Clinical clues to identify patients with ocular rosacea - a Germany-wide epidemiologic analysis

Zierl, Stephan; Hildebrand, Johannes A.; Guertler, Anne; Dietrich, Cecilia; Clanner-Engelshofen, Benjamin M.; French, Lars E. und Reinholz, Markus (2022): Clinical clues to identify patients with ocular rosacea - a Germany-wide epidemiologic analysis. In: International Journal of Dermatology, Bd. 61, Nr. 7: S. 880-885

Abstract

Background and objectives Ocular rosacea is a special manifestation of rosacea with unknown etiology. Eye involvement in rosacea patients is surprisingly common;however, it is often underdiagnosed, resulting in inappropriate treatment. We aimed to provide an updated epidemiologic perspective on ocular rosacea in Germany to improve patient care. Patients and methods Data of 777 rosacea patients were assessed using a detailed online questionnaire regarding ocular and skin symptoms, previous dermatological and ophthalmological consults, presence of type 1 hypersensitivities, and Demodex testing. All data were statistically analyzed. Results Most patients reported ocular symptoms (399/777, 51.4%), including red eyes (179/399, 44.9%), itching (187/399, 46.9%), sty or chalazion (309/399, 77.4%), and dryness (108/399, 27.1%). Ocular rosacea was confirmed in 149/309 cases who consulted an ophthalmologist (45.3%). A total of 159/399 (39.8%) had no pre-existing allergies. Eye involvement was significantly associated with the presence of skin symptoms (P < 0.05), impacting patients' general well-being and overall treatment satisfaction. About half of Demodex-positive patients (21/45, 46.7%) showed ocular symptoms. Conclusions Eye involvement in rosacea patients was common, often presenting with unspecific symptoms.

• Dokumententyp: Zeitschriftenartikel
• Fakultät: Medizin
• Themengebiete: 600 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften > 610 Medizin und Gesundheit
• ISSN: 0011-9059
• Sprache: Englisch
• DFG: Gefördert durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - 491502892