatory drugs
are often used. Due to the complexity of diagnosis and treatment, MMP patients are usually referred to specialized centers. The aim of this project was to evaluate the current care situation of patients with ocular MMP in Germany. Methods A paper-based survey was designed and sent to all university eye clinics and other specialized centers in Germany in April 2020. The survey asked about the existence of a
specialized outpatient service, the total annual number of patients with MMP, the annual number of newly diagnosed patients, any interdisciplinary collaboration for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, as well as the local and systemic therapy used. Results Of a total of 44 clinics, 28 (64%) responded, reporting a total average of 27 ± 42 (0 – 200) patients and 3.6 ± 2.2 (0 – 10) new cases per year. This corresponds to a total
of 741 patients. Only nine (32%) of the responding clinics offer specialized MMP clinics. 93% of the centers collaborate with the local dermatology department. 79% perform serological and histological diagnostics in-house. About half of the centers (n = 16) apply a standardized treatment regime. Systemic glucocorticoids (66.7%) are most commonly used, followed by
mycophenolate mofetil and dapsone (57.1%), rituximab (33.3%), azathioprine and cyclophosphamide (28.6%), as well as methotrexate (19.0%). The least frequently used treatment is intravenous immunoglobulin (14.3%). Conclusion This survey of German ophthalmology departments obtained data from about one third of the estimated total cohort of all patients with MMP in Germany. These are presumed to
be exclusively patients with at least one ocular involvement. The complex care of these patients is usually provided in collaboration with a dermatologist and with the use of systemic anti-inflammatory medication. Currently, an ophthalmological MMP register is being established to better record the epidemiology and care situation of this rare disease in Germany and to
improve it in the long term.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0023-2165
,
1439-3999
Language:
German
Publisher:
Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2039754-9
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