Application of Umbilical Cord Serum Eyedrops for the Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of umbilical cord serum eyedrops for the treatment of severe dry eye syndrome. Methods: Fifty-five eyes of 31 patients with severe dry eye syndrome were treated with umbilical cord serum eyedrops. Symptom scoring, tear film break-up time (BUT), Schirmer test, corneal sensitivity test, and corneal fluorescein staining were performed before and 1 and 2 months after treatment, and conjunctival impression cytology was performed before and 2 months after treatment. The concentrations of epidermal growth factor (EGF), vitamin A, and transforming growth factor-&bgr; (TGF-&bgr;) in umbilical cord serum and normal peripheral blood serum were measured. Results: Two months after treatment, significant improvement was observed in symptom score (from 3.07 ± 0.54 to 0.96 ± 0. 58), BUT (from 3.96 ± 1.56 to 5.45 ± 2.54 seconds), and keratoepitheliopathy score (from 4.87 ± 3.22 to 1.71 ± 1.84) (P < 0.01). There was no statistically significant change in Schirmer and corneal sensitivity tests. In impression cytology, the grade of squamous metaplasia (from 2.35 ± 0.72 to 1.44 ± 0.69) and goblet cell density (from 80.91 ± 31.53 to 154.68 ± 43.06 cell/mm2) improved significantly (P < 0.01). The mean concentrations of EGF, TGF-&bgr;, and vitamin A were 0.48 ± 0.09, 57.14 ± 18.98, and 230.85 ± 13.39 ng/mL in umbilical cord serum and 0.14 ± 0.03, 31.30 ± 12.86, and 372.34 ± 22.32 ng/mL in peripheral blood serum, respectively. Conclusion: Umbilical cord serum contains essential tear components, and umbilical cord serum eyedrops are effective and safe for the treatment of severe dry eye syndrome.

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