title: Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty in pediatric age group.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report the outcomes of DSAEK surgery performed in pediatric patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Noncomparative interventional case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  All pediatric patients (age up to 16 years) undergoing Descemet automated stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) at our Institution since January 2008 have been enrolled in a prospective study. A standard DSAEK, involving delivery of an 8.5-9.5 mm graft by Busin glide, was performed under general anesthesia in 19 eyes of 11 pediatric patients (congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy n = 13; congenital glaucoma n = 2; posterior polymorphous dystrophy n = 2, and failed penetrating keratoplasty n = 2). Slit-lamp examination, refraction and visual acuity as well as endothelial cell density were evaluated preoperatively as well as 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months postoperatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All surgical procedures were uneventful. Graft detachment occurred in 4 cases and was managed successfully with repeat air injection. All corneas cleared within a week from surgery. Follow-up was 3-18 months. At last follow-up examination, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was better than 20/40 in 8 of the 13 cases of patients old enough to assess vision. A graft rejection episode was seen in 1 case within 3 months from surgery but was reverted with steroidal treatment. No graft failures were observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  DSAEK is an appropriate surgical intervention for children with corneal endothelial failure. In contrast to penetrating keratoplasty (PK), DSAEK is performed under "closed system" conditions, thus minimizing intraoperative risks. Finally, healing is much faster than with PK and all sutures can be removed within 2-4 weeks from surgery, thus allowing fast visual recovery and prompt starting of amblyopia treatment.
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, "Villa Igea " Hospital, Forlì, Italy ; Alexandria University Eye Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt.
authors: Silvana
authors: S
authors: Madi
authors: Paolo
authors: P
authors: Santorum
authors: Massimo
authors: M
authors: Busin
keywords: Corneal endothelial failure; DSAEK; Pediatric patients
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