Clinical Spectrum and Treatment Patterns in Patients with Adenoviral Conjunctivitis: A Single Center Experience
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36283/ziun-pjmd14-3/046Keywords:
Adenovirus, Antihistamine, Conjuctivitis, Pain, Redness, SteroidAbstract
Background: Conjunctivitis is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, encompassing a variety of diseases, and most imparting ocular disorders. This study was done to compare the effectiveness of topical corticosteroids versus topical antihistamines in the treatment of adenoviral conjunctivitis.
Methods: This observational study was conducted at the outpatient department of ophthalmology, Combined Military Hospital, Jhelum, Pakistan, during an adenoviral outbreak from August to September 2023. A total of 196 patients presenting with clinically suspected viral conjunctivitis, and prescribed either topical steroids or antihistamines, were analyzed. Non-probability, consecutive sampling technique was adopted. The demographic and clinical data collected included gender, age, duration of symptoms, and specific symptoms such as redness, discharge, and photophobia. Symptom severity was assessed at baseline and after 7 days of treatment. Data analysis was performed using IBM-SPSS Statistics, version 26.0. Categorical data between both treatment options were compared using the chi-square test taking a p-value of <0.05 as statistically significant.
Results: In a total of 196 patients, 123 (62.8%) were male. The median age and duration of symptoms were 31.00 years (15.00-45.75 years), and 1 day (1-2 days), respectively. Bilateral eye involvement was found in 105 (53.6%) patients. There were 136 (69.4%) patients who were prescribed topical steroids, whereas 60 (30.6%) were advised topical antihistamines. The steroid group was more effective in treating adenoviral conjunctivitis, with 68.4% of patients showing significant improvement in key symptoms, compared to 46.7% in the antihistamine group. Overall, steroids led to better symptom resolution and fewer ineffective cases than antihistamines (p=0.029).
Conclusion: Topical corticosteroids are significantly more effective than antihistamines in treating adenoviral conjunctivitis, particularly in reducing key symptoms such as redness, discharge, and conjunctival hyperaemia.
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