Use of fibrin glue derived from snake venom in the repair of deep corneal ulcers - Experimental study in dogs (Canis familiaris, Linnaeus, 1758)

Fibrin glue has been researched as an alternative method for tissue synthesis and is known for its capability to promote hemostasis at the application site, good approximation of wound edges and fast healing. The current study consisted in the application of fibrin glue derived from snake venom as treatment for experimental corneal ulcers. Twenty-one dogs had their corneas experimentally prepared through lamellar keratectomy (of standardized diameter and depth). Animals were divided into seven groups of three animals each. Six experimental groups were periodically evaluated and collection was carried out on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 15 th, 30th and 60th post-operative days, whereas one control group was evaluated throughout the experiment. Analyses consisted in the clinical evolution and in the histopathological study of all operated on eyes. Results indicated that fibrin glue was efficient in repairing keratectomy wounds in dogs and contributed to an earlier healing phenomenon, avoiding edema formation and keeping corneal clearness. The use of fibrin glue derived from snake venom showed to be easy to apply, feasible with animal models and of low cost, avoiding the lesion progress and allowing fast and appropriate corneal healing.

Use of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of deep corneal ulcers induced in rabbits.clinical and histomorphometric evaluation

The repair process induced corneal ulcer in rabbits using platelet-rich plasma in the form of eyedrop or clot was clinically evaluated and compared. Sixty rabbits were divided into four groups of 15 animals, denominated platelet group (PG), clot group (CLG), control group (CG), and amniotic control group (AG). Experimental groups were then subdivided into three groups (M4, M7, M30), corresponding to the end of the evaluation period. There were no differences between treatments regarding ocular sensitivity, chemosis and ocular secretion. The groups treated with PRP either as eyedrop or a clot showed less opacity than the animals treated only with amniotic membrane at the moment of the final evaluation. The presence of corneal ulcers in the groups treated with PRP showed lower intensity than the other groups. Histomorphometric examination showed that corneal epithelization in the initial phase of the lesion was greater when using PRP. The use of amniotic membrane promoted corneal epithelial and stromal thickness, as well as synergism when associated to PRP.

Effects of antiproteolytic agents on corneal epithelial viability and matrix metalloproteinase-2 and metalloproteinase-9 activity in alkali-burned corneas of rats

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Limbal autograft transplantation in a dog with alkali-induced ulceration

Descreve-se um caso de um animal da espécie canina, fêmea, sem raça definida, de três meses de idade, com histórico de apatia, contato prévio com produto alcalino (hidróxido de sódio) e relutância em abrir o olho direito. Ao exame oftálmico, foram observados blefarospasmo, fotofobia, epífora, quemose discreta, hiperemia conjuntival, e edema corneal difuso com comprometimento do limbo. Foram realizados o teste da fluoresceína positivo e o Teste Lacrimal de Schirmer 32mm min-1. Com base nos achados, firmou-se o diagnóstico de úlcera por álcali e realizou-se transplante autógeno do limbo. No pós-operatório, observou-se vascularização corneal a partir do terceiro dia e sua intensificação, em número e calibre, nos dias subseqüentes. Também foram observadas mínimas áreas de transparência corneal. Os resultados obtidos permitem admitir que o transplante autógeno de limbo é procedimento factível para o manejo da terapia de úlceras de córnea por álcali.

Uso do colírio de Citrus lemon em úlceras de córnea induzidas em coelhos

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Implante da membrana amniótica criopreservada em associação ou não com transplante de limbo no tratamento de úlceras profundas de córnea em cães

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Uso do plasma rico em plaquetas sob forma de colírio ou tampão no reparo de úlceras de córnea profundas induzidas em coelhos: avaliação clínica e histomorfométrica

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Uso de colírios à base de Citrus lemon no reparo de úlcera de córnea induzida em coelhos: avaliação clínica, histomorfométrica e imuno-histoquímca

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Expressão de matriz metaloproteinases e PCNA me úlceras corneais profundas, induzidas em coelhos, tratadas com plasma rico em plaquetas

