The Effect of 5% Serum Albumin on Intractable Corneal Epithelial Keratitis: a Case Series and Literature Review

Purpose: We report five cases of intractable epithelial keratitis in which 5% serum albumin showed significant effects as a topical treatment when compared with other previous conservative treatments based on a literature review. Methods: This was a retrospective observational case series of five patients with intractable corneal epithelial keratitis who used serum albumin as a topical treatment. All patients had already been using other conservative treatments such as non-preserved artificial tears and autologous serum eye drops. The size of the epithelial defect and the time taken for closure of the epithelial defect were observed. Results: The study involved five patients with intractable corneal epithelial disease with a mean follow-up time of 6 months. The epithelial lesions improved with the use of 5% serum albumin from the beginning of treatment and lasted throughout the follow-up period. The mean time to complete epithelial closure using 5% serum albumin eye drops was 21 days. Conclusions: Treatment with 5% serum albumin eye drops may have a significant and stable effect in the treatment of intractable corneal epithelial disease. J Korean Ophthalmol Soc 2018;59(5):403-409