Collection and storage of conjunctival specimens
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Collection and Storage of conjunctival specimens
IRAS ID
182905
Contact name
Sarah S. Zaher
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic and often severe form of bilateral conjunctival and corneal allergic inflammation. It is more prevalent in children and young adults with a history of atopy.
VKC usually begins during the first decade of life often subsiding by the second decade (1). Although first reported in the ophthalmic literature over 150 years ago and the allergic nature of this process is beyond dispute, its detailed pathogenesis remains unclear.
Topical corticosteroids represent an effective treatment for VKC but their prolonged use is associated with serious complications. Other topical drugs such as antihistamines and inhibitors of mast cell degranulation have been used with limited efficacy other than in mild disease. On the other hand, the administration of topical Cyclosporin A (CsA) is very effective in treating moderate and severe VKC suggesting a role for T lymphocytes in pathogenesis.
This study will allow us to collect and store VKC and negative control conjunctival specimens obtained at the time of surgery for comparison in the laboratory. This will advance our understanding of allergic eye disease pathogenesis.REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1622
Date of REC Opinion
8 Feb 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion