Persistent epithelial defects due to neurotrophic keratopathy treated with a substance p-derived peptide and insulin-like growth factor 1.

PURPOSE: The loss of corneal sensation results in the development of persistent corneal epithelial defects. The combination of a substance P-derived peptide, phenylalanine -glycine-leucine-methionine (FGLM)-amide, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) stimulates corneal epithelial migration in vitro and corneal epithelial wound closure in vivo. The clinical efficacy of eye drops containing FGLM-amide and IGF-1 for the treatment of persistent epithelial defects in individuals with neurotrophic keratopathy was examined in a prospective open study.

METHODS: Eleven patients with persistent corneal epithelial defects associated with neurotrophic keratopathy were treated for up to 28 days by the administration of eye drops containing FGLM-amide and IGF-1. The course of epithelial healing was monitored by slit-lamp examination, and visual acuity was measured before and after treatment.

RESULTS: Complete epithelial resurfacing was achieved in eight of the nine (89%) cases of persistent epithelial defects in the nine patients who received the full course of treatment. Epithelial defects had completely resurfaced in two of nine (22%) and five of nine (56%) cases within 1 and 2 weeks, respectively, after treatment initiation. No adverse effects of treatment were observed in any of the 11 patients.

CONCLUSIONS: Eye drops containing FGLM-amide and IGF-1 induced the rapid resurfacing of persistent epithelial defects in individuals with neurotrophic keratopathy.