A recent retrospective study conducted at Massachusetts Eye and Ear found no chronic ocular complications in a small group of patients taking systemic cyclosporine (CsA) during the acute phase of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).

The study categorized patients with a diagnosis of SJS/TEN and with at least three months of follow-up into two groups of 14 eyes: those who received systemic CsA and those who did not. The researchers then compared best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and chronic ocular surface complications at final follow-up between the two groups. While acute ocular severity and chronic ocular complications were significantly associated, BCVA, chronic ocular surface complications score, meibomian gland dysfunction, limbal stem cell deficiency and the need for mucous membrane grafting and scleral lenses were not significantly different between the groups.

The researchers concluded that studies with a larger cohort of patients receiving standardized dosages as well as the duration of systemic CsA could further evaluate the treatment’s effects on ocular outcomes. Future areas of exploration would also include determining the role of topical CsA or tacrolimus in mitigating chronic ocular complications when given in the acute phase of SJS.