Living related limbal stem cell transplantation in bilateral severe ocular chemical burns

Session Details

Session Title: Cornea: Surgical II

Session Date/Time: Tuesday 08/09/2015 | 14:00-16:00

Paper Time: 15:14

Venue: Room 11

First Author: : A.El Hofi EGYPT

Co Author(s): :    A. Ghaith                    

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To evaluate the clinical outcome of living-related Limbal Stem Cell Transplantation in cases with bilateral severe chemical burns.

Setting:

Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt

Methods:

The study involved 22 eyes with bilateral chemical burns with more than two thirds of limbal stem cell deficiency, 9-12 months after the chemical injury, no extensive conjunctival pathology, and intact lid margins. The donor was a first-degree relative, should have healthy limbal stem cells bilaterally, and screened for blood-borne diseases. Outcome measures included clarity of the cornea, regression of corneal neovascularization, regularity of corneal surface and improvement of visual acuity.

Results:

Preoperative UCVA was hand movement in 75% of eyes and counting fingers in 25% of eyes. It ranged between 1/60 and 6/60 postoperatively. Postoperative corneal status (at 6 months) 15 eyes demonstrated diminished vascularization & improved clarity. Ten eyes showed a smooth corneal surface. Four eyes suffered from a persistent epithelial defect.

Conclusions:

Living-related LSC transplantation in bilateral severe ocular chemical burns should be attempted as it may yield some useful vision in a desperate blind patient.

Financial Interest:

NONE