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Oral acyclovir for the management of herpes simplex virus keratitis in children

G S Schwartz1, E J Holland

  • 1University of Minnesota, Department of Ophthalmology, Minneapolis, USA.

Ophthalmology
|February 26, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Oral acyclovir effectively treats herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis in children. This antiviral medication proved safe and beneficial for both acute infections and preventing recurrence in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis is a significant cause of infectious corneal disease in children.
  • Prompt and effective treatment is crucial to prevent vision-threatening complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the efficacy and safety of oral acyclovir for treating HSV infectious epithelial keratitis in pediatric patients.
  • To evaluate the role of oral acyclovir in managing recurrent or complicated cases.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case series of seven pediatric patients diagnosed with HSV infectious epithelial keratitis.
  • Patients received oral acyclovir, with most also receiving topical antiviral therapy.
  • Analysis of treatment outcomes, including resolution rates and adverse events.

Main Results:

  • Complete resolution of HSV infectious epithelial keratitis was observed in all treated pediatric patients.
  • Oral acyclovir was well-tolerated, with no reported adverse reactions.
  • Prophylactic use of oral acyclovir was beneficial for patients with recurrent disease or those on topical corticosteroids for immune stromal keratitis.

Conclusions:

  • Oral acyclovir demonstrates significant utility in treating HSV infectious epithelial keratitis in pediatric populations.
  • The medication is effective for both acute treatment and prophylactic management, offering a safe therapeutic option.
Abstract

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