Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:To analyze of essential tear components in umbilical cord serum and investigate the efficacy of umbilical cord serum eyedrops for the treatment of ocular surface disease. Methods: The concentrations of epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor–ß (TGF–ß), and substance P in umbilical cord serum were measured by enzyme–linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and vitamin A concentration was measured by high–performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Fifty–five eyes of 31 patients with severe dry eye syndrome and 15 eyes of 15 patients with persistent epithelial defect were treated with umbilical cord serum eyedrops. In patients with dry eye syndrome, symptom scoring, tear film break up time (BUT), Schirmer test, corneal sensitivity test, and corneal fluorescein staining were performed before and 1 and 2 months after treatment, and conjunctival impression cytology was performed before and 2 months after treatment. In patients with persistent epithelial defect, healing time was recorded. Results: The mean concentrations of EGF, TGF–ß, and vitamin A were 0.48±0.09 ng/ml, 57.14±18.98 ng/ml, and 230.85±13.39 ng/ml in umbilical cord serum, respectively, and were stable during 3 months. Two months after treatment, significant improvement was observed in symptom score (from 3.07±0.54 to 0.96±0.58), tear film BUT (from 3.96±1.56 sec to 5.45±2.54 sec), and keratoepitheliopathy score (from 4.87±3.22 to 1.71±1.84) (P<0.01). There was no statistically significant change in Schirmer and corneal sensitivity test results. In impression cytology, the grade of conjunctival squamous metaplasia (from 2.35±0.72 to 1.44±0.69) and goblet cell density (from 80.91±31.53 cell/mm2 to 154.68±43.06 cell/mm2) improved significantly (P<0.01). Treatment was effective or partially effective in all patients with persistent epithelial defect. Conclusions: Umbilical cord serum contains essential tear components, and umbilical cord serum eyedrops are effective and safe for the treatment of ocular surface disease.
Keywords: cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye • cornea: clinical science