title: Amniotic membranes in ophthalmology: long term data on transplantation outcomes.
abstract: The use of amniotic membrane (AM) is a widespread clinical practice for eye surgeries and the treatment of an increasing number of ocular surface pathologies. Here we describe the AM collection methods and donor selection criteria adopted by our tissue bank to distribute 5349 amniotic membrane patches over the last 12 years for the treatment of several ocular pathologies. Specific quality control measures are described and the long term results attained using the reported procedure are presented. A case of AM utilized to treat severe ocular ulceration is also described as an example of AM transplantation. Collective data for the total amniotic membrane patches deployed to treat various ocular diseases are discussed and success rates for AM transplantations are reported. An extensive follow-up is illustrated. The results suggest that the procedures and protocols used by the Treviso Tissue Bank Foundation and Veneto Eye Bank Foundation for collection, preservation, distribution and follow-up are of an optimal standard. Accordingly, the authors conclude that the safety and efficiency of the proposed procedure for the therapeutic use of AM to treat various ocular pathologies are reproducible, with additional evidence favoring the use of AM as an alternative to conventional medical treatment for certain ocular conditions.
authors.affiliation: Treviso Tissue Bank Foundation, Piazzale Ospedale 1, 31100, Treviso, Italy. apaolin@fbtv-treviso.org.
authors.forename: Adolfo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Paolin
authors.affiliation: Treviso Tissue Bank Foundation, Piazzale Ospedale 1, 31100, Treviso, Italy.
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cogliati
authors.affiliation: Treviso Tissue Bank Foundation, Piazzale Ospedale 1, 31100, Treviso, Italy.
authors.forename: Diletta
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Trojan
authors.affiliation: Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, Via Paccagnella 11, 30174, Venice, Italy.
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Griffoni
authors.affiliation: Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, Via Paccagnella 11, 30174, Venice, Italy.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grassetto
authors.affiliation: Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, Via Paccagnella 11, 30174, Venice, Italy.
authors.forename: Hossein Mostafa
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Elbadawy
authors.affiliation: Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, Via Paccagnella 11, 30174, Venice, Italy.
authors.forename: Diego
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ponzin
mesh_terms: D000650:Amnion / Q000637:transplantation*; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009885:Ophthalmology; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014456:Ulcer / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy
keywords: Amniotic membrane; Collection; Distribution; Follow-up; Long term; Preservation