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Uso de plasma rico em plaquetas em úlceras de córnea em cães

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Uso de plasma rico em plaquetas em úlceras de córnea em cães

This study aims to clinically and macroscopically evaluate the adjuvant therapy with platelet-rich plasma in the form of eyedrops or clot, for corneal ulcers in dogs treated at the Veterinary Ophthalmology Service. We analyzed 20 eyes diagnosed with ulcerative keratitis, divided into two experimental groups. The eyedrop group (GC) was composed of eyes treated topically with eyedrops of autologous plateletrich plasma (PRP), and the clot group (GT) was composed of eyes treated with a platelet-rich clot and covered with a third eyelid for retention of the clot. The groups were evaluated by clinical and macroscopic analysis and by the analysis of epithelial defect reduction, at different times, at three, five, ten, 15 and 30 days, except for the third day in GT. The coverage of the third eyelid was removed on the fifth day. In both groups the inflammation signs reduced, there was an improvement in ocular sensibility and proper repair of epithelial defect. All GT eyes and 70% GC eyes showed complete healing on the fifth day, the remainder of GC completed healing on the tenth day. PRP in the form of eyedrops and clot is an excellent adjuvant therapy to be instituted in the clinical treatment for corneal ulcer in dogs, because it decreases the inflammatory signs and the ocular pain and it potentially assists in healing epithelial defects.

A New Method to Predict the Epidemiology of Fungal Keratitis by Monitoring the Sales Distribution of Antifungal Eye Drops in Brazil

Purpose: Fungi are a major cause of keratitis, although few medications are licensed for their treatment. The aim of this study is to observe the variation in commercialisation of antifungal eye drops, and to predict the seasonal distribution of fungal keratitis in Brazil. Methods: Data from a retrospective study of antifungal eye drops sales from the only pharmaceutical ophthalmologic laboratory, authorized to dispense them in Brazil (Opthalmos) were gathered. These data were correlated with geographic and seasonal distribution of fungal keratitis in Brazil between July 2002 and June 2008. Results: A total of 26,087 antifungal eye drop units were sold, with a mean of 2.3 per patient. There was significant variation in antifungal sales during the year (p < 0.01). A linear regression model displayed a significant association between reduced relative humidity and antifungal drug sales (R-2 = 0.17, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Antifungal eye drops sales suggest that there is a seasonal distribution of fungal keratitis. A possible interpretation is that the third quarter of the year (a period when the climate is drier), when agricultural activity is more intense in Brazil, suggests a correlation with a higher incidence of fungal keratitis. A similar model could be applied to other diseases, that are managed with unique, or few, and monitorable medications to predict epidemiological aspects.

Assessment of diabetic neuropathy using novel corneal markers.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a debilitating condition that affects approximately 50 per cent of diabetic patients. The symptoms of neuropathy include numbness and tingling or pain in the arms and legs. If left untreated, patients with numbness might develop foot ulcers, which might ultimately require foot amputation. Currently the only method of directly examining peripheral nerves is to conduct skin punch biopsies, which are uncomfortable and invasive.

Contact lens use after contact lens-associated infectious ulcers

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with healed moderate to severe contact lens-associated corneal infectious ulcers who were re-fit with contact lenses. Methods: We retrospectively studied patients who were fit with contact lenses on our service and who had had moderate to severe corneal infectious ulcers associated with previous contact lens use. Six patients were included in the study. Results: Gas permeable contact lenses were fit in five patients, and a soft contact lens was fit in one patient. Successful fit was achieved in all cases and visual acuities were equal to or better than 20/30 in all patients. No significant complications were observed after a mean follow-up of 23 months (range, 6-45 months). Conclusion: In this small series of patients with a history of moderate to severe contact-lens related infectious keratitis, no complications were observed after contact lenses were refit. Contact lens wear in patients with a history of infectious keratitis may be safe and useful in order to achieve visual rehabilitation.

Efeitos do cetorolaco de trometamina 0,5%, sem conservante, sobre a resposta inflamatória, a sensibilidade e re-epitelização corneal em coelhos submetidos a ulceração química da córnea

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)