Effect of oral acyclovir after penetrating keratoplasty for herpetic keratitis: a placebo-controlled multicenter trial.

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Title:	Effect of oral acyclovir after penetrating keratoplasty for herpetic keratitis: a placebo-controlled multicenter trial.
Author(s):	Rooij, J.G.M. van ; Rijneveld, W.J.; Remeijer, L.; Volker-Dieben, H.J.; Eggink, C.A. ; Geerards, A.J.; Mulder, P.G.H.; Doornenbal, P.; Beekhuis, W.H.
Publication year:	2003
Source:	Ophthalmology, vol. 110, iss. 10, (2003), pp. 1916-1919
ISSN:	0161-6420
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.1016/S0161-6420(03)00798-X
Publication type:	Article / Letter to editor
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item : http://hdl.handle.net/2066/143873
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Subject:	UMCN 3.3: Neurosensory disorders
Organization:	Pharmacology-Toxicology Ophthalmology
Journal title:	Ophthalmology
Volume:	vol. 110
Issue:	iss. 10
Page start:	p. 1916
Page end:	p. 1919
Abstract:	OBJECTIVE: To determine the prophylactic effect of oral acyclovir on the recurrence rate of herpetic eye disease after penetrating keratoplasty. DESIGN: A randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled multicenter trial. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-eight consecutive patients (68 eyes) with corneal opacities due to herpetic eye disease who underwent penetrating keratoplasty. INTERVENTION: Oral acyclovir 400 mg twice daily or placebo tablets for 6 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The recurrence rate of herpetic eye disease-related events and rejection episodes, proven by viral cell culture or polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: During the 2-year follow-up period, there were 3 culture-proven herpetic eye disease recurrences in the acyclovir group and 9 in the placebo group. Lifetime survival analysis of the probability of remaining free from recurrence revealed a significantly reduced risk of recurrent herpetic disease in the acyclovir-treated group. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that oral acyclovir effectively prevents herpes-related recurrences after penetrating keratoplasty in herpetic eye disease.