[The effects of topical steroids in epidemic kerato-conjunctivitis (author's transl)]

Fifty-three patients with proven adenovirus type 8 infection were treated at random, in a prospective study, with either artificial tears or topical steroids over six weeks. Severe cases of nummular keratitis, as well as deep keratitis and slight iritis, were significantly less frequent under steroids. No difference existed with respect to the course of the conjunctivitis and the frequency of a superficial punctate keratitis. Furthermore, the overall frequency of nummular keratitis was equal in both groups, its manifestation merely being somewhat delayed in the steroid group. This may even be disadvantageous, as the natural course of the disease could be prolonged. A significant disadvantage of topical steroids, however, was the high incidence of permanent "dry eye" in the post-infection period. Therefore, as long as no effective antiviral treatment for adenovirus infection is available, steroids should only be administered to relieve symptoms in severe cases for a limited time.