Abstract | PURPOSE: METHODS: RESULTS: Immediately after debridement, minimal underlying anterior stromal infiltrate or haze was seen. Dosages of antiamoebic agents were tapered as corneal defects reepithelialized (in 1-3 weeks) with no evidence of post- debridement corneal infection. At the final follow-up, 1 cornea was transparent and the other 3 corneas had very faint subepithelial haze. Cultures of all epithelial debridement specimens yielded Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts, and histopathologic and electron microscopic examinations revealed Acanthamoeba organisms within corneal epithelial layers. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol-assisted epithelial debridement facilitates detachment of the full-thickness corneal epithelial layer in a controlled manner and seems to be effective in the treatment of early-stage AK. Unlike the fragile fragmented specimens obtained by mechanical scraping without alcohol soaking, epithelial sheets detached easily and the architectures were well preserved, permitting histopathologic and ultrastructural examinations. Most importantly, 20% alcohol-assisted epithelial debridement did not prevent culturing of Acanthamoeba from the removed epithelial specimens.
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Authors | Mei-Lun Li, Min-Hsiu Shih, Fu-Chin Huang, Sung-Huei Tseng, Chien-Chin Chen |
Journal | Cornea
(Cornea)
Vol. 31
Issue 4
Pg. 442-6
(Apr 2012)
ISSN: 1536-4798 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 22236786
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Antiprotozoal Agents
- Benzamidines
- Hydroxymercuribenzoates
- 4-hydroxymercuribenzoate
- Ethanol
- propamidine isethionate
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Topics |
- Acanthamoeba Keratitis
(drug therapy, surgery)
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Animals
- Antiprotozoal Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Benzamidines
(therapeutic use)
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Debridement
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Epithelium, Corneal
(drug effects)
- Ethanol
(administration & dosage)
- Female
- Humans
- Hydroxymercuribenzoates
(therapeutic use)
- Male
- Visual Acuity
(physiology)
- Young Adult
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