Pilocarpine-associated allograft rejection in postkeratoplasty patients.
Corneal allograft rejection is a major cause of graft failure. Identifying possible risk factors for rejection may improve chances for successful outcome. We report three cases of graft rejection associated with the use of post-operative pilocarpine at different concentrations. Pilocarpine was used to treat persistent epithelial defects or raised intraocular pressure. The patients were managed until their rejection episodes resolved. In each case, graft rejection ensued in a quiet eye after initiating treatment with pilocarpine, without other change in medications. Each graft rejection episode resolved with discontinuation of pilocarpine and administration of prednisolone acetate. We propose that if pilocarpine does indeed diminish corneal allograft immune privilege and enhance graft rejection, the mechanisms may include induced intraocular inflammation and altering of anterior chamber associated immune deviation. This is the first report implicating a topical ophthalmic medication with possible corneal allograft rejection.
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Anheuser-Busch Eye Institute, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA.
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D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010862:Pilocarpine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous
D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010862:Pilocarpine; D011239:Prednisolone