title: Acyclovir ointment plus topical betamethasone or placebo in first episode disciform keratitis.
abstract: Thirty patients with first episode disciform keratitis and with no previous steroid exposure were randomly assigned to double blind treatment with 3% acyclovir ointment and 0.1% betamethasone (Betnesol) drops or acyclovir ointment and matching placebo. In the steroid group 14 of the 15 patients healed in a mean time of 21.8 days. In the placebo group eight of the 13 patients healed in a mean time of 34.5 days. The difference in mean healing time between the two groups was significant (p < 0.05). The cumulative rate of healing was also quicker in the steroid group when compared with the placebo group (p < 0.001). Other clinical parameters improved more favourably in the combination treatment group. Four patients, two in either group, experienced a mild transient punctate epitheliopathy, but no other serious adverse effects were noted. There has been no significant difference in the recurrence rate between the two groups after a mean follow-up period of approximately 3 years.
authors: Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors: W J
authors: WJ
authors: Power
authors: M P
authors: MP
authors: Hillery
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Benedict-Smith
authors: L M
authors: LM
authors: Collum
mesh_terms: D000212:Acyclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007634:Keratitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D013997:Time Factors; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D001623:Betamethasone; D000212:Acyclovir