A prospective observational study of corneal endothelial cell morphology in young children using specular microscopy

Session Details

Session Title: Cornea Surgical I

Session Date/Time: Monday 12/09/2016 | 08:00-10:30

Paper Time: 08:00

Venue: Hall C1

First Author: : S.Rufai UK

Co Author(s): :    R. Borbara   N. Tan   J. Self              

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Previous studies suggest endothelial cell density decreases from 6,000 cells/mm2 in neonates to 3,000 cells/mm2 in 10-year-olds. However, these estimations are derived from studies of post mortem specimens and older compliant children, with very sparse data for children aged 6 or younger. This study aims to establish age-specific normal data in young children for endothelial cell density (ECD), average cell surface area (AVG), coefficient of variation (CV) and percentage of hexagonal cells (HEX) in children aged 0-11 years, employing our piloted imaging technique using specular microscopy.

Setting:

Tertiary eye unit outpatient clinics and operating theatres

Methods:

Young children listed for ocular surgery and older children due for clinical appointments were recruited. Up to three central corneal endothelial specular microscopic images of each eye were taken during general anaesthesia or in clinics using the non-contact Nidek CEM-530. Further image analysis was carried out on the CEM Viewer to ensure cells were correctly identified.

Results:

56 children (age range: 1.72-10.36 years, mean: 5.72 years) were recruited. A linear decrease in ECD with age was demonstrated. Pearson’s correlation detected a moderate negative correlation between ECD and age (r=-0.502, P<0.001) and a moderate positive correlation between AVG and age (r=0.470, P<0.001). CV and HEX did not show a statistically significant correlation with age (CV: r=0.175, P=0.200, HEX: r=-0.086, P=0.531).

Conclusions:

Our technique for specular microscopy is effective in young children. Our findings demonstrate ECD decreases and AVG increases linearly after 3 years of age. More information of children between 0-3 years is required.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE