Topical human fibroblast interferon for acute adenoviral conjunctivitis.

We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating the use of topical human fibroblast interferon (HuIFN-beta) 7.5 x 10(5) IU/ml, one drop 5 times daily, in the treatment of acute epidemic conjunctivitis. Of 50 patients who were initially enrolled, tear-film cultures for adenovirus were positive from 26% for type 8, 12, or 19. Based upon a quantifiable conjunctivitis severity score of 37 patients evaluated after approximately 1 week of therapy, analysis of covariance showed a statistically significant greater improvement with topical HuIFN-beta compared with placebo for affected left eyes (P = 0.02) but not for right eyes (P = 0.5), an effect that could not be adequately explained. We suggest that a higher dosage of topical HuIFN-beta may prove useful in the control of more severely affected cases. This trial provides guidelines for future investigations of interferon in the treatment and prophylaxis of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes