title: Epidermal growth factor in the topical treatment of herpetic corneal ulcers.
abstract: The tolerability and efficacy of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the topical treatment of herpetic corneal ulcers in addition to topical acyclovir have been evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study in two groups of patients. The time required for complete reepithelialization of the cornea was recorded, and the data obtained were analyzed statistically. In the EGF group, the reepithelialization was significantly faster than in the control group. Tolerability of EGF was always excellent. These results indicate that EGF is safe and effective in reducing the healing time of herpetic corneal ulcers.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cellini
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Baldi
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Caramazza
authors.forename: G P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: De Felice
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gazzaniga
mesh_terms: D000212:Acyclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016849:Keratitis, Herpetic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions
chemical_list: D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D000212:Acyclovir