Resumo

QUIGNóN SANTANA, Sandra et al. Influence of keratoconjuntivitis sicca Treatment in Functional and Affective Capacities of the Elderly with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Medisur [online]. 2012, vol.10, n.3, pp. 201-207. ISSN 1727-897X.

Background: Certain studies have been conducted in Cuba on ocular affection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Nevertheless, no references have been found neither to the behavior of dry eye in the elderly suffering from this disease nor to its influence on the functional and emotional capacities of these patients. Objective: To determine the influence of keratoconjuntivitis sicca treatment in the affective and functional capacities of the elderly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: A case series study was conducted in 2009 in the Cornea Department of the Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima General University Hospital of Cienfuegos. It included 75 elderly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and suffering from dry eye. We applied the cognitive assessment instrument Mini-mental and the social assessment scale, as well as the geriatric depression scale of Yesavage and the Katz index. Treatment was indicated and patients´ follow-up was carried out including a revision of diagnostic tests and geriatric assessment in the third month. Results: epithelial stippling in different locations decreased; time of rupture of the tear film increased. There were no changes in the functional assessment of basic daily activities regardless of eye treatment and regular monitoring of patients. Changes were found in the assessment of depressive state, which improved. Conclusions: Dry eye treatment may facilitate the reduction of affective disorders and minor depression in elderly with rheumatoid arthritis.

Palavras-chave : dry eye syndromes; xerophthalmia; therapeutics; frail elderly; affective symptoms; aged; arthritis, rheumatoid.

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