Outcomes of Anti-Tubercular Treatment Among Patients with Ocular Tuberculosis Seen in A Tertiary Government Hospital in The Philippines

Methods: A retrospective chart review of OTB patients seen in a tertiary government hospital in the Philippines in over 10 years who underwent at least 6 months of anti-tubercular treatment (ATT) and 6 months follow up after treatment. The main outcome was the success or failure of ATT in terms of ability to taper down oral steroids to less than 10mg/day or topical steroids to twice a day. Factors such as patient demographics, ocular presentation, classification, diagnostic score, and duration of treatment associated with the outcomes were correlated.

Results: Nineteen patients who received atleast 6 months ATT and 6 months follow-up were involved in the study. The mean age was 41+/- 12.476. Most subjects were male (n=15, 71.4%). Most patients were classified as possible OTB (n= 16, 88.9%) and about half presented as panuveitis (n=11, 52.4%). Treatment success was seen in majority of the patients (n=15, 78.9%). Most common complication noted was cataract formation.

Conclusion: Anti-tubercular treatment of at least 6 months showed good clinical outcomes in OTB patients with minimal complications.