What is Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada?

What is the famous singer Kit Three Man Down facing? How serious is it? What are the symptoms? And how can we prevent it? Today, NOWFOODSTHAILAND has the answers.

After Kit Three Man Down's agency ordered him to take a break due to inflammation of the retina in both eyes, to the extent that he had to immediately cancel all scheduled work, the treating physician concluded that he has a condition with an unusual name: Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome. What is this disease? Is it really that severe?

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease that causes the body's immune system to attack melanin, which is the substance that gives color to skin, hair, eyes, and other structures in the body.

It affects multiple organs, especially the eyes, ears, and central nervous system. This disease typically occurs in people with high melanin content, such as Asians, Middle Easterners, and Latin Americans, and is more common in women than men between the ages of 20-50.

Symptoms of VKH syndrome

• Eyes: The most common symptom is eye inflammation, which can cause blurred vision and even vision loss if left untreated.

• Skin: Changes in skin color (vitiligo) and loss of hair color (poliosis) may occur.

• Ears: Tinnitus or hearing loss may occur due to inflammation of the auditory nerves.

• Nervous system: Symptoms include headaches, meningitis, or central nervous system disorders.

Diagnosis 

VKH syndrome is diagnosed by a multidisciplinary team of specialists because it affects multiple body systems, such as ophthalmology and immunology. Diagnosis involves a thorough physical examination, especially eye examinations using special equipment like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) or Fluorescein Angiography to assess damage to related tissues.

Treatment of VKH syndrome 

Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation using corticosteroids or immunosuppressants such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate mofetil to control symptoms and prevent permanent vision loss.

Prevention of VKH syndrome

Although VKH syndrome is an autoimmune disease that cannot be completely prevented, early detection and treatment can help reduce severe impacts. Taking good care of oneself and seeing a doctor immediately when symptoms occur, such as abnormal vision or unexplained headaches, can help reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.

Avoiding strong sunlight and using sunscreen to protect the skin from melanin damage may be a way to reduce the risk of skin discoloration associated with this disease.

References

• Chan, C. C., & Mochizuki, M. (1999). Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome. International Ophthalmology Clinics, 39(1), 63-68.

• Rao, N. A. (2007). Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease: Pathogenesis and treatment. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, 26(2), 224-252.