Long-term results with organ cultured, cryopreserved human corneal grafts. Re-examination of 17 patients.
Seventeen organ cultured cryopreserved corneas were grafted in 1978-79. When published in 1982, 12 of the grafts (71%) were clear with an average thickness of 0.51 mm and an endothelial density of 1028 cells/mm2. A re-examination of these patients after 13 years is presented. Seven grafts (58%) were clear. Average CCT was 0.51 mm and endothelial cell density was 988 cells/mm2. Visual acuity was 0.4 or better. The morphology resembled that seen after 1 year with large, multinucleated cells. It is concluded that cryopreserved grafts show a fair long-term survival. Cryopreservation may still present a possibility in the establishment of a corneal bank with the perspective of supplying histocompatible donor material.
Erdmann
L
L
Department of Ophthalmology, Arhus University Hospital, Denmark.
Ehlers
N
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002452:Cell Count; D003315:Cornea; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D015925:Cryopreservation; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000166:cytology; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D009926:Organ Preservation / Q000379:methods*; D011379:Prognosis; D014792:Visual Acuity