Allo-limbal transplantation in patients with limbal stem cell deficiency.
OBJECTIVE
To report the outcome of a series of patients with stem cell deficiency who underwent allo-limbal transplantation and to describe a technique for this procedure.


METHODS
Six consecutive patients underwent allo-limbal stem cell transplantation. The primary diagnosis included alkali burn (n = 2), trachoma (n = 1), chronic rosacea blepharitis and kerato-conjunctivitis (n = 1), aniridia (n = 1), and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (n = 1). The limbal rim consisted of peripheral cornea and perilimbal sclera. FK-506 was used postoperatively for immunosuppression.


RESULTS
The length of follow up ranged from 3 to 24 months (mean follow up 11.8 (SD 9.3) months). The outcome was considered satisfactory in five of six cases. The corneal surface was completely epithelialised within 2 weeks, and there was a substantial improvement in vision and symptoms. One patient had recurrent epithelial defects related to eyelid abnormalities. No side effects associated with systemic immunosuppression were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
Allo-limbal transplantation, with systemic immunosuppression with FK-506 is useful in reconstruction of the ocular surface with improvement in vision in patients with severe stem cell deficiency.
Dua
H S
HS
Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's Medical Centre, University Hospital, Nottingham.
Azuara-Blanco
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000601:surgery; D005126:Eye Burns / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000601:surgery; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016850:Limbus Corneae; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation