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[PMN elastase determination in tear fluid in corneal ulcer]
Klinische Monatsblatter Fur Augenheilkunde
|June 1, 1986
Summary
Polymorphonuclear (PMN) – elastase levels in tear fluid are significantly elevated in patients with corneal ulcers. This marker indicates prolonged inflammation, even with healing signs, offering a new way to track eye inflammation resolution.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Context:
- Corneal ulcers (ulcus corneae) are serious eye infections.
- Inflammation is a key component of corneal ulcer pathogenesis.
- Assessing the resolution of ocular inflammation can be challenging.
Purpose:
- To investigate the concentration of Polymorphonuclear (PMN) – elastase in tear fluid.
- To compare PMN-elastase levels in patients with corneal ulcers versus healthy individuals.
- To evaluate PMN-elastase as a potential biomarker for inflammatory process resolution in the eye.
Summary:
- Tear fluid PMN-elastase concentrations were measured in 87 healthy individuals and 28 patients with corneal ulcers.
- Patients with corneal ulcers exhibited significantly higher PMN-elastase levels (mean = 1196 µg/l) compared to the control group (mean = 73 µg/l).
- Elevated PMN-elastase persisted for weeks, even when clinical signs indicated ulcer healing.
Impact:
- PMN-elastase determination in tear fluid offers a novel, objective parameter for assessing ocular inflammation.
- This biomarker can help determine the true end of inflammatory processes in corneal ulcers.
- Provides a more accurate endpoint for treatment monitoring in ophthalmology.