Comparison of the efficacy of topical N-acetyl-cysteine and a topical steroid-antibiotic combination therapy in the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of topical N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) with a topical steroid-antibiotic combination, betamethasone-sulfacetamide sodium therapy in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

METHODS:

Twenty patients with MGD were prospectively randomized and assigned into 2 groups. The patients were instructed to use either NAC 5% or a topical steroid-antibiotic combination, betamethasone 0.1%-sulfacetamide sodium 10%, topically 4 times a day for a month. All patients were instructed to apply lid hygiene once daily.

RESULTS:

One month of topical therapy provided statistically significant improvements in fluorescein break-up time and Schirmer scores as compared with the initial study visit in both groups (P≤0.001). Significant improvements for the symptoms of ocular burning, itching, and intermittent filmy or blurred vision were noted in both groups at 1 month as compared with 1 day (P<0.05). Considering these rates, there was no significant difference between the groups (P>0.05). None of the patients developed an allergic reaction to the medications, and intraocular pressure measurements were within the normal limits in both groups.

CONCLUSION:

When used in conjunction with eyelid hygiene, topical administration of NAC appears to be as effective as a topical steroid-antibiotic combination, betamethasone-sulfacetamide sodium therapy in patients with MGD.

• Authors: Ilknur Akyol-Salman, Sedat Azizi, Uğur Yilmaz Mumcu, Orhan Ateş, Orhan Baykal
• Journal: Journal of ocular pharmacology and therapeutics : the official journal of the Association for Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics (J Ocul Pharmacol Ther) Vol. 28 Issue 1 Pg. 49-52 (Feb 2012) ISSN: 1557-7732 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21751879 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Anti-Infective Agents
• Drug Combinations
• Glucocorticoids
• Sulfacetamide
• Betamethasone
• Acetylcysteine

Topics

• Acetylcysteine (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Administration, Topical
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Anti-Infective Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Betamethasone (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Drug Combinations
• Eyelid Diseases (drug therapy, pathology)
• Female
• Glucocorticoids (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Intraocular Pressure (drug effects)
• Male
• Meibomian Glands (drug effects, pathology)
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Sulfacetamide (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult