Article
Long-term results of limbal allograft transplantation in patients with limbal stem cell deficiency after chemical/thermal burns
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Published: | June 18, 2008 |
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Purpose: To study the outcomes of limbal allograft transplantation in patients with limbal stem cell deficiency.
Methods: Limbal allograft transplantations on 31 eyes (27 patients) with limbal stem cell deficiency was performed from 8 months to 29 years. On 26 (83,9%) eyes annular allograft transplantation and on 5 (16,1%) eyes partial allograft transplantation was accomplished. The visual acuity before operation has formed light perception or hand movement. All patients received systemic cyclosporin A. Lamellar keratoplasties were performed in 2 cases and penetrating keratoplasties in 4 cases. The follow-up period was ranged from 3 months to 3 years.
Results: Corneal surface stability was in 5 cases in the remote observation. The visual acuity improvement took place in all patients with transparent cornea. 4 patients had development of thin avascular tissue after one year of the observation. Partial conjunctivalization took place in 5 cases after 1,5 years after limbal allograft transplantation. Total conjunctivalization and stromal vascularisation observed in 2 cases before one year and in 5 cases after year of the observation. Contours of transplant were noticeable less than one year in 12 cases, before two years in 6 patients, after two years also in 6 patients.
Conclusions: Allolimbal donation is an effective method of correction of limbal stem cell insufficiency. Probability of decompensation of transplant increase with long time of observation.