Effects of Prednisolone Acetate on Ocular Sulfur Mustard Injury in a Rabbit Model
Abstract
Eye injury from HD (sulfur mustard) exposure continues to remain a threat to soldiers in the battlefield. This study was designed to explore the effects of Pred-Forte (prednisolone) in treating ocular HD injury. Sixteen female New Zealand White rabbits were exposed to 0.51 mg of undiluted HD as a liquid droplet. One group (n=8) received 2 drops of Pred-Forte into the eye every 10 minutes for the first 30 minutes postexposure, then every 30 minutes for 2 hours, after which treatments were given three times daily (tid). The control group of animals (n=7) received 2 drops of Artificial Tears. Eyes of rabbits were evaluated and scored weekly for 56 weeks, then at 12, 13 and 16 weeks. Measurements included slit lamp evaluation, corneal thickness (Pachymetry), and modified ocular severity score (MOSS). Lesions or ulcers resulting in corneal perforations developed within the first 34 weeks in 9 out of 15 rabbits. Treatments were discontinued at 3 weeks; however, observations continued to 16 weeks. Adverse reactions were attributed to treatment effect, inexperienced operators (HD) and/or both. The use of different applications of HD to the eye should also be considered to eliminate variability seen with the droplet method.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA443564
Entities
People
- Ana Valeria Castro
- B. Lukey
- C. Bossone
- E. Clarkson
- J. Clinkscales
- K. Newkirk
- M. Gazaway
- M. Shutz
- P. Subramarian
- R. Railer
- S. Estep
- S. Schulz
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense