Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To assess the efficacy of autologous serum for the treatment of persistent epithelial defects. Method: Patients suffering from persistent epithelial defects were treated with autologous serum. Serum was diluted to 20% by saline. Patients were asked to use it 3 to 6 times a day for 2 months. Tear dynamics were evaluated with Schirmer test and ocular surface status was assessed by fluorescein vital staining. Impression cytologies were performed before and after the treatment. Results: A total of 18 patients were included : 12 were postcorneal transplant patients, 3 had postherpetic keratitis, one had an epikeratophakia and two had alkali burns. Schirmer test results remained unchanged but the vital staining showed a significant improvement after 2 months (p<0.05). Conversely, impression cytology analyses did not show any difference before and after treatment. Conclusion: Persistent epithelial defects have several origins. Neurotrophic problems are important factors in ocular surface diseases. The efficacy of autologous serum is probably due to its vitamin compensation but perhaps to its neuropeptide supply. Autologous serum is an interesting tool for the treatment of persistent epithelial defects.
Keywords: 372 cornea: epithelium • 376 cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye • 631 wound healing