Active — Not RecruitingPhase 3

Comparing Efficacy of Autologous Serum Eye Drops With and Without Insulin in Autoimmune Dry Eye: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Mexico25 participantsStarted 2024-02-01

Plain-language summary

Introduction: Dry Eye Disease (DED) of autoimmune origin is often severe and resistant to conventional treatments, necessitating alternative therapeutic options. Autologous Serum Eye Drops (ASED) have gained recognition for their biochemical and biomechanical properties, which closely mimic those of human tears. These properties make ASED an effective treatment for DED. Furthermore, topical insulin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and promotes epithelial cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration, all of which contribute to maintaining ocular surface stability. As a result, insulin may serve as a valuable adjunct in treating moderate to severe autoimmune DED. Purpose: This study aims to assess and compare the effectiveness of autologous serum eye drops (group 1) and autologous serum eye drops combined with insulin (group 2) in improving the clinical signs and symptoms of moderate to severe DED in patients with autoimmune diseases, particularly those with Sjögren's Syndrome.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Inclusion criteria included men and women aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of primary\[ and secondary SS confirmed by a rheumatologist using the 2016 ACR-EULAR diagnostic criteria, and moderate to severe DED. Moderate to severe DED was classified using the following standardized parameters: Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) ≥ 23 points, ocular surface staining according to the Van Bijsterveld score ≥ 4 points, non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT) ≤ 7 seconds, and tear meniscus height (TMH) ≤ 0.3 mm, measured with the Keratograph 5M (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany). Participants were required to be willing to comply with the study protocol and follow-up schedule. Exclusion Criteria: * Exclusion criteria included participation in another clinical trial in the preceding three weeks, topical use of aminoglycoside antibiotics, therapeutic contact lens use, known hypersensitivity to any component of the study medications, active ocular infection, ocular surgery or trauma within three months, or any abnormality compromising corneal integrity. Additionally, patients with a history of corneal transplantation, pregnancy or lactation, or planned pregnancy were excluded.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

OSDI

Timeframe: From enrollment, 10 days and 30 days after starting treatment.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06931041

SponsorInstituto de Oftalmología Fundación Conde de Valenciana

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-06-01

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