Amniotic membrane transplantation in infectious corneal ulcer.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of amniotic membrane transplantation in the management of treated infectious corneal ulcer in which inflammatory reactions were responsible for corneal damage.


METHODS
A prospective study of 21 consecutive eyes (21 patients) was performed. Sufficient antibacterial, antifungal, or antiviral agents were applied to eradicate causative organisms before permanent or temporary amniotic membrane transplantation, or a combination of the two in few patients. The amniotic membrane was soaked in antiinfective agents before transplantation in all cases.


RESULTS
After amniotic membrane transplantation, follow-up times ranged from 4 to 28 months (mean, 18 months). Clinical indications included Staphylococcus species (four cases), Pseudomonas species (five cases), Acanthamoeba species (three cases), fungus (two cases), and herpesvirus (seven cases). The corneal surface was healed successfully and recurrences of microbial infection were not noted in any case. Visual acuity was improved in cases that were nonscarring or after additional penetrating keratoplasty.


CONCLUSIONS
Amniotic membrane transplantation seems to be a useful adjunctive surgical procedure for the management of infectious corneal ulcer by promoting wound healing and reducing inflammation.
Kim
J S
JS
Department of Ophthalmology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Hangang-Ro 3ka 65-207, Yongsan-ku 140-757, Seoul, Korea.
Kim
J C
JC
Hahn
T W
TW
Park
W C
WC
D015823:Acanthamoeba Keratitis / Q000469:parasitology / Q000601:surgery*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000650:Amnion / Q000637:transplantation*; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000601:surgery* / Q000821:virology; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016849:Keratitis, Herpetic / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014945:Wound Healing