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Abstract
The aim of the study is to systematize the literature data on the principles and approaches to the treatment of neurotrophic keratitis.
Materials and methods. When compiling the literature review, an assessment of the information databases PubMed, e-library was carried out. Search words for literature sources: «neurotrophic keratitis», «trophic corneal ulcer», «neurotrophic keratopathy».
Research results. According to the results of the search of electronic information databases, 809 sources were found: 777 in PubMed, and 32 in e-library. 758 sources were excluded from the analysis: 390 due to the lack of full free access to the publication text, 120 due to the lack of a full version of the publication, and 248 due to the mismatch between the title and the publication. 51 publications met the search criteria.
Neurotrophic keratitis (NK) is a degenerative disease of the cornea that is accompanied by neurogenic inflammation. The main cause of the disease is a disorder of sensory innervation, which is provided by the trigeminal nerve at any point along its course. Traditional therapy, which includes antiseptics, tear substitutes, and corneoprotectors, is primarily aimed at stimulating regenerative processes in the cornea and preventing further progression of the disease, but it does not address the underlying cause and is often insufficiently effective. The current management strategy for patients with NTC requires a comprehensive approach based on the stage and severity of the disease. Systematization of current methods has revealed significant progress in therapy: conservative treatment increasingly includes biological drugs (autologous blood serum, growth factors), recombinant neurotrophic factors, and a wider range of traditional drugs (tear substitutes and reparants), while the arsenal of surgical methods has been expanded with effective interventions such as various types of keratoplasties, corneal neurotization, and corneal transplants. transplantation of limbal cells.
Conclusion. The use of the latest techniques has significantly expanded the possibilities of treating patients with severe forms of NTC.
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