title: Recurrence and rejection rates following corneal transplantation for herpes simplex keratitis.
abstract: Seventy-two penetrating primary keratoplasties for herpes simplex keratitis performed from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed. Postoperative follow-up periods ranged from 6 months to 16 years with 2 years median. Epithelial herpetic recurrence occurred in 25% of the transplants the first year and in 44% during the first 2 years. Primary allograft rejection was observed in 29% of the grafts the first year and in 46% during the first 2 years. Preoperative inflammation was a risk factor for preservation of a clear cornea (p < 0.10). The degree of corneal vascularization prior to operation did not influence the survival of the grafts. The overall one-year survival rate of a clear graft was 84% and the 2-year survival rate was 67%. Prophylactic antiviral treatment is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Arhus University Hospital, Denmark.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Lomholt
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Baggesen
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ehlers
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000209:etiology*; D006085:Graft Survival; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000254:growth & development*; D006801:Humans; D016849:Keratitis, Herpetic / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous