Topical ketotifen treatment for allergic conjunctivitis: a systematic review and Meta-analysis.

AIM: To assess the efficacy of ketotifen in treating allergic conjunctivitis.

METHODS

A systematic search of systematic reviews and Meta-analyses was conducted on the PubMed and Web Science of Science until October 2021 to address this knowledge gap. Mean difference with 95%CI and P values were used to assess the efficacy of ketotifen. The heterogeneity (I 2) was used to evaluate the impact of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1589 patients were included in this Meta-analysis. The results revealed that after treating with ketotifen, itching (MD=-0.91, 95%CI: -1.63 to -0.20, I 2=94%, P=0.01), tearing (MD=-0.40, 95%CI: -0.61 to -0.18, I 2=75%, P=0.0003) and total signs and symptoms (MD=-0.85, 95%CI: -1.12 to -0.58, I 2=0, P<0.00001) showed better benefit effect compared to the placebo group.

CONCLUSION

Topical ketotifen is an effective treatment for patients with allergic conjunctivitis.