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Öğe Are preservatives necessary to improve efficacy of some glaucoma drops?(BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP, 2013) Irkec, Murat; Bozkurt, Banu; Mocan, Mehmet Cem[Abstract not Available]Öğe Association of apolipoprotein E-219T > G promoter polymorphism with primary open angle glaucoma in Turkish population(IJO PRESS, 2014) Saglar, Emel; Bozkturt, Ranu; Irkec, MuratAIM: To investigate the association between apolipoprotein E (APOE) -219 T >G promoter polymorphism and primary open angle glaucoma(POAG). METHODS: Patients and healthy subjects were genotyped with polymerase chain reaction -restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Genotype/ allele frequencies were compared between 122 healthy subjects and in 75 POAG patients using Chi-square test. RESULTS: Although the frequency of APOE-219 GG genotype was higher in POAG group (13.3%) than in control group (6.6%), this finding was not statistically significant (P=0.09). In glaucoma patients carrying GG genotype, mean linear CID ratio was higher and progression was more compared to glaucoma patients with GT genotype. CONCLUSION: APOE-219 T >G polymorphism does not seem to be a risk factor for the presence of glaucoma, but might play a role in deterioration of the disease, which needs further evaluation.Öğe Association of tumour necrosis factor-alpha -308 G/A polymorphism with primary open-angle glaucoma(WILEY-BLACKWELL, 2012) Bozkurt, Banu; Mesci, Lutfiye; Irkec, Murat; Ozdag, Burcin B.; Sanal, Ozden; Arslan, Umut; Ersoy, FugenBackground: Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) is an important proinflammatory cytokine driving axonal degeneration and retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association of TNF-a -308 G/A and -238 G/A polymorphisms with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Design: A prospective, casecontrol study, university hospital setting. Participants: Eighty-six POAG patients and 193 healthy unrelated controls. Methods: TNF-a polymorphisms were screened by using direct gene sequencing. Main Outcome Measures: Frequency of TNF-a -308 G/A and TNF-a -238 G/A promoter polymorphisms in glaucoma and healthy subjects. Results: The frequencies of TNF-a -308 GA genotype and A allele were higher in patients with POAG (22.1% and 12.2%, respectively) in comparison with the control group (10.9% and 6%, respectively) (P = 0.046 and 0.02, respectively), with odds ratios of 2.45 (P = 0.01, 95% CI = 1.234.87) and 2.19 (P = 0.013, 95% CI = 1.184.08), respectively. Genotype distribution of the TNF-a -238 variants did not yield a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.87). Conclusion: TNF-a -308 G/A polymorphism seems to be associated with POAG in Turkish population. However, population-based studies with large number of subjects and long-term follow-up are needed to verify the association of TNF-a -308 G/A polymorphism with glaucoma susceptibility.Öğe Asymmetry in optic disc morphometry as measured by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy in subjects with hyperopic anisometropia(SLACK INC, 2008) Bozkurt, Banu; Irkec, Murat; Arslan, UmutPurpose: To determine whether there is an asymmetry in optic nerve head morphometry in subjects with hyperopic anisometropia. Methods: Seventeen men and 20 women with a mean age of 31.43 +/- 2.73 (standard error of mean) years underwent a complete eye examination and optic nerve head topography with the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II (Heidelberg Engineering, GmBH, Heidelberg, Germany). Differences in optic nerve head parameters between anisometropic eyes and fellow eyes were evaluated using the paired-sample t test or Wilcoxon signed rank test and the correlations between refraction, visual acuity, and disc parameters were evaluated with Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results: The median refractive errors of hyperopic anisometropic and fellow eyes were +4 D (range: +2.0 to +7.50 D) and 0 D (range: 0 to +4 D), respectively. The mean best-corrected visual acuity of the amblyopic eyes was 0.43 +/- 0.25. The mean disc area of the anisometropic eyes (1.69 +/- 0.35 mm(2)) was significantly smaller than the fellow eyes (2.01 +/- 0.42 mm(2)) (P < .001). The differences between eyes in mean cup area, rim area, rim volume, and cup shape were statistically significant (P < .05). In aniosmetropic eyes, refractive error (r = -0.406; P = .013) and visual acuity (r = 0.347; P = .035) showed significant correlations with rim area. Conclusion: Hyperopic anisometropia is associated with a remarkable interocular difference in optic disc size and other topographic parameters.