Phthisioophthalmological sanatarium “Krasny Val” under conditions of Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

During the Coronavirus infection pandemic (20192021), the admission of patients from antituberculosis dispensaries decreased (2261 vs 2747 in 20162018). At the same time, the number of patients with tuberculous haematogenous uveitides decreased significantly (55% vs 76%; р 0.0001), and that with non-tuberculous ophthalmic diseases by contrast significantly increased (23% vs 43%; р 0.0001). Among tuberculous uveitides, high amount of chorioretinitis (46%) and of panuveitis (11%) was found. Their severity was escalated by complications (in 7786% of patients) and frequent concomitant systemic conditions. In 277 patients, the post-covid syndrome was revealed (after prior Coronavirus COVID-19 infection). During the pandemic, the admission to the sanatorium of patients with active (dispensary follow-up care group I) and chronic (dispensary follow-up care group II) forms of ocular tuberculosis significantly decreased: 9% vs 15%, and 18% vs 27%, respectively; that with clinical recovery (dispensary follow-up care group III) increased (73% vs 58%). Active tuberculosis forms of other localization were excluded. A reduction in the quality of ocular tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment in dispensaries is related to decrease in number of qualified phtisioophthalmologists, periodical breakdowns in supply of tuberculin and of some medications. In the Krasny Val sanatorium, patients received additional examination, full-fledged chemotherapy, and necessary rehabilitation.