Multilayer amniotic membrane transplantation in severe ocular graft versus host disease.
OBJECTIVE
To clarify the usefulness of multilayer amniotic membrane transplantation in an unusual case of calcareous corneal degeneration in a patient with graft-versus-host disease.


METHODS
A 20-year-old Caucasian woman had bilateral calcareous corneal degeneration of one year of evolution, secondary to graft-versus-host disease. Treatment for both eyes with topical steroids and antibiotic ointment was not successful. Right eye had a spontaneous corneal perforation, and a three-layer circle amniotic membrane graft was applied to the whole cornea.


RESULTS
During a follow-up period of 20 months we observed stability of the corneal epithelium and stroma. The amniotic membrane-covered area showed rapid epithelization, reduced inflammation and suppressed fibrosis formation.


CONCLUSIONS
Multilayer amniotic membrane transplantation may be considered an alterantive for reconstructing the ocular surface in a patient with severe dry eyes and calcareous corneal degeneration, even with little perforation.
Peris-Martínez
C
C
Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain. cperis@ctv.es
Menezo
J L
JL
Díaz-Llopis
M
M
Aviñó-Martínez
J A
JA
Navea-Tejerina
A
A
Risueño-Reguillo
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000650:Amnion / Q000637:transplantation*; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000473:pathology; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D014792:Visual Acuity