Öğe Brinzolamide/timolol fixed combination: a new ocular suspension for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension(TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, 2009) Hollo, Gabor; Bozkurt, Banu; Irkec, MuratFor the treatment of open-angle glaucoma, the most frequent cause of irreversible visual loss, fixed combinations of different topical intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering molecules have gained an important role in recent years. The use of fixed combinations reduces the number of daily instillations, which promotes adherence to the prescribed medication and diminishes the exposition of the ocular surface to preservatives. The fixed combination of brinzolamide and timolol was recently approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) and is now available in several countries in Europe. It contains two molecules widely used to treat glaucoma: timolol 0.5% (5 mg/ml) and brinzolamide 1% (10 mg/ml) in ophthalmic suspension formulation. This fixed combination is approved for twice-daily instillation to reduce elevated IOP in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The brinzolamide/timolol fixed combination provides an approximately 30-33% IOP reduction from the untreated baseline IOP of 25-27 mmHg; thus, it is more potent than either of its ingredients alone. It is similarly effective but better tolerated than the dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination, which consists of molecules from the same pharmacological classes. The brinzolamide/timolol fixed combination can be used by itself as a separate therapy, but owing to the additivity of its ingredients to IOP-lowering drugs belonging to other classes, it may also be administered adjunctive to other IOP-reducing molecules, most importantly topical prostaglandin analogues. The ocular and systemic tolerance of the brinzolamide/timolol fixed combination was reported favorable in Phase III studies, but no long-term clinical experience with this preparation is available at present.Öğe Chandler syndrome manifesting as ectropion uvea following laser in situ keratomileusis(ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC, 2008) Mocan, Mehmet C.; Bozkurt, Banu; Orhan, Mehmet; Irkec, MuratWe report the case of a 30-year-old woman with recent onset of unilateral iris distortion and glaucoma that was noticed following uneventful laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). The corneal endothelium in the right eye appeared normal with the slitlamp microscope, and LASIK-related anterior segment ischemia was initially considered in the differential diagnosis. However, in vivo confocal microscopy revealed abnormal endothelial cells, confirming the diagnosis of iridocorneal endothelial syndrome. In patients having refractive corneal procedures, in vivo confocal microscopy is recommended to diagnose preexisting corneal abnormalities that might otherwise remain undetected.Öğe Comparison of visual field test results obtained through Humphrey matrix frequency doubling technology perimetry versus standard automated perimetry in healthy children(WOLTERS KLUWER MEDKNOW PUBLICATIONS, 2013) Kocabeyoglu, Sibel; Uzun, Salih; Mocan, Mehmet Cem; Bozkurt, Banu; Irkec, Murat; Orhan, MehmetAims: The aim of this study was to compare the visual field test results in healthy children obtained via the Humphrey matrix 24-2 threshold program and standard automated perimetry (SAP) using the Swedish interactive threshold algorithm (SITA) -Standard 24-2 test. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 55 healthy children without ocular or systemic disorders who underwent both SAP and frequency doubling technology (FDT) perimetry visual field testing. Visual field test reliability indices, test duration, global indices (mean deviation [MD], and pattern standard deviation [PSD]) were compared between the 2 tests using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and paired t-test. The performance of the Humphrey field analyzer (HFA) 24-2 SITA-standard and frequency-doubling technology Matrix 24-2 tests between genders were compared with Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: Fifty-five healthy children with a mean age of 12.2 +/- 1.9 years (range from 8 years to 16 years) were included in this prospective study. The test durations