A review of published studies suggests that topical cenegermin (Oxervate, Dompe Farmaceutici) may offer an effective treatment option for pediatric neurotrophic keratopathy (pNK), though further research is needed.
Investigators analyzed 12 studies (10 case reports and 2 case series) covering 26 eyes in 22 pediatric patients, with an average age of about 7 years. More than three-quarters of treated eyes (76.9%) showed improvement, including 19 with complete resolution and one with partial recovery, with benefits maintained for more than a year on average.
Six eyes showed no response, recurrence, or progression, including cases requiring corneal neurotization, amniotic membrane transplantation, or penetrating keratoplasty.
The authors emphasized the need for larger, prospective controlled studies to better define its role in clinical practice.
Reference
Bakr M, Eleiwa TK, Saeed HN, et al. Topical Cenegermin for Pediatric Neurotrophic Keratopathy: A Review of the Literature and Systematic Review. Cornea. 2025;doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000003960. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40815061.
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