Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease in Thai patients

Abstract

Objectives: To study the demographic, clinical manifestations, treatment and visual outcome of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH) in a group of Thai patients.

Design: Retrospective case series.

Material and method: Patients with VKH disease in Pramongkutklao Hospital from January 1998 to December 2002 were identified. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, treatment, and outcome were analyzed.

Results: Among the 33 patients, there were 12 males and 21 females with a mean age of onset of 35 +/- 13.4 year-old (range 17-67). Serous retinal detachment was detected in 48%. Transient hearing loss, vitiligo, poliosis and alopecia occurred in 18%, 24%, 15% and 33% respectively. Forty two percent of the patients were treated with systemic corticosteroids alone and 58% with a combination of steroids and immunosuppressive drugs. At the end of the follow-up, visual acuity (VA) improved in 55%, remained unchanged in 36% and worsened in 9% of the eyes. Final VA of equal or better than 20/40 was obtained in 76%. The mean follow-up time was 21.6 +/- 14.9 months (range 2-64).

Conclusion: Demographic data, clinical manifestations, and treatment outcome of this group of Thai patients are comparable with studies from other countries.