Anti-Infective Medications Used in Eyecare Part 2 Flashcards
Exam 2
What are the common viruses encountered in eye care?
Adenovirus Herpes Virus (Simplex/Zoster/CMV)
What does adenovirus cause?
Conjunctivitis and EKC (Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis)
What are the most common serotypes of adenovirus that cause EKC?
8, 19, 37
What medications are approved for the treatment of adenovirus?
None currently
What is the effect of topical corticosteroids on EKC?
It delays viral shedding and enhances adenovirus replications. This makes things worse
What is the rule of 8’s for adenovirus infection?
First 8 days: White and quiet, virus is replicating and the patient is contagious
Second 8 days: Patient is miserable, eyes are often not symmetrical and pseudomembranes are formed
Third 8 days: Infiltrates are present confirming EKC
What is a common treatment for EKC? When is it most effective?
Off label use of Povidone-iodine (Betadine)
It is most effective when the virus is replicating. This is a problem because patients are asymptomatic while the virus replicates! (First 8 days!)
What is the Melton and Thomas protocol for Betadine usage to treat EKC?
- Anesthetize both eyes with proparacaine
- Instill 2-3 drops betadine and have patient roll eyes around to enhance distribution
- Rub lid margins to kill any resident virus
- Flush betadine out (Irrigate, Irrigate, Irrigate)
What is the MOA of anti-herpetic drugs?
Inhibit cellular metabolism in infected cells
When are anti-herpetic drugs most effective?
When the virus is replicating (first 3 days)
What are the topical anti-herpetic drugs?
Trifluridine 0.1% solution
Zirgan 0.15% gel
What are the oral anti-herpetic drugs?
Acyclovir
Valacyclovir
Famciclovir
How do oral anti-herpetic drugs differ from one another?
Acyclovir has been the drug of choice for a long period of time, but it has poor bioavailability and short half-life.
Valacyclovir is a prodrug of acyclovir and has a bioavailability that is 3-5 times higher than acyclovir
Famciclovir is 100x less potent than acyclovir but has a better half-life than acyclovir.
What are the adverse effects of anti-herpetic medications?
Burning/redness/blur (topical (blur specific to ointment))
Headache/nausea
Which anti-herpetic drug should be used with caution in patients with HIV? Why?
Valacyclovir, due to risk of vascular issues
What was the HEDs 1 study about? What were the results?
HEDs 1 dealt with more severe herpetic disease like stromal keratitis.
Outcome 1:
Using corticosteroids with a topical antiviral resulted in fewer treatment failures and faster resolution of stromal keratitis.
Outcome 2:
No benefit of the addition of oral acyclovir to a current regimen consisting of a topical steroid and topical antiviral
Outcome 3:
Adding oral acyclovir to topical steroid and trifluridine has a benefit when treating iridocyclitis
What was the HEDs 2 study about? What were the results?
HEDs 2 delt with epithelial keratitis and recurrence of HSV epithelial keratitis.
Outcome 1:
No benefit of oral acyclovir to topical trifluridine in preventing the development of stromal keratitis from epithelial keratitis
Outcome 2:
Oral acyclovir reduced the incidence of epithelial keratitis and stromal keratitis by 41% and 50% reduction in the return rate of more severe forms of keratitis while taking oral acyclovir
Outcome 3:
No significant behavioral factors associated with recurrence of HSV
Explain how to treat HSV epithelial keratitis.
When active replication is occurring, a dendritic lesion may be apparent. Antiviral medication should be used to reduce replication and spread of the virus. Avoid topical steroids!
Explain how to treat HSV stromal keratitis.
Use topical steroid with oral antiviral to balance immune response reduction with antiviral therapy
Explain how to treats HSV endothelial keratitis.
A topical steroid with oral antiviral is preferred.
What are some scenarios that would warrant the use of antivirals for prophylaxis? (4)
- Multiple recurrences of any type, especially stromal
- Recurrent inflammation approaching visual axis
- More than one episode of HSV with ulceration
- History of ocular HSV during immunosuppressive treatment
What are three prophylaxis treatment options with antivirals?
- Acyclovir 400mg BID x 1 year +
- Valacyclovir 500mg QD x 1 year +
- Famciclovir 250mg BID x 1 year+
What is the treatment of choice for CMV retinitis?
CMV retinitis is the most common opportunistic eye infection in persons with AIDs/Immunocompromised transplant patients
Treat with Ganciclovir Insert
Valganciclovir
Foscarnet