CORTICOTROPIN, CORTISONE, THYROID, TESTOSTERONE IN SYPHILITIC INTERSTITIAL KERATITIS

Abstract

THIS STUDY reports the results of the treatment of 36 patients (56 affected eyes) with acute syphilitic interstitial keratitis who received one or a combination of the following drugs, corticotropin, cortisone, extract thyroid, and testosterone. Other treatment, except for the use of mydriatics, was withheld during administration of these agents in order more easily to evaluate their effect; but sooner or later, out of consideration for the welfare of the patient, we resorted to more efficacious therapy, namely, fever and antisyphilitic medicaments. Our previous experience with these older methods served as a control in judging the effectiveness of the newer ones. Results of treatment were evaluated by the effect on the keratitis: the speed of clearing of the cornea, the time necessary for the eye to become quiet, the rate of improvement in visual acuity, and the best final vision. The real challenge in treatment is the elimination of resultant