[Treating severe dry eye syndromes with autologous serum].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Dry eye syndrome with tear deficiency can be improved with artificial tears, which can be associated with topical anti-inflammatory agents. Autologous serum can provide the ocular surface with beneficial growth factors and vitamins.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Twenty-one patients suffering from severe dry eye due to Sjögren's syndrome were treated with 20% autologous serum for 2 Months. The Schirmer I test, break-up time, and fluorescein and lissamine green stainings were performed before and after treatment. Subjective complaints such as burning, foreign body sensation, dryness and photophobia were assessed by a questionnaire as well as a face score reflecting the current condition of patients' eyes.

RESULTS:

Lissamine green and fluorescein scores improved significantly as well as subjective symptoms of burning, foreign body sensation and dryness (p<0.05). The face score was significantly improved. Bacterial culture of serum delivered to the patients all remained negative.

DISCUSSION:

Autologous serum provides growth factors and vitamins that are useful for an altered ocular surface due to Sjögren's disease. However, some problems still remain: risk of contamination, arbitrary dilution of autologous serum, and a current lack of regulations for use of autologous serum. A close collaboration between ophthalmologists and the Etablissement Français du Sang (French Blood Bank) is mandatory because autologous serum should be considered as a useful tool to treat severe ocular surface disorders.

CONCLUSION:

The use of autologous serum improved symptoms and objective signs caused by severe Sjögren's syndrome. Currently, a lack of clear regulations prevents its widespread use in severe ocular surface disorders.

• Authors: C Creuzot-Garcher, P-O Lafontaine, F Brignole, P-J Pisella, P d'Athis, A Bron, V Lapierre, C Baudouin
• Journal: Journal francais d'ophtalmologie (J Fr Ophtalmol) Vol. 27 Issue 4 Pg. 346-51 (Apr 2004) ISSN: 0181-5512 [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Traitement des syndromes secs graves par sérum autologue.
• PMID: 15173640 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Blood Transfusion, Autologous
• Dry Eye Syndromes (etiology, physiopathology, therapy)
• Fluorescein Angiography
• Humans
• Plasma Exchange
• Sjogren's Syndrome (complications)
• Vision Tests