Autologous Serum In Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis

Zeeshan Kamil, Qirat Qurban, Khalid Mahmood

Abstract

Objective

To find out effectiveness of supratarsal injection of autologous serum in patients suffering from vernal keratoconjunctivitis refractory to topical treatment.

Study design

Observational study.

Place & Duration of study

Department of Ophthalmology at Khalid Eye Hospital Karachi, from March 2019 to August 2019.

Methodology

This study recruited patients of either gender with sign and symptoms of vernal keratoconjunctivitis refractory to previous treatment for at least one year.  The parents of all the patients were briefed about the study protocol. Informed consent was taken. Study was approved by the institutional ethical review committee. Autologous serum of each patient was obtained and injected into the supratarsal space of the upper eye lid with 27-gauge needle under topical anesthesia with concurrent continuation of the medical treatment. The follow up period was of one month. Main outcome measure was the resolution of sign and symptoms of about 50% after one week and patient remaining symptom free by the end of one month. The outcome depended upon the clinical judgment of the ophthalmologist and patient’s satisfaction level.

Results A total of 48 eyes of 25 patients between the ages of eight to sixteen years were included in this study. Mean age was 12.1±2.72 year. By the end of one week, there was reduction of signs and symptoms by fifty percent in 40 (83%) eyes.

Conclusion•

Autologous serum was found to be an effective alternative treatment for vernal keratoconjunctivitis refractory to other medical treatment with no adverse effects.

Key words

Autologous serum, Supratarsal injection, Vernal keratoconjunctivitis