The efficacy of 20 % autologous serum eye drops in the treatment of corneal ulcers

• Published in: European journal of hospital pharmacy. Science and practice Vol. 19; no. 2; p. 255
• Main Authors: Pelluz, C. Sangrador, Benavent, M.L. Sánchez, Muñoz, S. García, Montañana, A. Roca, Pallerols, R. Olivares, Clemente, A. Soriano, Company, E. Soler
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group LTD 01.04.2012
• Subjects: Cornea; Ulcers
• ISSN: 2047-9956; 2047-9964
• DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2012-000074.446

Background Nowadays, autologous serum eye drops are used in a lot of corneal epithelium pathologies. Their action is based on the high concentration of vitamins, nutrients, and other substances that improve regeneration of the corneal epithelium. Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of 20% autologous serum eye drops, prepared by the Farmacotecnia Unit of the Pharmacy Department, in the treatment of corneal ulcers. Materials and methods Retrospective study of all forms of 20% autologous serum eye drops, included in Magistra MICOF 2.0.1. software, used from 2008 to 2010. The population being researched were patients with corneal ulcers of different aetiologies who came as outpatients to our hospital Ophthalmology Department, and who received as contributing treatment 20% autologous serum eye drops. The clinical histories of these patients were checked and the effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated; it was considered effective when the corneal ulcer healed completely. Results 14 patients were included in the study (57% female), with an average age of 69.2±14.7 years. The number bottles of 20% autologous serum eye drops produced was 11 in 2008, 43 during 2009, and 59 in 2010. Patients suffered from corneal ulcers of different aetiology: 8 had trophic corneal ulcers (57%), 3 infectious corneal ulcers (21%), 2 herpetic corneal ulcers (14%) and 1 corneal ulcer caused by a caustic substance (7%). Treatment with 20% autologous serum eye drops was effective in 11 of the study patients (79%). Conclusions Our results prove that treatment with 20% autologous serum eye drops improved the clinical evolution for most patients studied (79%).