Treatment of ligneous conjunctivitis with topical plasmin and topical plasminogen.
OBJECTIVE
To describe treatment of a child with recalcitrant ligneous conjunctivitis secondary to a systemic plasminogen deficiency.


METHODS
Interventional case report.


METHODS
A seven-year-old boy developed severe unilateral membranous conjunctivitis recalcitrant to surgical debridement and treatment with topical prednisone, topical cyclosporine, and oral prednisone. Systemic evaluation revealed a severe plasminogen deficiency.


RESULTS
Treatment with surgical debridement and topical plasmin was ineffective and resulted in prompt recurrence of dense conjunctival membranes. Treatment with topical plasminogen resulted in dramatic improvement and complete resolution of the membranes.


CONCLUSIONS
Ligneous conjunctivitis is secondary to a systemic plasminogen deficiency. Treatment with topical plasminogen resulted in prompt resolution of the membranes. Treatment with topical plasmin was ineffective.
Heidemann
David G
DG
Department of Ophthalmology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA. SMHLAD@aol.com
Williams
George A
GA
Hartzer
Michael
M
Ohanian
Alexandra
A
Citron
Matthew E
ME
D000287:Administration, Topical; D002648:Child; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D003646:Debridement; D005341:Fibrinolysin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008566:Membranes / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008661:Metabolism, Inborn Errors / Q000150:complications; D010958:Plasminogen / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000172:deficiency; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D010958:Plasminogen; D005341:Fibrinolysin