Outcomes of pediatric simple lImbal epithelial cell transplant in unilateral limbal stem cell deficiency

Session Details

Session Title: Cornea: Surgical II

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

Paper Time: 15:20

Venue: Room 11

First Author: : V.Mittal INDIA

Co Author(s): :    R. Mittal   R. Jain                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To study the outcomes of pediatric simple limbal epithelial transplantation for unilateral total limbal stem cell deficiency due to ocular surface burns.

Setting:

Cornea and anterior segment services, Sanjivni eye care, Ambala, India

Methods:

Children less than 12 years of age with unilateral ocular surface burns who presented with total limbal stem cell deficiency, underwent SLET and had a minimum follow-up of 6 months were included in the study. Demographic/clinical data was collected in a predesigned form. All patients underwent SLET with standardized technique. Outcome was defined as complete success when completely epithelialised, avascular and stable corneal surface was achieved. Outcome was failure either if the ocular surface was unstable with recurrent and persistent epithelial defects or LSCD recurred involving the visual axis.

Results:

Mean age was 5.75 years (range 2-12). M:F was 3:1. All eyes had grade 4 chemical injury and underwent amniotic membrane transplantation at presentation. Mean interval between initial injury and SLET was 6 months (range 4.5-8). Outcome was success and partial success in 1/4 & 3/4 cases respectively. Cases with partial success underwent repeat Top-up SLET with conjunctival autograft in the quadrant of focal recurrence of LSCD. Post top-up SLET, outcome was a success in all cases at varied follow-up intervals (13-36 months).

Conclusions:

SLET appears to be a promising technique for treatment of LSCD secondary to severe ocular surface burns in children. Furthermore, focal recurrences can be treated with top-up SLET with adjunctive use of conjunctival autograft.

Financial Interest:

NONE