Abstract

Design: RCT
Purpose: Evaluation of accelerated CXL as an adjunct therapy in moderate to severe fungal ulcers.
Methods: Patient (N=42) with moderate to severe fungal ulcers diagnosed by KOH smear or IVCM were randomised to receive treatment with CXL + Antifungal and Antifungals. Primary and secondary outcome measures were comparison of reduction in infiltrate size at 2nd and 4th week, time taken to complete resolution of the ulcer and to assess the severity of symptoms.
Results: Mean age, sex, causative risk factor, size of ulcer, infiltrate size, epithelial defect, and complete resolution of ulcer were comparable in both groups at baseline and subsequent follow ups. Patients in aCXL group reported a greater reduction in intensity of symptoms (P value0.001).
Conclusion: In our study, adjunctive CXL in cases of moderate to severe fungal ulcers provides quicker symptomatic relief and promotes initial healing.