Serum Vitamin D and Immunoglobulin E Levels In Patients With Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis

INTRODUCTION: Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) is a mild but common immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated ocular allergy. Low serum vitamin D levels have been related to some allergic disorders but such data in the clinical context of SAC are missing. Our study investigated serum IgE and vitamin D levels in SAC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional case-controlled study was conducted at University of Hafr Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia involving patients with established diagnosis of SAC and age[1]matched healthy control subjects. Standard patient evaluation of eye dryness (SPEED) questionnaire was scored for the frequency and severity of symptoms. Blood samples were taken to quantify serum IgE and vitamin D levels. Mean +- SD were calculated and independent sample t-test was applied for comparison between groups. RESULT: A total of 52 subjects were recruited into the study in which 26 subjects were patients aged between 20-60 years with an established diagnosis of SAC and another 26 subjects were age-matched healthy controls without any allergy. Mean serum IgE, vitamin D level and SPEED scores were significantly higher in SAC patients than in healthy control (2181.09 IU/ml +- 1062.33 vs 54.83 IU/ml +- 26.67; 38.96 ng/ml +- 11.37 vs. 29.47 ng/ml+- 11.73; 19.42 +- 4.81 vs. 2.19 +- 1.49) with p-value 0.001, 0.005, and 0.001 respectively. Mean vitamin D levels in both groups were within normal range. CONCLUSION: Higher serum vitamin D levels may be linked with SAC, but further research is needed to eliminate irregularities in the existing evidence on the influence of vitamin D in SAC.

Olopatidine and Ketorolac Vs Olopatidine Alone in Treatment of Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis [Combination Vs Single Drug Therapy Study]

Purpose: To compare the therapeutic effects of combination of Olopatidine and Ketorolac vs Olopatidine alone (0.1% Olopatidine hydrochloride and 0.5% Ketorolac tromethamine) in seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC).Methods: 200 patients with the signs and symptoms of SAC (i.e. hyperaemia, itching, mucus discharge, tearing) were included in this study. In group 1 (100 patients) each patient was treated with “olopatadine and Ketorolac” and group 2 patients were treated with Olopatidine alone. The principle signs and symptoms of SAC (hyperaemia, itching, watering and photophobia) were evaluated at day 0, day 7, day 15 and day 21 by using a 4 point scale. Mean scores of each of the parameters were calculated using paired t test.Results: When the mean scores of Group 1 (Olopatidine plus Ketorolac) were compared to the scores of Group 2 (Olopatidine only) the mean scores of hyperaemia, itching and watering were found to be lower in Group 1, indicating better therapeutic effectiveness with a significant difference statistically (p<0.05%) on day 7,day 15 and on day 21.Conclusions: Olopatadine and Ketorolac combination therapy is an effective treatment for seasonal allergic conjunctivitis when compared to Olopatidine alone.

An overview of allergic and bacterial conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis affects many people across the globe, significantly disturbing the quality of life of the people who are affected. Conjunctivitis can be divided into infectious and noninfectious causes. Viruses and bacteria are the most common infectious causes. Some of the most commonly diagnosed allergic diseases include atopic dermatitis, rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and sinusitis. Other conditions, such as eosinophilic oesophagitis, the prevalence of which is on the rise, are being diagnosed across all continents, except for Africa. Allergic conjunctivitis is an allergic disease characterised by inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by airborne allergens; it presents as itching, excessive lacrimation, discharge and pink eye. Usually it is associated with other allergic conditions such as allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Allergic conjunctivitis is further divided into acute, seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC). Bacterial conjunctivitis, caused by bacterial and viral pathogens, may include three major categories: hyperacute bacterial conjunctivitis, acute conjuncitivis and chronic conjunctivitis. The diagnosis is primarily clinical. This article provides an overview of these conditions and their current management options.

Specific Dog Allergen Immunoglobulin G Antibodies in Patients with Allergic Conjunctivitis

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the role of total tear IgE, and specific serum dog IgG and IgE antibodies on the severity of allergic conjunctivitis. Methods: This study enrolled healthy subjects (control group, N=13), the patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (seasonal group, N=13), and patients with perennial allergic conjunctivitis (perennial group, N=13). Skin prick test, tear IgE level, and serum specific dog IgE and IgG levels were examined. The severity of allergic conjunctivitis using a grading score (0-30) was also examined. Results: The levels of serum dog-specific IgE and IgG, and total tear IgE of the seasonal and perennial groups were higher as compared to those of the control group (all p<0.05). The levels of serum dog-specific IgG of the perennial group were higher than those of the seasonal group (0.4 ± 0.6 vs. 0.0 ± 0.0). Multivariate analysis confirmed that the skin prick test result for dog allergen was related to the serum dog-specific IgG levels, but not IgE levels (p<0.01). The severity of allergic conjunctivitis was related to the serum level of dog-specific IgG antibodies (p<0.01). Conclusion: It was concluded that dog-specific IgG antibodies level may be associated with the severity of dog-related perennial allergic conjunctivitis.