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Br J Ophthalmol 1997;81:23-26 doi:10.1136/bjo.81.1.23
  • Original Article

Effect of lodoxamide and disodium cromoglycate on tear eosinophil cationic protein in vernal keratoconjunctivitis

  1. Andrea Leonardia,
  2. Franco Borghesanb,
  3. Antonio Avarelloa,
  4. Mario Plebanib,
  5. Antonio G Secchia
  1. aInstitute of Clinical Ophthalmology, Department of Physiopathological Optics, University of Padua, Padua, Italy , bDepartment of Laboratory Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
  1. Andrea Leonardi, MD, Istituto di Clinica Oculistica, Universita’ di Padova, via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
  • Accepted 16 September 1996

Abstract

AIM To validate the use of tear eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) as a marker for eosinophil activation, and its pharmacological modulation, in addition to evaluating the efficacy of lodoxamide and sodium cromoglycate in the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC).

METHODS Tears were collected from 30 patients affected by active mild to moderate VKC before and after therapy with disodium cromoglycate 4% (DSCG) (n=15) or lodoxamide 0.1% (n=15) for 10 days. Tear cytology and ECP measurement were performed, and ocular signs and symptoms evaluated.

RESULTS While statistically significant changes did not occur after DSCG therapy, mean tear ECP increased from 343 (SD 363) μg/l to 571 (777) μg/l due to marked elevation in six eyes. The clinical score in DSCG eyes did not improve. After lodoxamide therapy, both clinical signs and symptoms, and tear ECP levels (560 (756) μg/l to 241 (376) μg/l) decreased significantly (p<0.0001 and p<0.01, respectively). Compared with DSCG treatment, lodoxamide was more effective in reducing signs and symptoms (p<0.005). ECP levels were significantly correlated with signs, symptoms, corneal involvement, and number of eosinophils in tears (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS In patients with VKC, lodoxamide significantly reduced ECP tear levels, and thus, eosinophil activation, and was more effective than DSCG in reducing clinical signs and symptoms.

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