Autologous serum application in the treatment of Mooren's ulcer.

BACKGROUND

Mooren's ulcer is a peripheral corneal ulceration of presumed autoimmune aetiology. Its clinical course and eventual prognosis is variable and usually these ulcers respond poorly to conventional therapy.

HISTORY AND SIGNS

A 67-year-old male was referred to our hospital for a painful, red and tearing left eye after receiving debris. Slit-lamp examination revealed a 3.2 x 2.1 mm peripheral corneal ulcer, a diffuse thinning of the lateral limbus (between 3 o'clock and 5 o'clock) and some endothelial precipitates. The conjunctiva was severely congested. In the anterior chamber, cells (++) and fibrin were found.

THERAPY AND OUTCOME

We introduced an antibiotic, corticosteroid and cyclosporin therapy to treat the marginal corneal deficit caused by Mooren's ulcer. The patient did not respond to the initial treatment, but re-epithelialisation occurred and the corneal deficit improved after the introduction of autologous serum eye drops.

CONCLUSION

Autologous serum seems to be an effective supplementary therapy in Mooren's ulcer.