Open clinical study of eye-drops containing tetrapeptides derived from substance P and insulin-like growth factor-1 for treatment of persistent corneal epithelial defects associated with neurotrophic keratopathy. Issue 7 (29th May 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yamada, N; Matsuda, R; Morishige, N; Yanai, R; Chikama, T-i; Nishida, T; Ishimitsu, T; Kamiya, A
• Is Part Of: British journal of ophthalmology. Volume 92:Issue 7(2008)
• Page Start: 896
• Page End: 900
• Publication Date: 2008-05-29
• Subjects: Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2007.130013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1161

Abstract

Abstract : Background/aims: Loss of corneal sensation results in the development of persistent corneal epithelial defects. The combination of a substance P-derived peptide (FGLM-amide) and an insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)-derived peptide (SSSR) stimulates rabbit corneal epithelial migration in vitro and rabbit corneal epithelial wound closure in vivo. The clinical efficacy of eye-drops containing FGLM-amide and SSSR for the treatment of persistent corneal epithelial defects in individuals with neurotrophic keratopathy was examined in a prospective open study. Methods: Twenty-five consecutive patients (26 eyes) with persistent corneal epithelial defects associated with neurotrophic keratopathy were treated by administration of eye-drops containing FGLM-amide and SSSR. The course of epithelial healing was monitored by slit-lamp examination. Results: Epithelial defects resurfaced completely in 19 of the 26 eyes (73%) within 4 weeks after treatment initiation. Complete resurfacing of epithelial defects was apparent in 18 of 22 (82%) or in one of four (25%) eyes without or with limbal stem cell deficiency, respectively. No adverse effects of treatment were observed in any subject. Conclusion: Eye-drops containing FGLM-amide and SSSR induced the rapid resurfacing of persistent epithelial defects in stem cell-positive individuals with neurotrophic keratopathy.