The enigma of sclera-specific autoimmunity in scleritis.

Scleritis is a severe and painful ophthalmic disorder, in which a pathogenic role for collagen-directed autoimmunity was repeatedly suggested. We evaluated the presence of sclera-specific antibodies in a large cohort of patients with non-infectious scleritis. Therefore, we prospectively collected serum samples from 121 patients with non-infectious scleritis in a multicenter cohort study in the Netherlands.

Tear Fluid Inflammatory Proteome Analysis Highlights Similarities Between Keratoconus and Allergic Conjunctivitis.

Purpose: Keratoconus is characterized by the progressive thinning of the cornea, which leads to a cone-like appearance of the eye over time. Although conventionally defined as a noninflammatory condition, a number of recent studies have associated keratoconus (KC) with allergic conjunctivitis (AC) based on clinical parameters. This study aimed to consolidate this association by performing a proteomic analysis of tear fluid from patients with keratoconus and/or allergic conjunctivitis.

Paradoxical exacerbation of sclerouveitis following Rituximab infusion.

Purpose: To report on an unexpected side effect of Rituximab (RTX), a B-cell targeting monoclonal agent, in a patient with severe sclerouveitis, leading to severe visual loss.

Methods: Observational case report.

Results: A 61-year-old female was treated with RTX for a severe sclerouveitis occurring with granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients with Scleritis After Rituximab Treatment Including B Cell Monitoring.

Purpose: We report the long-term effect of rituximab (RTX) in scleritis and determine the value of B-cell monitoring for the prediction of relapses.

Methods: We retrospectively studied 10 patients with scleritis, who were treated with RTX. Clinical characteristics were collected, and blood B-cell counts were measured before the start of RTX, and at various time points after treatment.

Evaluation of pre-processing methods for tear fluid proteomics using proximity extension assays.

Tear fluid forms a potential source for biomarker identification, and can be minimal invasively collected via Schirmer strips. The lack of knowledge on the processing of Schirmer strips however complicates the analysis and between-study comparisons. We studied two different pre-processing methods, specifically the use of punches of the strip versus elution of the strip in a buffer.

Scleritis in rheumatoid arthritis: Before and during biologic era.

Objectives: Scleritis represents a severe extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent clinical observations suggest a decreasing incidence of scleritis in RA, attributed to improved treatment options. Our study reports on the incidence and clinical characteristics of scleritis in RA observed in the biological era and reflects on our results in a historical perspective.

Destructive inflammatory reaction after an autologous retinal pigment epithelium and choroid transplantation: no detection of an auto-immune response.

Purpose: Five patients who underwent uncomplicated retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-choroid transplantation for neovascular age-related macular degeneration developed a destructive inflammatory reaction causing subretinal fluid accumulation and extensive RPE atrophy in the graft. We hypothesized that this inflammation could be caused by an auto-immune response against the graft, resulting in circulating auto-antibodies. The aim of our study was to examine a potential autoimmune origin, which would allow a more targeted therapy approach.