Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome in a pregnant patient treated with high-dose systemic corticosteroids

Purpose: Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome is usually treated with high-dose systemic corticosteroids. However, in a pregnant patient with VKH syndrome, the effects of high-dose corticosteroids on the fetus are controversial. We discuss treating VKH syndrome during pregnancy, systemic corticosteroids, and abnormalities in the delivered infant. Methods: Case report and literature review. Results: A 26-year-old Japanese woman in the 16th week of gestation was diagnosed with VKH syndrome and treated with high-dose systemic prednisolone after the 18th week of gestation. Although the patient's ocular findings gradually improved, a low-birth-weight infant was delivered with epibulbar dermoid, lipodermoids, and preauricular appendages. Although low birth weight might result from systemic prednisolone administration, the anomalies of the infant may have been inherited rather than caused by VKH syndrome and high-dose systemic corticosteroid administration. Conclusion: In this case and previously reported cases, VKH syndrome and systemic corticosteroids administered during pregnancy may not precipitate abortion and congenital malformation.