Clinical Analysis of Recurrent Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome

Kim, Min Jung; Cho, Nam Chun; Ahn, Min

Abstract

PURPOSE: We analyzed the clinical features of patients with recurrent Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada(VKH) syndrome.
METHODS
A retrospective chart review of 21 patients diagnosed with VKH syndrome between 1994 and 2004 was performed. We grouped the patients into two groups according to the duration of ocular inflammation. Group A included patients with recurrent ocular inflammation lasting 24 months or longer and Group B included those with a duration of less than 24 months. We compared the clinical manifestations, responses to treatment and complications.
RESULTS
Group A had 7 patients and Group B had 14 patients. There were significant differences in initial visual acuity, the interval between ocular symptoms and treatment, total steroid dose, and complications. The average final visual acuity of Group A was 0.572 (0.2-1.0), which was relatively favorable.
CONCLUSIONS
The initial visual acuity and the interval between ocular symptoms and treatment seemed to be important predictors. We conclude that aggressive treatment is necessary in recurrent VKH syndrome, as visual prognosis was relatively favorable despite the cost of the problems associated with high dose steroids and ocular complications.