Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0022575 (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
 772 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Megavoltage x-radiation was used to treat orbital nasal, and paranasal cavity malignant neoplasia in 29 dogs. In each instance, the globe and adnexal tissues were within the treatment portals (entry and/or exit). Doses administered to tumors ranged from 3,680 to 5,000 cGy. Ocular reactions after irradiation were classified as mild in 5 of 29 cases (17.2%) and severe in 17 of 29 cases (58.6%). No ocular complications were noticed in 7 of 29 cases (24.1%). Complications frequently noticed included severe keratitis (41%), mild conjunctivitis (34%), severe conjunctivitis (28%), cataract (28%), and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (24%). Ocular complications that developed were not life threatening, but posed a threat to visual function and patient quality of life. Treatment for the complications included control of bacterial infection, reduction of tissue inflammation, and ocular surface protection when tear film deficiencies were noticed. Mild complications represented acute effects of irradiation, and typically resolved. Severe complications developed both acutely and as late irradiation effects. Those attributed to late irradiation effects were more vision threatening and altered the quality of life more than did the early effects.
 ...
PMID:Ophthalmic complications following megavoltage irradiation of the nasal and paranasal cavities in dogs. 310 20

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a frequent canine ophthalmic disease, resulting from the deficiency of one or more elements in the precorneal tear film. There are different known causes of KCS in dogs, including congenital, metabolic, infectious, drug induced, neurogenic, radiation, iatrogenic, idiopathic, and immune mediated, though the last one is the most prevalent form in dogs. Initially, clinical signs of KCS include blepharospasm caused by ocular pain, mucoid to mucopurulent ocular discharge, and conjunctival hyperemia; secondary bacterial infection may also occur, with chronicity, corneal epithelial hyperplasia, pigmentation, neovascularization, and corneal ulceration. The diagnosis of KCS is based on the presence of consistent clinical signs and measurement of decreased aqueous tear production using the Schirmer tear test. Therapy is based on administering the following topical drugs: ocular lubricant, mucolytics, antibiotics, corticosteroids, pilocarpine, and immunomodulators. These last drugs (eg, cyclosporine, pimecrolimus, and tacrolimus) have immunosuppressive activity and stimulate tear production. Furthermore, the nerve growth factor is a new subject matter of the research. Although these therapies are advantageous, stimulation of natural tear production seems to provide the highest recovery in clinical signs and prevention of vision loss. The goal of the following article is to describe the recent developments about KCS in dogs emphasizing the use of new therapies.
 ...
PMID:Immune-mediated keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs: current perspectives on management. 3010 Nov 19