title: [Systemic immunosuppressives after penetrating keratoplasty].
abstract: Immunologic rejection is the main cause of corneal graft failure. If corneal transplantation is performed in a high-risk situation without the use of systemic immunosuppression, corneal graft failure has to be expected in over 50% of patients within the first postoperative year. The clonal expansion of graft-specific lymphocytes occurs in lymphoid tissues. As topical steroids do not reach the secondary lymphoid organs, and even systemic steroids do not interfere sufficiently with the clonal expansion of activated T cells, it is essential to administer systemic immunosuppressives in order to achieve clear graft survival. As corneal transplantation is not a life-saving procedure, the profile of side-effects is a central issue when choosing an immunosuppressive medication.
authors: Universitätsaugenklinik, Freiburg. reis@augenwerk.li
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Reis
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Birnbaum
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Reinhard
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D003318:Corneal Opacity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions