[Factors associated with graft reepithelialization after penetrating keratoplasty].
BACKGROUND
To study graft reepithelialization time after penetrating keratoplasty and the factors influencing this reepithelialization.


METHODS
In this retrospective study, 48 patients underwent penetrating keratoplasty (52 eyes) by the same surgeon between 1998 and 2006. Recipient pre- and postoperative variables, donor characteristics, and surgical variables were analyzed. Postoperative slit-lamp examination after fluorescein staining and graft reepithelialization time were recorded. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 11.5 (p<0.05).


RESULTS
The average graft reepithelialization time was 8.02 +/- 6.87 days. Complete corneal epithelial healing was obtained in 2.2%, 38.3%, and 63% of patients in 1, 3, and 7 days, respectively. There was a statistical correlation between graft reepithelialization time and trephination size, death-to-storage time, and storage time (p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Postoperative epithelial defects are common after penetrating keratoplasty. Many factors influence this graft reepithelialization such as abnormal lid and surface dysfunction, recipient corneal epithelium, and surgical technique. A better understanding of these factors will prevent postoperative epithelial defects and complications.
Chéour
M
M
Service d'Ophtalmologie, Hôpital Habib Thameur, Tunis, Tunisie. moniacheour@yahoo.fr
Nasri
H
H
Kamoun
H
H
Lamloum
H
H
Kasri
A
A
Hamdi
S
S
Kraiem
A
A
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009926:Organ Preservation / Q000379:methods; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011292:Premedication; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid