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Potential ocular complications of rheumatoid arthritis drug require close monitoring
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 Judy Kim |
ABU DHABI — Hydroxychloroquine, a drug commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, has potentially toxic effects on the macula that can cause serious visual impairment, necessitating careful consideration and close monitoring of patients, according to a speaker here.
"Due to the cumulative effect, macular complications occur after 5 to 7 years, according to the dosage used," Judy Kim, MD, said at the World Ophthalmology Congress. "The damage is irreversible, and may continue to progress even after we discontinue the drug."
No treatment is currently available to control or reverse the disease. Close monitoring with regular annual screening is recommended starting at 5 years, including complete ophthalmologic examination and automated threshold visual field testing. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, multifocal electroretinogram and microperimetry should be performed to detect potential abnormalities.
"Special attention should be given to patients with additional risk factors, including high levels of body fat, renal or liver dysfunction, and pre-existing retinal disease or maculopathy," Dr. Kim said.
- Disclosure: Dr. Kim has no relevant financial disclosures.