Abstract | BACKGROUND: In stromal keratitis induced by herpes simplex virus (HSV) the host's immune response contributes to corneal scarring and neovascularization. The purpose of this study was to analyze the efficacy of topically applied cyclosporin A (CsA) in patients with HSV keratitis. METHODS: The authors performed a prospective pilot study in patients with HSV stromal keratitis (n = 18). Eyes were treated with CsA eyedrops and acyclovir ointment. The drugs were tapered off gradually. Visual acuity, slit-lamp appearance, intraocular pressure and corneal sensitivity were evaluated monthly (follow-up 5.2+/-0.28 months, mean +/- SEM. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: The findings in this pilot study suggest that HSV stromal keratitis can be treated successfully with CsA eyedrops, especially in non-necrotizing disease. CsA may be particularly helpful in the presence of steroid glaucoma, herpetic corneal ulcers, and to taper off topical corticosteroids. Additional use of acyclovir may aid in suppressing the recurrence of epithelial HSV keratitis. A randomized study should be performed to evaluate the role of topical CsA in more detail.
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Authors | A Heiligenhaus, K P Steuhl |
Journal | Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology = Albrecht von Graefes Archiv fur klinische und experimentelle Ophthalmologie
(Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol)
Vol. 237
Issue 5
Pg. 435-8
(May 1999)
ISSN: 0721-832X [Print] Germany |
PMID | 10333113
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Antiviral Agents
- Glucocorticoids
- Immunosuppressive Agents
- Ointments
- Ophthalmic Solutions
- Cyclosporine
- Acyclovir
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Topics |
- Acyclovir
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Antiviral Agents
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Corneal Stroma
(drug effects, pathology, virology)
- Cyclosporine
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Glucocorticoids
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Herpesvirus 1, Human
- Humans
- Immunosuppressive Agents
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Keratitis, Herpetic
(drug therapy, pathology, virology)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Ointments
- Ophthalmic Solutions
- Pilot Projects
- Prospective Studies
- Treatment Outcome
- Visual Acuity
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