Posters

Autologous transplantation of limbal stem cells in patient after alkali burn: A case report

Poster Details

First Author: Y.Klimesova CZECH REPUBLIC

Co Author(s): P. Studeny   M. Netukova                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To report a case of autologous transplantation of limbal stem cells in patient with unilateral stem cell dysfunction due to alkali burn.

Setting:

Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic

Methods:

Pathologic conditions such as chemical injuries can cause destruction of the limbal epithelium. The results are „conjunctivalization“ – presence of cells derived from conjunctiva on the cornea, neovascularization and persistent epithelial defects. Standard corneal transplantation can´t treat this form of pathology.

Results:

A 37-year-old man presented with unilateral ocular redness and pain after severe alkali burn of the right eye. Amniotic membrane transplantation was done for persistent epithelial defect in another hospital. The left eye was fortunately without any chemical injury.One year after the injury he underwent autologous limbal stem cells transplantation. Two blocks of transplanted tissue consisted of peripheral cornea, limbus and conjunctiva obtained from contralateral eye. There was a substantial improvement in transparency of the cornea, symptoms and vision from counting fingers to 0,4. No complications were noted in the donor eye.

Conclusions:

Autologous limbal stem cells transplantation appears to be safe and effective for ocular surface reconstruction in patients with unilateral stem cell dysfunction. It´s a suitable method prior to eventual keratoplasty.

Financial Disclosure:

None