of SAP and FDT were similar (5.2 +/- 0.5 and 5.1 +/- 0.2 min, respectively, P = 0.651). MD and the PSD values obtained via FDT Matrix were significantly higher than those obtained via SAP (P < 0.001), and fixation losses and false negative errors were significantly less with SAP (P < 0.05). A weak positive correlation between the two tests in terms of MD (r = 0.352, P = 0.008) and PSD (r = 0.329, P = 0.014) was observed. Conclusion: Children were able to complete both the visual test algorithms successfully within 6 min. However, SAP testing appears to be associated with less depression of the visual field indices of healthy children. FDT Matrix and SAP should not be used interchangeably in the follow-up of children.Öğe Determination of Tear and Serum Inflammatory Cytokines in Patients with Rosacea Using Multiplex Bead Technology(TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC, 2013) Topcu-Yilmaz, Pinar; Atakan, Nilgun; Bozkurt, Banu; Irkec, Murat; Aban, Demet; Mesci, Lutfiye; Tezcan, IlhanPurpose: To compare serum and tear inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels of rosacea patients with the healthy controls and evaluate the correlation of tear cytokine levels with tear function parameters. Methods: Tear and serum interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1 alpha), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were measured using multiplex bead (Luminex) technology in 12 rosacea patients without ocular involvement (group 1), 20 rosacea patients with ocular involvement (group 2), and 22 healthy subjects (group 3). The correlation of the cytokines with tear function parameters was analyzed using Spearman correlation test. Results: Tear IL-10 and VEGF levels were significantly lower in group 1 (median: 35.78 pg/mL and 427.29, respectively) and group 2 (median: 26.25 pg/mL and 348.31, respectively) than in group 3 (median: 75.96 pg/mL and 480.12, respectively) (p<0.05). Mean serum IL-8 level was significantly lower in group 2 (median = 0) compared to group 3 (median = 3.98) (p = 0.02). Tear breakup time was found to be positively correlated with IL-10 (r = 0.46, p = 0.013) and inversely correlated with MCP-1 (r = -0.52, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Tear and serum levels of cytokines and growth factors measured with Luminex technology showed a large variation in rosacea and healthy subjects. Decreased levels of tear IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, may lead to an inflammatory ocular surface environment, exacerbate ocular surface inflammation, and deteriorate tear function tests. A bigger sample size, including rosacea patients with corneal involvement, is needed to confirm the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of rosacea-associated ocular inflammation.Öğe Effect of artificial tears on automated visual field testing in patients with glaucoma and dry eye(CANADIAN OPHTHAL SOC, 2013) Kocabeyoglu, Sibel; Mocan, Mehmet Cem; Bozkurt, Banu; Irkec, MuratObjective: To evaluate the effects of artificial tears on automated visual field (VF) testing in patients with glaucoma with dry eye syndrome. Design: Prospective study. Participants: Fifty eyes of 50 patients with medically treated primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) were recruited for this study. The patients were subdivided into 2 subgroups: those with dry eye syndrome (group I) and those without dry eye syndrome (group II). Methods: Tear break-up time, Lissamine green staining, and Schirmer I test with topical anesthesia were performed in the same order in all patients. Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire was completed by the patients. All participants underwent automated perimetry using the 24-2 SITA (Swedish interactive threshold algorithm) standard strategy before and after 1-week treatment with a lubricating eye drop 4 times daily. VF results were compared before and after the treatment using Wilcoxon signed rank test, and Mann-Whitney test was performed to compare the results of patients in groups I and II. Results: Of the 50 patients, 25 (50%) were diagnosed with dry eye syndrome. No significant differences between both groups were found with respect to age (P = 0.779) and glaucoma duration (P = 0.722). In patients with glaucoma with dry eye syndrome, there was a significant improvement in test duration, mean deviation, and the number of depressed points at probability level less than 0.5% and less than 1% in pattern deviation plots after the treatment (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The use of artificial tears in patients with glaucoma with dry eye syndrome decreased VF testing time and improved test results.