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Epithelial Plaque Formation Secondary to Recombinant Human Nerve Growth Factor
Eric Weinlander1, Jennifer Ling1,2, Aparna Reddy1
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, MI; and.
Cornea
|March 7, 2020
Summary
Recombinant human nerve growth factor (cenegermin) effectively treated neurotrophic keratitis but caused a rare corneal epithelial plaque. This visually significant adverse event resolved after discontinuing cenegermin treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Neurotrophic keratitis is a debilitating corneal disease impairing healing.
- Recombinant human nerve growth factor (cenegermin) is a novel therapeutic agent for neurotrophic keratitis.
Observation:
- A patient with severe neurotrophic keratitis developed a corneal epithelial plaque after cenegermin treatment.
- The plaque led to decreased visual acuity and eye pain, resolving upon cenegermin cessation.
Findings:
- Cenegermin effectively healed a persistent corneal epithelial defect.
- Corneal epithelial plaque formation is a potential, visually significant adverse event associated with cenegermin therapy.
Implications:
- Clinicians should monitor for epithelial plaque formation during cenegermin treatment for neurotrophic keratitis.
- Understanding this adverse event is crucial for patient safety and treatment management.
