Abstract
Purpose::
We have previously demonstrated the successful treatment of a case of neurotrophic keratopathy with eyedrops containing the substance P-derived peptide FGLM-NH2 and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). We also recently showed that the peptide SSSR, which is derived from the C domain of IGF-1, mimics the synergistic effect of IGF-1 with FGLM-NH2 on corneal epithelial wound healing. We have now compared the clinical efficacy of eyedrops containing FGLM-NH2 and SSSR with that of those containing FGLM-NH2 and IGF-1 for treatment of patients with persistent corneal epithelial defects (PEDs).
Methods::
Indiviudals with PEDs and a reduced corneal sensation were enrolled in the study, with a total of 13 eyes treated with FGLM-NH2 plus IGF-1 (IGF-1 group) and 20 eyes treated with FGLM-NH2 plus SSSR (SSSR group). Mean ± SD ages were 57.2 ± 14.4 years for the IGF-1 group and 67.3 ± 15.3 years for the SSSR group. Epithelial defects were observed and photographed. The duration of PEDs was 17.2 ± 39.2 and 16.0 ± 20.0 weeks for the IGF-1 group and the SSSR group, respectively. The area of PEDs as a percentage of that of the total cornea at the initiation of treatment was 19.6 ± 17.5 and 13.0 ± 13.7% for the IGF-1 group and the SSSR group, respectively.
Results::
The number of patients whose PEDs had completely resurfaced was 3/13 (23%), 7/13 (54%), and 10/13 (77%) for the IGF-1 group and 7/20 (35%), 11/20 (55%), and 14/20 (70%) for the SSSR group at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after the initiation of treatment, respectively.
Conclusions::
Eyedrops containing FGLM-NH2 plus IGF-1 and those containing FGLM-NH2 plus SSSR have identical clinical efficacies for the treatment of PEDs in individuals with neurotrophic keratopathy.
Keywords: cornea: epithelium • wound healing • neurotransmitters/neurotransmitter systems