Öğe Elevated Tear Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-8 Levels in Patients With Conjunctivochalasis(LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS, 2009) Erdogan-Poyraz, Ceren; Mocan, Mehmet C.; Bozkurt, Banu; Gariboglu, Semra; Irkec, Murat; Orhan, MehmetPurpose: To determine the interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 levels in the tear samples of patients with conjunctivochalasis (CCh) and to correlate the severity of symptoms with tear IL levels. Methods: Fifty-one eves at different stages of CCh and 10 eves of healthy controls were recruited for this prospective Study undertaken at a single university-based hospital. CCh was graded based on the extent of interior lid margin involvement as follows: 1 = single (temporal) location. 2 = 2 locations, and 3 = whole lid. The presence of punctal occlusion and fluorescein clearance patterns were recorded. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine IL levels. Severity of symptoms was assessed With the Ocular Surface disease index. Results: of the 5 1 study patients (mean age = 63.4 +/- 6.9 years), 16 had grade 1.21 had grade 2. and 14 had grade 3 CCh. Tear IL-6 and IL-8 levels were significantly higher in patients with CCh than in controls (P <= 0.001). Higher IL levels were observed in grades 2 and 3 CCh than in grade 1 CCh and control eyes (P < 0.001). Patients with CCh who also had punctal occlusion and delayed fluorescein clearance results had higher tear IL levels than those who did not (P <= 0.001). Tear IL levels were positively correlated with the clinical severity of CCh as evaluated with the ocular Surface disease index (r = 0.826. P < 0.001 for IL-6 and r = 0.726, P < 0.001 for IL-8). Conclusions: Inflammation may have a role in the pathogenesis of CCh. The clinical severity of CCh parallels the increased tear IL levels. Markers for inflammation are more pronounced in the advanced stages of this disease.Öğe In Vivo Confocal Microscopic Findings in Posterior Polymorphous Corneal Dystrophy(LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS, 2013) Bozkurt, Banu; Irkec, Murat; Mocan, Mehmet C.Purpose: To describe the corneal findings in posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD) as imaged with laser scanning in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM).Methods: IVCM images of 7 subjects with PPCD who had typical slit-lamp biomicroscopic findings of endothelial vesicular, band, and/or placoid lesions were evaluated.Results: Five women and 2 men aged 7 to 64 years were included in this study. Laser scanning IVCM (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II, Rostock Cornea Module) revealed hyporeflective, round, vesicular lesions with diameters ranging between 20 and 200 mu m in 3 subjects, combined vesicular and curvilinear hyperreflective band-like lesions in 3 subjects, and combined vesicular and placoid hyperreflective lesions in 1 subject at the level of Descemet membrane (DM), endothelial cell layer, and posterior stroma adjacent to DM. One subject had coassociated epithelial basement membrane dystrophy. Additional findings included posterior stromal keratocytes with elongated spindle-like nucleus, giant and nucleated endothelial cells, endothelial deposits, and guttae-like dark spots. The mean endothelial cell density was 1485.7 +/- 486.3 cells per square millimeter (range, 990-2365 cells/mm(2)). The mean central corneal thickness was 585.3 +/- 37.17 m (range, 534-643 m).Conclusions: Laser scanning IVCM is able to highlight the characteristic microstructural alterations at the level of endothelium and DM in the setting of PPCD and may have diagnostic utility in equivocal cases with borderline biomicroscopic findings. The possible association of PPCD with epithelial basement membrane dystrophy warrants further investigation.