Importance of sulfhydryl in the treatment of corneal and X-ray burns

Abstract

1. 1. A sulfhydryl therapy has been employed in treating a series of more than 500 burns involving injury to the eyes and adjacent areas over a period of five years. 2. 2. Results observed indicate advantages over other methods expressed in (1) ability to heal x-ray burns in which tissue was devitalized or ulcerated condition and infection were present, (2) healing with less chance of development of symblepharon, (3) faster healing, (4) lack of scarring, and (5) absence of infection. 3. 3. The product used, hydrosulphosol, presents sulfur in a “free” colloidal state with a high concentration of sulfhydryl suggesting availability of sulfur in a form that can be utilized by the body in the synthesis of sulfur-containing amino acids. 4. 4. A review of the literature reveals the importance of sulfur-containing compounds in the eye which compounds have been shown to constitute almost one-half of the mineral content of the lens, and are connected with such functions as tissue respiration, oxygen transport, detoxication, capsular permeability, protein synthesis and general metabolic efficiency. The importance of these compounds is referred to in other organs of the body—the liver, kidneys, spleen, etc. 5. 5. In addition to its use as a treatment for burns, this product has been used in conjunction with penicillin in the treatment of multiple corneal ulcers with results not heretofore observed when using penicillin alone. 6. 6. No contraindications have been observed for this product when used with other medicants. Also, there has been no evidence of any toxic reaction following free and repeated application and use of this sulfhydryl-bearing solution.