ESCRS - P152 - SURVEY: PREFERRED PRACTICE PATTERNS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF MUCOUS MEMBRANE PEMPHIGOID AMONGST CORNEA SPECIALISTS

SURVEY: PREFERRED PRACTICE PATTERNS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF MUCOUS MEMBRANE PEMPHIGOID AMONGST CORNEA SPECIALISTS

Published 2023 - 27th ESCRS Winter Meeting

Reference: P152 | Type: Presented Poster & Poster Submission | DOI: 10.82333/0t5w-fz39

Authors: Sarah Moussa* 1 , Samir Jabbour 2 , Maya Tong 2 , Marie-Claude Robert 2 , Mona Harissi-Dagher 1 , Sajjad Ahmad 2

1McGill University,Montreal,Canada, 2University of Montreal,Montreal,Canada

Purpose

To evaluate preferred diagnostic tools and treatment decision-making factors in cases suspicious of mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) amongst ophthalmologists and cornea specialists.

Setting

MMP remains a diagnostic challenge due to the significant insidious onset of non-specific symptoms and poor biopsy sensitivity.

Methods

Web-based survey, consisting of 14 multiple choice questions, posted to the Cornea Society Listserv Keranet, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society Cornea Listserv and the Bowman club Listserv.

 

Results

One hundred and thirty-six ophthalmologists participated in the survey. Eighty six percent (86%) of respondents were cornea trained and practiced in either North America or Europe (83%). Most respondents (72%) routinely perform conjunctival biopsies for all suspicious cases of MMP. For those who do not, fear that biopsy will exacerbate inflammation was the most common reason to defer investigation (47%). Seventy one percent (71%) performed biopsies from perilesional sites. Ninety seven percent (97%) ask for direct  (DIF) studies, and  60% for histopathology in formalin. Most do not recommend biopsy at other non-ocular sites (75%), nor do they perform indirect immunofluorescence for serum autoantibodies (68%). Immune-modulatory therapy is started following positive biopsy results for most (66%), albeit most (62%) would not let a negative DIF influence the choice of starting treatment should there be clinical suspicion of MMP.

Conclusion

Responses to the survey suggest that there is heterogeneity in certain practice patterns for MMP. Biopsy remains an area of controversy in dictating treatment plans. Identified areas of need should be targeted in future research.