Öğe In Vivo Confocal Microscopic Findings of 2 Patients with Bietti Crystalline Corneoretinal Dystrophy(Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2010) Bozkurt, Banu; Öztürk, Banu T.; Kerimoğlu, Hürkan; Irkec, Murat; Pekel, HamiyetPurpose: To describe the clinical and in vivo confocal microscopic findings of the cornea in 2 patients with Bietti crystalline corneoretinal dystrophy using Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II Rostock Cornea Module. Methods: Two women 25 and 33 years of age underwent ophthalmologic assessment, including fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, electroretinography, and in vivo confocal microscopy. Results: Slit-lamp examination revealed crystalline deposits at the superior limbus of the cornea in both of the subjects. Fundus examination disclosed numerous glistening yellowish white crystalline deposits scattered throughout the posterior pole and midperipheral retina, retina pigment epithelium and choriocapillaris atrophy; pigment clumping; and retinal scarring. Optical coherence tomography demonstrated hyperreflective red and white areas corresponding to the crystalline deposits in the retinal pigment epithelium-choriocapillaris complex. In vivo confocal microscopy of the superior paralimbal area showed randomly oriented needle-shaped or rod-shaped crystals up to 40 mu m in length and 4-8 mu m in width in the epithelium and the stroma. In other areas, the epithelium, stroma, and endothelium had normal appearance with no deposits. Conclusions: In vivo confocal microscopy is a noninvasive examination technique that shows clearly the corneal crystals located mainly in the superior paralimbal area in Bietti crystalline corneoretinal dystrophy, which can easily be missed even by an experienced ophthalmologist and therefore may aid further in the diagnosis.Öğe In vivo confocal microscopy in a patient with conjunctival amyloidosis(BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, 2008) Bozkurt, Banu; Kiratli, Hayyam; Soylemezoglu, Figen; Irkec, MuratConjunctival amyloidosis is a rare clinical entity. We herein reported in vivo confocal microscopic features of conjunctival amyloidosis and correlated the results with the histopathological findings. Histopathological examination of the biopsy specimen revealed acellular, amorphous, eosinophilic material in the substantia propria of the conjunctiva and positive staining with Congo red confirmed that the material was amyloid. Confocal microscopy with Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II Rostock Cornea Module showed hyporeflective material deposited in a lobular pattern in the substantia propria and around the blood vessels. The material seemed acellular and no inflammatory or dendriform cell accumulation was noted within or around the lesion. Further studies should be done to understand the confocal characteristics of the conjunctival diseases and find specific clues for the diagnosis.Öğe In vivo laser confocal microscopic findings in patients with epithelial basement membrane dystrophy(SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD, 2009) Bozkurt, Banu; Irkec, MuratPURPOSE. To evaluate the corneal characteristics of patients with epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD) using an in vivo laser confocal microscope, Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II, Rostock Cornea Module (HRT II RCM). METHODS. Sixteen women and 13 men who were diagnosed with or suspected to have EBMD were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 56.4 +/- 17.2 years within a range of 25 to 81 years. Nine patients (31%) had a history of recurrent corneal erosions and 3 patients had been misdiagnosed with herpetic epithelial keratitis. The remaining 17 patients were asymptomatic and EBMD was diagnosed incidentally during routine eye examinations. RESULTS. Confocal microscopy revealed highly reflective tissue in various configurations within the intermediate and basal epithelial cell layers corresponding to the abnormal basement membrane extending into the epithelium. There were thin, parallel hyperreflective lines and high contrast round lesions in sizes ranging between 10 and 250 mu m within the epithelium. Basal epithelial cells around the abnormal basement membrane and cysts seemed to be highly distorted. In two subjects with bleb-like disorder, the authors observed circular or oval hyporeflective areas with a diameter ranging between 40 and 100 mu m at the level of basal epithelium and the Bowman layer, accompanied by hyperreflective, linear structures extending into the epithelium. CONCLUSIONS. EBMD is most commonly asymptomatic and undiagnosed; however, it might be associated with recurrent corneal erosions and lead to severe complications after LASIK surgery. The confocal images are highly characteristic for EBMD; therefore, confocal microscopy seems to be a valuable tool in the diagnosis of EBMD. (Eur J Ophthalmol 2009; 19: 348-54)Öğe Serum vitamin D deficiency and its association with systemic disease