[Comparative study between 0.025% ketotifen fumarate and 0.1% olopatadine hydrochloride in the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis].

Purpose: To compare the topical use of 0.025% ketotifen fumarate and 0.1% olopatadine hydrochloride in the treatment of patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

Methods: A study performed in one center, simple masked, parallel-group compared ketotifen and olopatadine. These patients were evaluated on four visits during the treatment (days 1, 7, 14 and 21), defined by ratings scores. Adverse events were the main variable of safety rating.

Results: On evaluating ocular itching, burning, tearing, conjunctival hyperemia, mucous discharge and photophobia, the ketotifen group showed a significant improvement of total signs and symptoms (p<0.05). Between the baseline and the 2nd visit, treatment with olopatadine resulted in decreased burning, but after the 4th visit, ketotifen was slightly better. Sand sensation, papillae and Horner-Trantas dots were not significantly different in both groups.

Conclusion: Both drugs were efficient and safe relieving the main symptoms and signs of vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Between the same timepoints, there was a significant difference in favor of ketotifen-treated patients (p<0.05), showing improvement of itching, tearing, conjunctival hyperemia, mucous discharge and photophobia.