Browsing by Author "Chen, Kevin"

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    Analyzing the demographics of patients with uveitis in an indigent, urban population
    (2023) Tipton, Caroline W.; Reilly, Grace R.; Chen, Kevin; Chang, Eileen; Ackert, Jessica M.; Liberman Salazar, Paulina; Berkenstock, Meghan K.
    Abstract Purpose To study the types of uveitis examined in a hospital serving indigent populations in need of low-cost care. Methods A retrospective chart review examined the electronic medical records of all patients with uveitis-related at Drexel Eye Physicians. Data collected included demographics, anatomic location of the uveitis, systemic disease associations, treatment modalities and insurance. Statistical analysis was performed using χ² or Fischer exact tests. Results 270 patients (366 eyes) were included for analysis, 67% of patients identified as African American. Most eyes (95.3%, N = 349) were treated with topical corticosteroid drops, and only 6 (1.6%) received an intravitreal implant. Immunosuppressive medications were started in 24 patients (8.9%). Nearly 80% depended to some extent on Medicare or Medicaid Assistance for treatment coverage. There was no association between insurance type and use of biologics or difluprednate. Conclusion We found no association between insurance type and the prescription of medications for uveitis that should be used at home. There was a minimal number of patients prescribed medications for implantation in the office. The adherence of use of medications at home should be investigated.
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    Quantitative Ocular Surface Changes in Patients Undergoing Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy
    (2024) Chen, Kevin; Bruron, Maria Carolina Ibanez; Mondaca, Sebastian; Pizarro, Gonzalo; Liberman, Paulina; Berkenstock, Meghan K.
    PurposeTo describe the clinical course and evaluate treatment of ocular surface changes in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy.MethodsMultiple markers of ocular surface dryness were evaluated in 16 patients on ICI therapy. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to determine the significant change in the initial and final ocular surface indices.ResultsFifty percent of the eyes demonstrated worsening Schirmer I scores; 29% showed an increase in lissamine green staining. During follow-up, 43% of patients experienced a decline in OSDI scores. Treatments included preservative-free artificial tears (88%), cyclosporine (25%), topical corticosteroids (31%), warm compresses (25%); punctal plugs (13%). Median follow-up time was 3.4 months (range:0-79 ); median ICI treatment duration was 7 months (range:1-40). Four patients died during the observation period.ConclusionA significant proportion of patients experience changes in ocular surface markers while treated with ICIs. Medical intervention can lead to stabilization of ocular surface disease.