in exfoliation syndrome(SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD, 2013) Kocabeyoglu, Sibel; Mocan, Mehmet Cem; Irkec, Murat; Pinar, Asli; Bozkurt, Banu; Orhan, MehmetPurpose: To determine the association of serum vitamin D levels with exfoliation syndrome (XFS) and evaluate its impact on co-associated systemic diseases. Methods: Forty patients with XFS and 40 control subjects without XFS were recruited for this study Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH) D] were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a serum 25(OH) D concentration of <20 ng/mL. A detailed medical history including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular stroke, autoimmune disease, and neurologic disorders such as Parkinson disease and Alzheimer disease was recorded. Student t test and chi-square test was used for statistical evaluations. Results: The mean age of patients with XFS and control subjects was 69.6 +/- 8.1 years (range 58-90 years) and 67.1 +/- 6.3 years (range 60-86 years), respectively (p>0.05). Mean 25(OH) D levels did not differ between XFS (19.8 +/- 8.3 ng/mL) and control (19.9 +/- 10.3 ng/mL) groups (p = 0.978). Patients with XFS had higher prevalence of cerebrovascular (p = 0.026) and cardiovascular disease (p = 0.001). There was no association between the systemic disease status and serum vitamin D levels of patients with XFS. Conclusions: Although vitamin D levels were similar between XFS and control subjects, the levels were found to be decreased in both groups. Patients with XFS had a significantly higher prevalence of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease as compared to controls independent of their serum 25(OH) D levels. Low vitamin D level does not appear to be linked to XFS in the studied population.Öğe Serum Vitamin D Levels in Children with Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis(TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC, 2018) Bozkurt, Banu; Artac, Hasibe; Ozdemir, Hulya; Unlu, Ali; Bozkurt, Mete Kaan; Irkec, MuratPurpose: To evaluate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D3] levels of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) children.Methods: A total of 62 non-atopic healthy children (64.5% male, mean age 10.79 3.3 years) and 29 VKC children (75.9%, mean age 12.17 2.7 years) were included in the study. Serum 25(OH)D3 levels measured by HPLC were compared between the two groups and a p value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: The mean serum 25(OH)D3 level of VKC group was significantly lower than in the control group (11.02 +/- 5.16 ng/mL and 15.99 +/- 7.36 ng/mL, respectively) (p = 0.002). Severe vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/mL) was detected in 48.3% of VKC children and 22.6% of the controls (p = 0.017). Time spent outdoors during daylight was higher in the control group (229.5 +/- 101.2 min) compared with the VKC group (160.7 +/- 65.9 min) (p = 0.008), and showed a significant correlation with serum 25(OH)D3 levels (Spearman rho = 0.812) (p<0.001).Conclusions: Children with VKC should be evaluated for vitamin D deficiency, which might occur secondary to sun avoidance.Öğe Systemic Atopy and Immunoglobulin Deficiency in Turkish Patients with Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis(TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC, 2013) Bozkurt, Banu; Artaç, Hasibe; Arslan, Nasha; Göktürk, Bahar; Bozkurt, Mete Kaan; Reisli, İsmail; Irkec, MuratPurpose: To determine the prevalence of systemic atopy and immunoglobulin (Ig) deficiencies in vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). Methods: Sixty-seven VKC subjects (79.1% boys) with a mean age of 11.3 +/- 4.3 years were included. Serum Ig levels and specific IgE levels were measured using the nephelometric method and reversed enzyme immunoassay with sandwich ELISA technique, respectively. The patients underwent epidermal skin tests with commercial extracts. Results: Family history of atopy and associated systemic allergies were detected in 32.8 and 40.3% of the subjects, respectively. Blood eosinophilia, elevated total, and specific IgE and positive skin tests were detected in 33.8, 42.2, 50, and 35% of the subjects, respectively. Out of 62 subjects, low levels of IgA, IgG, IgM, and IgG3 were detected in 12.9, 8, 6.5, and 1.6% of the patients, respectively. Conclusion: IgE-mediated mechanisms are involved in approximately 40% of VKC patients. A new finding was the higher incidence of Ig deficiency.
