title: Clinical trial of sustained-release artificial tears in keratoconjunctivitis sicca and Sjögren's syndrome.
abstract: The effect of sustained-release artificial tear inserts on symptoms and signs of reduced tear production in keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) was evaluated in an open clinical trial including 30 patients. A significant relief of sicca symptoms and a decrease in keratoconjunctival staining were seen in 10 patients fulfilling the study, whereas no significant effect on Schirmer test and tear break-up-time could be detected, neither in patients with pure KCS nor with KCS as a manifestation of Sjögren's syndrome. Twenty patients (67%) withdrew due to adverse effects, which were reported in total 80% of the patients. Absence of measurable tear secretion predicted treatment failure. Due to the frequent side effects, the artificial tear inserts cannot be recommended as a first line treatment in KCS patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lindahl
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Calissendorff
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Carle
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002482:Cellulose / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000628:therapy*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*; D013666:Tears / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D002482:Cellulose