Complex electrocerebral therapy in medical rehabilitation of patients with dry eye syndrome associated with the novel coronavirus infection

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of complex medical rehabilitation using integrated electrocerebral therapy with patients suffering from a dry eye syndrome associated with the novel coronavirus infection. Material and methods. There have been examined 62 patients with a dry eye syndrome associated with the novel coronavirus infection. They were divided into 2 groups by simple randomization. In the group of comparison/GC (30 people), the patients were prescribed exercise therapy, small-group psychotherapy, dry carbon dioxide baths, and tear replacement therapy (Systane-Balance); in the main group/MG (32 people), the patients additionally had a complex electrocerebral therapy — transcranial micropolarization (TCMP) and diencephalic brain stimulation (DEBS). The efficacy was monitored by the dynamics of the ocular auxiliary function study (Schirmer’s and Norn’s tests) and quality of life assessment using the Ocular surface disease index (OSDI). Results. The comparative analysis of biomicroscopy parameters showed that the patients of the MG experienced hyperemia leveling, reduced swelling of the eyelid margins, reduction of scaly and sebaceous deposits, and restoration of the corneal epithelium to a greater extent. Notably, the differences with the final values of the GC were statistically significant (t=12.3; p<0.001). The analysis of Schirmer I test scores and the Norn samples showed that in the GC the dynamics of the indicators was lower by 8–10 %, while the preservation of the treatment effect was only 3 months, compared to 6 months in the MG. Notably, the contingency of these indicators with OSDI visual quality data was revealed with a high degree of reliability (r = 74; r=72; p < 0.001). Conclusion. Carrying out rehabilitation measures for patients with a dry eye syndrome associated with the novel coronavirus infection using combined electrocerebral therapy ensures the preservation of vision and restoration of their quality of life.