Clinical Profile of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) Patients: A Retrospective Study at a Peripheral Combined Military Hospital in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is an allergic eye disease that especially affects young boys. The most common symptoms are itching, photophobia, burning, and redness. This study was conducted to assess the clinical profile of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) among the local population reported at a peripheral combined military hospital over 1 year. This study aimed to analyze the cases of vernal keratoconjunctivitis at a peripheral combined military hospital. Material & Methods: This is a retrospective study carried out in the Department of Ophthalmology at Combined Military Hospital, Saidpur. A total number of 110 patients with VKC were diagnosed based on their history, clinical features, and characteristic symptoms and sign over a period of 1 year from Jan 2021 to Dec 2021. Best-corrected visual acuity (VCVA) was assessed and each patient was thoroughly examined with a Slit Lamp Bi microscope, Fluorescein staining, and Tear film break-up time. Follow-up was done every 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months for 01 year. A purposive sampling technique was used in this study. Data was collected by a pre-designed questionnaire. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA) results were compiled in the frequency distribution table. Informed written consent was taken from all participants. Ethical clearance was obtained by the ethical committee of CMH. Results: Out of 110 patients, 80 (72.72%) were male and 30 (27.27%) were female. The highest incidence of VKC occurred in the age group of 11–15 years. In maximum cases 70 (63.63%) had palpebral form followed by mixed form 25 (22.72%) and then bulbar form 15 (13.63%). Corneal complications occurred in 27 (24.54%) patients; Out of 27, 25 patients had minor complications and 2 had major complications. The minor complications were usually superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK) or other epithelial disturbance. Major complications were superior pannus and pseudogerontoxon. Although patients with VKC often give a history of allergies or atopic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, or hay fever, in the present study, coexisting allergic conditions could be detected only 40 (36.36%) patients. Conclusion: VKC is a common form of allergic conjunctivitis among the age group of 11–15 years of male patients. The most common is the palpebral form followed by mixed and then bulbar forms. Some cases showed a history of atopy and other allergic conditions.