Beneficial effect of topical fibronectin in patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca of Sjögren's syndrome.

Abstract

Fibronectin, a high molecular weight plasma protein, was applied locally to 12 patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca of Sjögren's syndrome refractory to conventional treatment. All patients had ophthalmologically proved keratoconjunctivitis sicca of unknown etiology and were suffering from severe eye symptoms. Fibronectin was purified from autologous plasma and administered to the patients as tear drops 3 times a day. All patients responded to the therapy with fewer subjective symptoms and decreased fluorescein staining. All but 3 responded to the therapy as judged by rose bengal test. No adverse effects were encountered. We conclude that local application of fibronectin may benefit patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca of Sjögren's syndrome.