title: Topical prophylaxis of conjunctivitis induced by high-dose cytosine arabinoside.
abstract: We investigated the efficacy of dexamethasone plus diclofenac eye drops as prophylaxis for conjunctivitis induced by high-dose (HD) cytarabine (Ara-C). Sixty patients were randomized to receive either dexamethasone (group A, n=29) or dexamethasone plus diclofenac (group B, n=31). Conjunctivitis was experienced by 13/29 (45%) patients in group A, and 4/31 (13%) patients in group B (p<or=0.009). Twelve out of 13 patients in group A who developed ocular toxicity had grade 2-3 conjunctivitis whereas only one of four patients affected in group B experienced a similar grade of conjunctivitis. The incidence and severity of HD Ara-C-induced conjunctivitis are significantly reduced by combined dexamethasone/ diclofenac prophylaxis.
authors.affiliation: Cristina Gandini Medical Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Via Venezian, 1 20133 Milano, Italy. paola.matteucci@istitutotumori.mi.it
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Matteucci
authors.forename: Carmelo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Carlo-Stella
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Di Nicola
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Magni
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Guidetti
authors.forename: Maddalena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marchesi
authors.forename: Alessandro Massimo
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Gianni
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003561:Cytarabine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011292:Premedication
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003561:Cytarabine; D004008:Diclofenac; D003907:Dexamethasone