Autologous limbal stem cell culture and transplant in a bilateral acid injury patient

Session Details

Session Title: Surgical Cornea

Session Date/Time: Tuesday 25/09/2018 | 16:30-18:00

Paper Time: 17:42

Venue: Room A3, Podium 3

First Author: : P.Agrawal INDIA

Co Author(s): :    B. Ganguly   H. Shikari                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To demonstrate the presence of viable limbal stem cells in grade 4 ocular chemical injury with phthalic acid which could be utilised for in vitro culture and transplant, thus assisting in restoration of corneal transparency.

Setting:

The procedure was performed at MGM New Bombay Hospital,Sector 3, Vashi. Navi Mumbai. 400703

Methods:

Procedure was performed on 28yr male, with Grade 4 chemical injury involving both eyes. Right eye vision was hand movement, left eye was no light perception secondary to intractable glaucoma. Retrieval of limbal stem cells 4months post injury was attempted from under the neovascular frond in left eye. 1.5*1.5mm of tissue was obtained from 3 o’clock limbus. Culture was done in complete medium. Growth was discovered on 3rd day. Cells were recultured on amniotic membrane. After 5days growth was observed on membrane. Pieces of amniotic membrane were transplanted on debrided corneal surface of right eye using fibrin glue.

Results:

Within a month corneal clearing with regression of neovascularization was noted. Four months post transplant no gross neovascularization has recurred except between 3 and 4 o’clock limbus. Vision improved to finger counting at 2 meters.

Conclusions:

Even in cases of total bilateral limbal ischema, autologous limbal stem cell culture and transplant must be attempted. Presence of viable stem cells results in corneal clearing with visual improvement.

Financial Disclosure:

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