title: Use of human fibroblast-derived (beta) interferon in the treatment of epidemic adenovirus keratoconjunctivitis.
abstract: Topical application of human fibroblast-derived (beta) interferon (HulFN-beta) has been used in treatment of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis due to adenovirus. Patients received a total of 1-2 x 10(5) reference units of HulFN-beta per day, divided into 8-10 drops. Control patients received corticosteroid therapy or a placebo containing human serum albumin, with the same administration schedule. The severity and evolution of symptoms was analyzed according to a number of clinical criterias. The results indicate that in the interferon-treated group the length of the disease was reduced from an average of 27 days to 6.5 days. The number of cases in which keratitis occurred as a complication of the disease was reduced in the interferon-treated group to 10%, as opposed to 57% in the control group. Doses of interferon lower than 5 x 10(4) units per day, were not effective to prevent keratitis.
mesh_terms: D000257:Adenoviridae Infections / Q000628:therapy*; D000258:Adenovirus Infections, Human / Q000628:therapy*; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007634:Keratitis / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D007637:Keratoconjunctivitis / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D012709:Serum Albumin; D003907:Dexamethasone; D007372:Interferons