Clinical Trial: A Comparison of Hydrogel Dressings and Ocular Lubricants in the Prevention on Corneal Damage in the Critically Ill

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Randomised Trial Comparing the Efficacy of Ocular Lubricant (Lacrilube) and Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Dressing (Geliperm) for the Prevention of Exposure Keratopathy in the Critically Ill

Brief Summary: Corneal damage in critically ill patients is common. There are currently two popular methods of treatment in the UK; hydrogel dressings and lubricating ointment. We propose to randomise patients to have a different treatment for each eye and see which one is more effective.

Detailed Summary: Microbial keratitis, particularly pseudomonas-related, has been widely reported amongst Intensive therapy unit (ITU) patients and the need for effective eye care in ITU has been recognised for some time. We compare two popular methods of eye care; a hydrogel dressing and lacrilube ointment. Each recruited patient had each eye randomised to different treatments. Daily ophthalmology ward rounds were undertaken to identify any corneal exposure keratopathy. Patients were removed from the trial if one eye developed significant exposure needing treatment.
Sponsor: Barts & The London NHS Trust

Current Primary Outcome: Development of clinically significant corneal exposure [ Time Frame: throughout length of admission to ITU ]

Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome:

Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: Barts & The London NHS Trust

Dates:
Date Received: August 8, 2007
Date Started: September 2004
Date Completion:
Last Updated: August 8, 2007
Last Verified: August 2007