Posters

Outcomes of limbal epithelial stem cell transplantation in unilateral limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) in paediatric population

Poster Details

First Author: H. Matalia INDIA

Co Author(s):    N. C   T. Garg   K. Dhamodaran   M. Subramani   D. Das        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To report the clinical outcomes of autologous cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation (CLET) and simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) in paediatric population with unilateral LSCD

Setting:

Superspeciality Eye Hospital and Research Center in South India. All patients were operated by a single surgeon.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of twenty five patients’ records with unilateral LSCD was done. Primary outcome measure was Ocular surface stability and secondary outcome measure was Visual acuity at last followup. Other parameters analysed were: demographics, primary etiology, technique of limbal stem cell transplantation and possible factors affecting outcome and complications.

Results:

Twenty five patients with mean age 9.7 years with unilateral LSCD underwent limbal epithelial transplantation between July 2008 and July 2015, with a mean follow-up of 34.2 months. 92% eyes had total LSCD. 18 patients underwent CLET and 7 patients underwent SLET. 4 patients underwent repeat procedures. The cause of LSCD was alkali burns in 76% patients. Penetrating keratoplasty was done in twelve patients and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in 4 patients for visual rehabilitation. 1 patient underwent keratoprosthesis. Final visual acuity ranged from light perception to 6/9. Complications noted were microbial keratitis ,secondary glaucoma and graft rejection .At last follow up, 23 patients (92%) had stable ocular surface,2 patients had partially stable ocular surface .

Conclusions:

Ocular surface reconstruction in LSCD can be successfully managed by limbal epithelial transplantation in majority of cases. Management of paediatric LSCD poses many challenges as the visual prognosis is limited due to amblyopia and higher risk of graft rejection. Appropriate timely intervention is required to maximise visual outcomes.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE