title: Comparison of the efficacy of topical N-acetyl-cysteine and a topical steroid-antibiotic combination therapy in the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to compare the efficacy of topical N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) with a topical steroid-antibiotic combination, betamethasone-sulfacetamide sodium therapy in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty patients with MGD were prospectively randomized and assigned into 2 groups. The patients were instructed to use either NAC 5% or a topical steroid-antibiotic combination, betamethasone 0.1%-sulfacetamide sodium 10%, topically 4 times a day for a month. All patients were instructed to apply lid hygiene once daily.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One month of topical therapy provided statistically significant improvements in fluorescein break-up time and Schirmer scores as compared with the initial study visit in both groups (P≤0.001). Significant improvements for the symptoms of ocular burning, itching, and intermittent filmy or blurred vision were noted in both groups at 1 month as compared with 1 day (P<0.05). Considering these rates, there was no significant difference between the groups (P>0.05). None of the patients developed an allergic reaction to the medications, and intraocular pressure measurements were within the normal limits in both groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  When used in conjunction with eyelid hygiene, topical administration of NAC appears to be as effective as a topical steroid-antibiotic combination, betamethasone-sulfacetamide sodium therapy in patients with MGD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey. ilkakyol@atauni.edu.tr
authors.forename: Ilknur
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Akyol-Salman
authors.forename: Sedat
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Azizi
authors.forename: Uğur Yilmaz
authors.initials: UY
authors.lastname: Mumcu
authors.forename: Orhan
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ateş
authors.forename: Orhan
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Baykal
mesh_terms: D000111:Acetylcysteine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008537:Meibomian Glands / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013409:Sulfacetamide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D013409:Sulfacetamide; D001623:Betamethasone; D000111:Acetylcysteine