title: Randomised trial of ganciclovir and acyclovir in the treatment of herpes simplex dendritic keratitis: a multicentre study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was designed to assess the relative efficacy of topical ganciclovir 0.15% gel and acyclovir 3% ointment in the treatment of herpes simplex dendritic keratitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Both treatment modalities were administered on a five times daily basis to patients suffering from herpes simplex keratitis. Patients were assigned randomly to one of the two treatment groups for the purpose of the trial. They were then examined on days 2, 7, 10, and 14 to assess the rate of healing of the dendritic ulceration.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no statistically significant difference detected in the rate of healing between the two treatment groups over the course of the trial.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Review of the relative efficacy of topical ganciclovir and acyclovir in the treatment of herpes simplex dendritic keratitis showed that both treatment modalities were equally effective in their ability to heal the viral induced corneal ulceration. There were no significant side effects or adverse effects reported for either treatment modality.
authors.affiliation: Bristol Eye Hospital.
authors.forename: H B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Hoh
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hurley
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Claoue
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Viswalingham
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Easty
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Goldschmidt
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Collum
mesh_terms: D000212:Acyclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D015774:Ganciclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007635:Keratitis, Dendritic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D005782:Gels; D009824:Ointments; D015774:Ganciclovir; D000212:Acyclovir