A Review of Pediatric Corneal Neurotization

Topical insulin in neurotrophic keratopathy after diabetic vitrectomy

To assess the efficacy and safety of topical insulin (TI) for treating neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) within one-month post-diabetic vitrectomy (DV) compared to conventional non-invasive measures, we conducted this retrospective case-control study including all eyes that developed acute NK (stages 2 and 3) following DV between October 2020 and June 2023. The control group included NK cases managed with preservative-free lubricant eye drops and prophylactic topical antibiotics. In contrast, the study group included NK cases treated with TI [1 unit per drop] four times daily, in addition to the previously mentioned treatment. The primary outcome measure was time to epithelial healing. Secondary outcome measures included any adverse effect of TI or the need for amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT). During the study period, 19 patients with a mean age of 49.3 ± 8.6 years received TI versus 18 controls with a mean age of 52.5 ± 10.7 years. Corneal epithelial healing was significantly faster in the TI-treated group compared to controls, with a mean difference of 12.16 days (95% CI 6.1-18.3, P = 0.001). Survival analysis indicated that the insulin-treated group had 0% and 20% of NK stages 2 and 3, respectively, that failed to achieve corneal epithelial healing, compared to 20% and 66.7% for the control group (P < 0.001). In the control group, two eyes required AMT due to progressive thinning. Additionally, three patients in the control group, progressing to stage 3 NK, were switched to TI, achieving healing after a mean of 14 days. No adverse effects were reported in the TI-treated group. Our study suggests that TI can effectively and safely promote the healing of NK after DV.

Corneal Neurotization—Indications, Surgical Techniques and Outcomes

Corneal neurotization is a promising surgical approach for the treatment of moderate to severe neurotrophic keratopathy. This technique aims to restore corneal sensation by transferring healthy nerves, either directly or via a conduit, to the anesthetic cornea. This review provides a report on the current state of development, evidence, and experience in the field. We summarize the data available from clinical reports and case series, placing an emphasis on the diversity of the surgical techniques reported. While these data are encouraging, they also highlight the need for a consensus in reporting outcomes and highlight how the next step will involve validating putative outcome parameters when researching and reporting corneal neurotization surgery.

Corneal neurotization in the management of neurotrophic keratopathy: A review of the literature

Neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) is a rare degenerative disease in which damage to the corneal nerves leads to corneal hypoesthesia or anesthesia. Neurotrophic corneal ulcers are notoriously difficult to treat and can lead to blindness. Corneal neurotization (CN) is a recent surgical technique aimed at restoring corneal sensation and may offer a definitive treatment in the wake of NK. Herein, we review the surgical techniques utilized in direct and indirect CN. Technical considerations, outcomes, current limitations and future perspectives are also discussed. This article highlights the key points of this promising procedure and biological aspects that will help provide the best treatment options for patients with severe NK.

Topical cenegermin 0.002% for pediatric neurotrophic keratopathy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of cenegermin 0.002% ophthalmic drops in the management of pediatric neurotrophic keratopathy (NK).

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of children under the age of 18 years diagnosed with NK at Boston Children's Hospital/Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and treated with topical cenegermin 0.002% ophthalmic solution between June 2018 and June 2021 was performed. Data collection included etiology of NK, age at time of initiation of topical cenegermin, laterality, ethnicity, gender, history of previous ocular therapy, pre- and post-therapy best corrected visual acuity, pre- and post-therapy cornea examination, any adverse events from topical cenegermin, associated ocular conditions, and history of ocular surgeries.

RESULTS

The current study includes four eyes of four pediatric patients with a mean age of 4.5 ± 2.0 years at the time of initiation of topical cenegermin therapy. The mean time from NK diagnosis until start of topical cenegermin drops was 5.2 ± 4.3 months and mean follow-up time was 15 ± 9.6 months. In all four patients, marked improvement in epitheliopathy was demonstrated after completion of therapy. Best corrected visual acuity was measurable in 3 eyes of 3 patients, and it improved from a mean of 0.07 ± 0.01 to a mean of 0.29 ± 0.26 (P = 0.3). No adverse events related to cenegermin therapy were noted.

CONCLUSION

Topical cenegermin was effective in improving corneal healing for pediatric NK.