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Updated: Sep 2, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancing Corneal Innervation Research Through Innovative Models
Published on: December 8, 2023
Topical human recombinant nerve growth factor for stage 1 Neurotrophic Keratitis: Retrospective case series of
Alice T Epitropoulos1, Jamie L Weiss2
1Ophthalmic Surgeons & Consultants of Ohio, The Eye Center of Columbus, 262 Neil Ave. Suite 430, Columbus, OH, 43215, USA.
Purpose:
To report on the management and effectiveness of treating patients with stage I Neurotrophic Keratitis using an 8-week course of topical recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF, cenegermin).
Observations:
In this retrospective case series, punctate epithelial erosions (PEE), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and corneal sensation were followed and documented from 2 to 12 months in patients treated as per the standard of care. Clinical outcomes including changes in PEEs, corneal sensation and BCVA are reported. Most patients also had preexisting thyroid disease.
Conclusions:
All patients had clinically significant improvements in PEE, and corneal sensation. Three of the four patients had a significant improvement in BCVA, one patient had no change in their pre-treatment visual acuity (BCVA 20/20) The four patients studied also reported decreased photophobia and improvements in their quality of life. This case series provides real-world evidence of the safety and efficacy of cenegermin treatment of stage I NK for all four patients.
