Pediatric Use of Recombinant Human Nerve Growth Factor 20 μg/mL Eye Drops (Cenegermin) for Bilateral Neurotrophic Keratopathy in Congenital Corneal Anesthesia

Cornea. 2021 Feb 1;40(2):228-231. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000002612.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to present the efficacy and safety of cenegermin eye drop (Oxervate; Dompè Farmaceutici, Milan, Italy) treatment in a pediatric patient affected by neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) with Goldenhar syndrome.

Methods: This case reports an infant presenting ulceration and a small central opacity in the cornea of the right and left eyes, respectively. The NK bilaterally worsened despite the use of therapeutic contact lenses and temporary partial tarsorrhaphy. Magnetic resonance imaging showed absence and hypoplasia of the right and left trigeminal nerves, respectively. Cenegermin eye drops were administered 1 drop/each eye, 6 times daily for 8 weeks to promote corneal healing.

Results: Complete healing was achieved in both eyes after treatment. During the 16-month follow-up period, no epithelial defect, recurrence, or complications were noticed, whereas corneal opacities progressively became clearer, although insignificant improvements in corneal sensitivity or in the reflex tearing were observed.

Conclusions: Cenegermin was effective in treating NK in an infant with Goldenhar syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Ophthalmic
  • Cornea / innervation*
  • Corneal Opacity / congenital
  • Corneal Opacity / diagnostic imaging
  • Corneal Opacity / drug therapy*
  • Corneal Ulcer / congenital
  • Corneal Ulcer / diagnostic imaging
  • Corneal Ulcer / drug therapy*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Lubricant Eye Drops / administration & dosage
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Nerve Growth Factor / administration & dosage*
  • Ophthalmic Solutions / administration & dosage
  • Pain Insensitivity, Congenital / complications*
  • Recombinant Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Trigeminal Nerve / abnormalities*
  • Trigeminal Nerve Diseases / congenital
  • Trigeminal Nerve Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Trigeminal Nerve Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Wound Healing / drug effects

Substances

  • Lubricant Eye Drops
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Nerve Growth Factor
  • cenegermin