Our results of combined limbal stem cell autotransplantation and amniotic membrane transplantation in patients with unilateral chemical injuries

Session Details

Session Title: Cornea Surgical II

Session Date/Time: Tuesday 16/09/2014 | 08:00-10:30

Paper Time: 10:04

Venue: Boulevard B

First Author: : A.Hovakimyan ARMENIA

Co Author(s): :    A. Malayan   A. Davtyan   A. Kirakosyan        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To decribe the efficacy of combined conjuntival limbal autotransplantation and amniotic membrane transplantation in patients with unilateral chemical injuries

Setting:

Malayan Eye Center Armenia.

Methods:

We had 14 patients with unilateral chemical injuries (6 patients with chemical and 8 patients with acid injuries) that were referred to our Center in the period of 2010-2013. The mean age of patients was 32yo. There were 12 males and 2 females. The visual acuity in all cases was light perception with correct projection. The intraocular pressure was within normal limits, retina was attached by ultrasound examination. There was total conjunctivalization of the surface in all cases.In all cases patients (3-6 months post injury) underwent superficial keratectomy and periotomy in injured eye. Limbal stem cell autograft was taken from the other eye superiorly involving 4 clock hours. The graft was sutured with interrupted 10.0 nylon sutures to the affected eye and amniotic membrane was sutured with continuous suture (nylon 10.0) to the conjunctiva on top of it. Patients were prescribed antibiotic and steroid drops, tears and Doxiciclin pills 100 bid.

Results:

The amniotic membrane got resolved in 1-2 weeks, full epithelization of corneal surface was achieved in all cases in 1 week. In 7 patients the visual acuity improved to 20/80-20/50 in 3-6 month, whereas in 5 patients the visual acuity did not improve significantly and they underwent penetrating keratoplasty after 1 year and got improvement of vision.

Conclusions:

Thus, in cases with unilateral chemical injuries further keratoplasty may not be required for visual improvement in most cases, if conjunctival limbal autotransplantation and amniotic membrane transplantation are performed meantime during the surgery.

Financial Interest:

NONE