COMPLICATIONS OF OPTIC NEURITIS IN IMMUNOSUPPRESSED PATIENTS

Abstract

Introduction: Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve that can result in vision loss and is often associated with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. In immunosuppressed patients, due to medication use or underlying diseases, the complications of optic neuritis can be more intense and difficult to treat. Immunosuppression can alter the body's inflammatory response, making diagnosis and treatment more challenging. Objective: To analyze the complications of optic neuritis in immunosuppressed patients, focusing on factors that can aggravate the clinical picture and the implications for the treatment and prognosis of these patients. Methodology: The review was carried out based on the PRISMA checklist guidelines. Searches were performed in the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases, using the following descriptors: "optic neuritis", "immunosuppressed patients", "treatment", "complications" and "visual loss". The selection of articles focused on studies published in the last 10 years, with a focus on systematic reviews, clinical studies and relevant experimental research. Inclusion Criteria: Clinical studies and systematic reviews on complications of optic neuritis in immunosuppressed patients, published in the last 10 years, with a focus on diagnosis and treatment, were included. Studies that did not address the immunosuppressed population or that treated diseases unrelated to optic neuritis were excluded. Results: The results indicated that optic neuritis in immunosuppressed patients has a higher risk of complications, such as accelerated progression of vision loss, in addition to difficulties in treatment due to the use of immunosuppressive drugs. Many studies have highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and strict control of immunosuppression to minimize visual impact. In addition, the prognosis is variable, depending on the severity of inflammation and response to treatment. Conclusion: In immunosuppressed patients, optic neuritis is often associated with complications that make both diagnosis and adequate treatment difficult. Immunosuppression control and specialized monitoring are essential to avoid permanent sequelae and promote a better visual prognosis. The literature suggests that more aggressive therapeutic approaches may be necessary in these cases, always taking into account the risks inherent to the immunosuppressed state.