title: Treatment of corneal defects with delayed re-epithelization with a medical device/drug delivery system for epidermal growth factor.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Human recombinant epidermal growth factor has been shown to be effective in corneal healing when applied topically. The purpose of this preliminary study was to observe whether re-epithelization occurred in patients with non-healing corneal defects treated with a bandage contact lenses impregnated with epidermal growth factor.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective non-comparative interventional case series study. Epidermal growth factor-impregnated bandage contact lenses (created through passive transfer of epidermal growth factor into hydrogel contact lenses of high water content) were used to passively release epidermal growth factor to the corneal surface of the damaged eye.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine clinical patients who presented for tertiary care at the University of British Columbia Eye Care Centre at Vancouver General Hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  All patients had clinically significant delayed corneal re-epithelization that had not healed despite standard treatments including conventional bandage contact lenses and topical medications. Causes of delayed re-epithelization varied from corneal injuries (e.g. alkali burns, recurrent corneal erosions) to recent corneal surgery (photorefractive keratectomy, phototherapeutic keratectomy, penetrating keratoplasty).
  
  
  METHODS
  Closure of wounds.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Re-epithelialization was seen in the corneas of seven of the nine patients within 8 days after insertion of the epidermal growth factor-treated bandage contact lens into the damaged eye. The drug delivery system appeared to be most effective in non-inflamed corneas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Preliminary results indicate that bandage contact lenses impregnated with epidermal growth factor may be helpful in promoting re-epithelization in corneas with delayed healing. Efficacy appears to be reduced for vascularized and significantly inflamed corneas.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia Eye Care Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia.
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Holland
authors.forename: Douglas
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Morck
authors.forename: Clyde
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schultz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D003263:Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D062326:Re-Epithelialization / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor