Analysis of the efficacy of the tissue regenerating agent (RGTA) 0.01% poly-carboxymethylglucose sulfate in the treatment of neurotrophic corneal ulcers and persistent epithelial defects

Purpose To report the results obtained in a series of 58 eyes with chronic corneal ulcers and persistent epithelial defects resistant to conventional therapy and treated with 0.01% poly-carboxymethylglucose sulfate based on tissue regenerating agent technology (RGTA, Cacicol®). Methods A prospective study was made of 58 eyes. The ulcers were essentially chronic and slow-evolving, with mean vertical and horizontal diameters of 2.4 and 2.7 mm, respectively (range 1-5.5 mm). The patients received an initial dose of one drop every 48 hours during 10 days. After evaluation of the effects of treatment, new dosing schemes were prescribed for those patients who had improved their clinical condition though without complete resolution of the disease. Results Important variation was observed in the time to recovery of corneal integrity, ranging from a few days to some weeks, depending on the severity and etiology of the case. Full healing was recorded in 50 patients. The patients with large neurotrophic ulcers showed improvement of the lesions, with a decrease in lesion size after 15 days of treatment. All patients reported subjective improvement. The drug showed immediate efficacy in 11 eyes with epithelialisation disorders following PRK or trauma, with recovery of tissue integrity after the first treatment period. Conclusions The tissue regenerating agent (RGTA Cacicol®) is an interesting and effective topical adjuvant product for the treatment of severe and chronic corneal ulcers resistant to conventional treatment. Its efficacy remains to be confirmed in the context of double-blind, randomised clinical trials.