title: Combined HLA matched limbal stem cells allograft with amniotic membrane transplantation as a prophylactic surgical procedure to prevent corneal graft rejection after penetrating keratoplasty: case report.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine if the use of combined HLA matched limbal stem cells allograft with amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) is a safe and effective prophylactic surgical procedure to prevent corneal graft after penetrating keratoplasty (PK).
  
  
  METHODS
  We report the case of a 17 years old patient with a history of congenital glaucoma, trabeculectomy and multiple corneal graft rejections, presenting total limbal cell deficiency. To reduce the possibility of graft rejection in the left eye after a new PK, a two step procedure was performed. At first the patient underwent a combined HLA matched limbal stem cells allograft (LAT) and AMT and then, 10 months later, a new PK.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During 12 months of follow-up, the corneal graft remained stable and smooth, with no sign of graft rejection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In our patient, the prophylactic use of LAT from HLA-matched donors and AMT before PK, may result in a better prognosis of corneal graft survival.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento Chirurgico, Oculistica, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Capozzi
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Petroni
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Buzzonetti
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D064591:Allografts; D000650:Amnion / Q000637:transplantation*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000166:cytology*; D005260:Female; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006680:HLA Antigens; D006801:Humans; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D065286:Prophylactic Surgical Procedures; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation
chemical_list: D006680:HLA Antigens