Posters

Ocular surface reconstruction with living-related kerato-limbal allograft transplantation in patients with bilateral total limbal stem cell deficiency after chemical burn

Poster Details

First Author: I. Mallias GREECE

Co Author(s):                        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To report the visual outcomes of patients with bilateral total stem cell deficiency who underwent living-related kerato-limbal allograft transplantation.

Setting:

Mediterraneo Hospital, Athens, Greece.

Methods:

15 patients with total bilateral stem cell deficiency underwent living-related keratolimbal allograft transplantation in one eye. All patients and all potential donors were subjected to Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing, and the best HLA matched relative was selected in order to ensure tissue histocompatibility. All patients were operated with general anesthesia and all donors with topical anesthesia. In order to avoid rejection episodes, all patients were treated with systemic steroids and oral cyclosporin for 12 months.

Results:

In all patients, epithelialization of the cornea in the operated eye with normal corneal epithelium occurred after 20 days. There were no rejection episodes during the follow-up period of 24 months. Corneal opacification was reduced and visual improvement was achieved in 8 eyes (53%). Seven eyes (47%) underwent Penetrating Keratoplasty for visual rehabilitation, at least 6 months after the first operation. All corneas of donor eyes remained clear, with no signs of iatrogenic limbal stem cell deficiency.

Conclusions:

Living-related keratolimbal allograft transplantation is a promising option in patients who suffer from bilateral stem cell deficiency after bilateral severe chemical burn.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE