View clinical trials related to Lacrimal Apparatus Disease.
Filter by:The radioactive radioiodine therapy (Na131I) for the treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma is a procedure used for ablation of remaining thyroid tissue after thyroidectomy and metastases. Although serious complications are uncommon after treatment, there are well-documented adverse reactions secondary to the involvement of the salivary glands, such as dry mouth, pain in the parotid glands and dysphagia, even after administration of low doses of radioiodine. However, ocular complications of such treatment are scarcely reported in literature. Among them the investigators can mention recurrent and chronic conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca and dry eye, affecting 23% of patients undergoing radioactive iodine therapy. Dysfunction of the lacrimal gland is described in recent studies, especially after high cumulative dose of the drug. Likewise, epiphora and nasolacrimal duct obstruction have been reported as complications associated with the use of radioiodine, although studies are not available to assess its true incidence through the systematic evaluation of patients. It can be seen in routine practice that these patients would normally be referred for ophthalmological examination only if a complaint, what happens in the process of OVL already installed after the use of high doses of radioiodine. With the early evaluation of these patients, the investigators focused on detecting the process of ongoing obstruction in order to study interventions that prevent its final installation.
This study will evaluate the effectiveness of the male hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in treating Sjogren's syndrome. This autoimmune disorder, in which the immune system attacks the salivary glands and tear glands, affects primarily women. Patients' eyes and mouth become drier over time, and can lead to problems such as serious tooth decay and eye irritations. Sex hormones seem to influence the immune response and may help decrease disease severity. DHEA has benefited some patients with two other autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Women 18 to 75 years of age with Sjogren's syndrome may be eligible for this 7-month study. At the initial visit, candidates will have a physical examination, routine blood and urine tests and eye and dental examinations, including a test to measure saliva production for screening purposes and to establish baseline values for participants. Those enrolled in the study will be randomly assigned to take either DHEA or placebo (look-alike tablet with no active ingredient) once a day for 6 months and will be monitored with follow-up visits at months 1, 3, 6 and 7. Physical examination, blood tests and urinalysis will be repeated at months 1, 3, 6 and 7; saliva will be collected at months 3, 6 and 7; and eyes will be examined at 3 and 6 months. Because hormone changes may have both physical and emotional effects, patients will be asked questions about their mood, symptoms and side effects of treatment. It is not known if Sjogren's syndrome is associated with osteoporosis (bone thinning), but since this condition occurs in other autoimmune disorders, patient's bone density will be measured at the first visit, and blood drawn at 3 and 6 months will be tested for various substances associated with changes in bone density. A 24-hour urine collection at the first visit and later urine tests will also be tested for substances associated with bone thinning.