THE EFFECTS OF CORTISONE AND ACTH UPON THE EYE SYMPTOMS IN LEPROSY

Abstract

1) In 65 patients (74 eyes) of leprous eye disturbances, the local treatment of cortisone produces the most remarkable effect upon acute iridocyclitis, upper scleritis due to erythema nodosum leprosum and scleritis.
2) It is ineffective upon leprous keratitis.
3) ACTH was applied and presented favorable results on 3 patients (5 eyes) of iridocyclitis and scleritis caused by erythema nodosum leprosum in which cortisone had produced no effect.
4) The excellent efficacy of ACTH and cortisone upon erythema nodosum leprosum and accompanying acute iridocyclitis supports Mitsuda's assumption that the etiology of erythema nodosum leprosum should be considered an allergic inflammation.