A case series with literature review on adjunctive usage of intravitreal ceftazidime in ocular syphilis with human immunodeficiency virus infection
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2021
Abstract
Background: Penicillin is the conventional treatment for all stages of syphilis, including ocular and neurosyphilis, according to the recommendations by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Sexually Transmitted Disease. This case series highlighted three cases of ocular syphilis which showed prompt treatment response as early as 24 h after the adjunctive intravitreal ceftazidime injection. Methods: Case Series. Results: In case 1, there was significant improvement in the vision and vitritis after 24 h of a single intravitreal ceftazidime injection. In case 2, the patient achieved his best vision after a total of three intravitreal injections in his left eye and one in his right eye. In case 3, there was a further resolution of perivascular sheathing and retinal haemorrhages seen 1 week after a single intravitreal ceftazidime injection. Conclusion: The efficacy of intravitreal ceftazidime injection as a local adjunctive therapy in ocular syphilis treatment is noteworthy. It can be considered in cases which show suboptimal or slower treatment response despite early commencement of systemic penicillin to prevent devastating ocular sequelae.
Keywords
Ocular syphilis, Uveitis, Neurosyphilis, Intravitreal ceftazidime, Human immunodeficiency virus
Divisions
ophthalmplogy
Publication Title
International Journal of STD and AIDS
Volume
32
Issue
10
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Publisher Location
1 OLIVERS YARD, 55 CITY ROAD, LONDON EC1Y 1SP, ENGLAND