Related Experiment Videos
Tear tryptase in vernal keratoconjunctivitis.
1Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11534, Saudi Arabia. k.tabbara@nesma.net.sa
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|March 20, 2001
Summary
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is linked to elevated tear tryptase levels, a mast cell activation marker. Treatment significantly reduced tear tryptase, eosinophils, and ocular surface temperature in VKC patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Mast Cell Biology
Background:
- Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a severe bilateral ocular allergic condition.
- Mast cell activation plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of VKC.
- Tear tryptase is a specific marker for mast cell activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify tear tryptase levels in VKC patients before and after treatment.
- To assess changes in conjunctival eosinophil counts and ocular surface temperature post-treatment.
- To establish a correlation between clinical improvement and biochemical markers in VKC.
Main Methods:
- Tear samples were collected from 19 VKC patients (aged 7-17) and 20 controls.
- Tear tryptase levels were measured before and 2 weeks after treatment with disodium cromoglycate and fluorometholone eyedrops.
- Conjunctival scrapings for eosinophil counts and ocular surface temperature were also assessed pre- and post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Mean tear tryptase levels decreased significantly from 16.77 ng/mL to 7.29 ng/mL (P<.05) after treatment.
- Mean conjunctival eosinophils reduced from 11.37 to 3.42 per high-power field (P<.01).
- Ocular surface temperature significantly decreased in both eyes post-treatment (P<.001).
Conclusions:
- Severe VKC is associated with elevated tear tryptase levels.
- Treatment effectively reduces mast cell activation, as indicated by decreased tear tryptase.
- Therapeutic interventions improve clinical signs and reduce inflammatory markers in VKC.