Reducing Adenoviral Patient Infected Days

Plain-language summary

The primary aim of this pilot study is to generate data needed to design a definitive trial to compare the safety and efficacy of standard care with artificial tears vs. Betadine 5% (5% povidone-iodine) for the treatment of pink eye due to adenovirus. There is currently no FDA approved treatment for pink eye, a common and highly contagious eye infection caused by adenovirus. Standard care as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Optometric Association is instillation of artificial tears to relieve symptoms and possibly reduce the virus population. Betadine 5% is a commercially available, broad-spectrum antiseptic ophthalmic solution used for over 50 years to prepare the patient's eye and surrounding area for eye surgery. Because Betadine 5% kills bacteria and viruses, it may be useful in treating adenoviral conjunctivitis. Betadine 5% is inexpensive, safe, widely available, and immune to the development of bacterial/viral resistance. Betadine 5% has the potential to significantly impact the clinical management of "pink eye" worldwide. This pilot study has received funding from the National Eye Institute. Participants who meet eligibility criteria will be randomized using a masked randomization packet to receive one-time, in-office treatment with either artificial tears or Betadine 5%. Patients who agree to study participation will answer questions about their pink eye symptoms, medical and ocular history, have an eye examination and be tested to confirm "pink eye" due to adenovirus using a FDA approved "point of care" immunoassay. Participants testing positive for adenovirus will have a tear sample taken to measure viral load by qPCR. Randomization and a one-time treatment with either (standard care) artificial tears or Betadine 5% will be done on the first visit. Follow-up visits are at 1,4,7,14 and 21 days. At each visit, symptoms of pink eye are asked, a standardized study eye examination is given by the masked clinician and a sample of tears is taken to assess viral load by qPCR.

Who can participate

What they're measuring

Trial details