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Cromolyn effects on vernal keratoconjunctivitis in children

K F Tabbara, N T Arafat

    Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
    |December 1, 1977
    PubMed

    Insights

    Topical cromolyn sodium eye drops effectively treated vernal keratoconjunctivitis symptoms in children. Long-term use of this treatment showed no adverse side effects, offering a safe therapeutic option.

    Area of Science:

    • Ophthalmology
    • Allergology
    • Pediatric Medicine

    Background:

    • Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a severe allergic eye condition affecting children.
    • Current treatments for VKC can have limitations or side effects.
    • Evaluating safe and effective long-term therapies for VKC is crucial.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To assess the efficacy and safety of 2% cromolyn sodium eye drops in treating pediatric VKC.
    • To compare the effects of cromolyn sodium against a placebo in a controlled trial.

    Main Methods:

    • A double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 14 children with VKC.
    • One eye of each child was treated with 2% cromolyn sodium eye drops, while the other received a placebo.
    • Treatment duration was one year.

    Main Results:

    • Cromolyn sodium significantly reduced vernal keratitis, corneal ulcers, plaques, and limbal edema/infiltrates.
    • The number and size of giant papillae were not affected by cromolyn sodium treatment.
    • No adverse side effects were observed with long-term topical cromolyn sodium use.

    Conclusions:

    • Topical 2% cromolyn sodium eye drops are an effective treatment for several key symptoms of VKC in children.
    • Cromolyn sodium demonstrates a favorable safety profile for extended use in pediatric VKC management.
    • This study supports cromolyn sodium as a viable therapeutic option for managing pediatric vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

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