Low-dose naltrexone is effective and well-tolerated for modulating symptoms in patients with neuropathic corneal pain.

Dieckmann G., Ozmen M. C. , Cox S. M. , Engert R. C. , Hamrah P.

The ocular surface, vol.20, pp.33-38, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 20
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.jtos.2020.12.003
  • Journal Name: The ocular surface
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Page Numbers: pp.33-38
  • Keywords: Neuropathic corneal pain, Corneal neuralgia, Low-dose naltrexone, QUALITY-OF-LIFE, MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS, OCULAR PAIN, EFFICACY, DISEASE, FIBROMYALGIA, RECEPTORS, LABEL
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Purpose: Neuropathic corneal pain (NCP) is caused by damage or disease of the somatosensory nervous system that innervates the cornea and presents with symptoms of pain or persistent unpleasant sensations, such as burning, dryness, or light sensitivity. This retrospective study aims to assess the efficacy and tolerability of lowdose naltrexone (LDN) in refractory NCP patients. Methods: Fifty-nine NCP patients with a centralized component treated with oral LDN 4.5 mg at bedtime for at least four weeks were identified. Thirty out of 59 patients who had a baseline pain score >= 4 on the visual analogue scale had completed the ocular pain assessment survey (OPAS) and presented persistent pain, despite instillation of topical anesthetic drops, were included. Changes in pain scores, comorbidities, side effects, among others, were analyzed. Change in ocular pain scores (scale 0-10) and quality of life (QoL) scores (scale 0-100%) were the main endpoints.