PURPOSE To examine the possible roles of T helper type 2 (Th2) cell-derived cytokines in formation of the giant papillae characteristic in individuals with vernal keratoconjunctivitis, the effects of these cytokines on the proliferation and apoptosis of cultured human conjunctival fibroblasts were investigated. METHODS Apoptosis was induced by the NO donor sodium nitroprusside. Cell viability...

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is an unusually severe sight-threatening allergic eye disease, occurring mainly in children. Conventional therapy for allergic conjunctivitis is generally not adequate for VKC. Pediatricians and allergists are often not familiar with the severe clinical symptoms and signs of VKC. As untreated VKC can lead to permanent visual loss, pediatric allergists should be...

PURPOSE To evaluate the use of supratarsal injection of triamcinolone acetonide in severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) in children. METHODS Patients included in this open clinical trial were those with severe VKC-associated with keratitis, gelatinous limbal infiltrates, and/or giant papillae, with a history of recurrence and resistance to conventional topical antiallergic agents. Patient...

PURPOSE To study the extracellular composition of giant papillae in vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and the expression of growth factors that may stimulate fibrosis. METHODS Upper conjunctival specimens were obtained by biopsy in 9 patients affected by active tarsal VKC (14 eyes) and 10 normal control subjects. Immunohistochemistry was performed on tissue sections using monoclonal antibodie...