Use of recombinant nerve growth factor in the treatment of neurotrophic keratitis associated with ichthyosis follicularis, atrichia, and photophobia (IFAP syndrome)

Treatment of neurotrophic keratitis (NTK) remains one of the challenges in ophthalmology. This article presents a case of successful use of recombinant nerve growth factor in the treatment of NK in a child with ichthyosis follicularis, atrichia, and photophobia (IFAP syndrome), type 2. The child had blepharospasm and extensive corneal epithelial defects with superficial vascularization in both eyes since birth. Despite local trophic therapy, the erosions persisted. The child was diagnosed with the systemic condition «ichthyosis follicularis, atrichia, and photophobia (IFAP syndrome), type 2». Despite long-term trophic therapy, corneal epithelial defects in both eyes persisted. Due to the ineffectiveness of standard treatment, the patient was prescribed cenegermin drug. Complete epithelialization of the epithelial defects was observed by day 34 of specific neurotrophic therapy, and a reliable corneal pain response appeared during the cotton wisp test. Complete restoration of the epithelial layer and corneal sensitivity persisted two months after completion of the treatment course. The use of the drug cenegermin effectively restored the epithelium and corneal sensitivity in long-persisting corneal erosions in a child with ichthyosis follicularis, atrichia, and photophobia (IFAP syndrome).