Treatment of Mooren's ulcer with topical administration of interferon alfa 2a.
OBJECTIVE
To report an apparently beneficial effect of topical interferon alfa 2a (IFNalpha2a) as a single therapeutic agent in the treatment of Mooren's ulcer.


METHODS
Two case reports.


METHODS
Two consecutive patients with unilateral Mooren's ulcer diagnosed at the cornea service of Gulhane Military Medical Academy from December 2004 to December 2005 were studied retrospectively.


METHODS
Patients with a clinical diagnosis of Mooren's ulcer were treated with topical IFNalpha2a until their lesions resolved.


METHODS
A review of medical records was performed to assess the duration and response to treatment with topical IFNalpha2a drops, defined by clinical resolution of Mooren's ulcer.


RESULTS
Symptoms and signs in 2 eyes improved during the first week of treatment, and reepithelialization was achieved at 7 and 10 days. Visual acuity levels reached 20/25 and 20/30 within 1 month of treatment. No recurrences were observed during 1 year and 6 months of follow up.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical IFNalpha2a as a single therapeutic agent was an effective alternative in the treatment of our 2 patients with Mooren's ulcer. It offers the benefits of topical therapy and avoided surgical or other interventions that may lead to stem cell deficiency. Larger controlled studies are necessary to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of this treatment.
Erdem
Uzeyir
U
Department of Ophthalmology, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. erdemuzeyir@hotmail.com
Kerimoglu
Hurkan
H
Gundogan
Fatih Cakir
FC
Dagli
Selim
S
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology*; D005260:Female; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011994:Recombinant Proteins