Keratitis latanoprost

The ocular adverse effects of latanoprost include conjunctival hyperemia, iris pigmentation, periocular skin color changes, anterior uveitis, and cystoid macular edema in pseudophakic patients (77,78). H. simplex dendritic keratitis has been reported after treatment with latanoprost (79). In patients with uveitic glaucoma, latanoprost can cause increased intraocular pressure and recurrence of inflammation (80). 

Ekatomatis P. Herpes simplex dendritic keratitis after treatment with latanoprost for primary open angle glaucoma. Br J Ophthalmol 2001 85(8) 1008-9. 

Three cases of Herpes simplex keratitis developed during latanoprost therapy (8). 

One patient, with a history of H. simplex keratitis, had recurrence with latanoprost (4 months) the infection resolved on withdrawal but recurred on rechallenge. 

The third patient developed the infection after 1 month the keratitis cleared on withdrawal of latanoprost and antiviral therapy reinstitution of latanoprost with prophylactic antiviral medication (valaciclovir) kept the cornea clear, but as soon as the antiviral drug was discontinued, //. simplex virus keratitis reappeared. 

Two cases of H. simplex virus dermatitis of the periocular skin have been reported in patients using latanoprost (41). Cases of H. simplex keratitis are mentioned above, under sensory systems. 

Wand M, Gilbert CM, Liesegang TJ. Latanoprost and Herpes simplex keratitis. Am J Ophthalmol 1999 127(5) 602-4. 

The development of latanoprost-induced corneal dendritiform epitheliopathy has been reported. These lesions resemble those of herpes simplex virus epithelial keratitis, but, in contrast to herpes simplex virus disease, the pseudodendrites associated with latanoprost promptly disappear on discontinuation of drug therapy. Coincident with discontinuation of latanoprost, patients can be treated with preservative-free artificial tears with or without topical antibiotics. 

Several cases have been reported in which herpes simplex virus keratitis developed after initiation of latanoprost therapy. Although these cases are anecdotal, it is known that prostaglandins may play a crucial role in mediating inflammatory events that could incite herpetic infection. 

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