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Published on: December 18, 2012
Topical alpha-interferon in recurrent conjunctival papilloma
R J W de Keizer1, D de Wolff-Rouendaal
1Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands. r.j.w.de_keizer@lumc.nl
Purpose:
To report the effect of topical alpha-interferon (alpha-IF) in two cases of recurrent conjunctival papillomas.
Methods:
One patient with a conjunctival papilloma and one patient with a limbus-based papilloma were treated with excision and cryotherapy. Recurrences included one in situ carcinoma. Retreatment included systemic and topical alpha-IF.
Results:
In Case 1, the papillomas regressed with systemic alpha-IF followed by topical application of alpha-IF (2.8 x 106 U) for 1 year against recurrence. In Case 2, the papillomas disappeared with topical alpha-IF over 1 year. No recurrences were seen during follow-up (84 and 91 months, respectively). The possible side effect of topical alpha-IF was superficial keratitis. Retrospective polymerase chain reaction tests for HPV were positive and showed type 6 in Case 1 and type 33 in Case 2.
Conclusion:
Topical alpha-IF can be used as adjuvant therapy in recurrent conjunctival papillomas.
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