Treatment of pediatric ocular rosacea: A systematic review

Background: Ocular rosacea is an underdiagnosed form of rosacea that may occur without typical cutaneous signs of rosacea. Manifestations include blepharitis, lid margin telangiectasias, and scleritis. A systematic comparison of treatment options for ocular rosacea in children is lacking.Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines on treatment for pediatric ocular rosacea.Results: Eleven articles were included, representing 135 patients with a mean age of 5 years, of whom 69% (n = 75/108) were female. 55% (n = 55/99) exhibited ocular symptoms prior to cutaneous symptoms. Most patients (83%, n = 34/41) experienced a delay in diagnosis (mean 27 months, range 2-120 months). Doxycycline was the most frequently reported treatment (25%, n = 33/135). A complete response was achieved in 33% of patients treated with doxycycline (n = 10/30), while 53% (n =16/30) achieved a partial response. Erythromycin was used in 20% of cases (n = 26/135), with a complete response in 58% (n =15/26) and partial response in 42% (n = 11/26). Metronidazole was used in 14% of patients (n = 19/135), with a complete response being reported in 79% (n =15/19) and partial response in 21% (n = 4/19). Conclusion: Systemic antibiotics, led by doxycycline, were the most commonly reported treatment modalities for pediatric ocular rosacea. Increased awareness of ocular rosacea in this population is crucial for earlier diagnosis.(c) 2023 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.