[Management of corneal neovascularization prior to corneal transplantation: Report of 112 cases].
BACKGROUND
The avascular nature of the cornea results from a balance between angiogenic factors and anti-angiogenic factors. Under pathological conditions, this homeostasis can be disturbed, resulting in the onset of corneal neovascularization. The purpose of our study was to report our experience in the management of corneal neovascularization prior to keratoplasty.


METHODS
This is a prospective study of 112 patients with corneal neovascularization and candidates for possible corneal transplant.


RESULTS
The average age of patients was 38 years, ranging from 15 to 72 years. The etiologies of neovascularization were dominated by ocular trauma (26.8 %). In total, 48.33 % of patients had superficial neovascularization, 18.52 % moderately deep and 33.2 % deep neovascularization. All patients received topical corticosteroids, 29.4 % received subconjunctival injections of bevacizumab, and 22.32 % intrastromal bevacizumab injections. Clinical course was marked by a decrease in the percentage of corneal neovascularization compared to the total corneal surface area, from 45 % (between 16 and 82 %) to 28 % (between 0 and 69 %) at Day 120. There was no statistically significant improvement in visual acuity.


CONCLUSIONS
Corneal neovascularization is a major risk factor for graft rejection; its management is crucial prior to every keratoplasty.


CONCLUSIONS
Corneal neovascularization can lead to increased risk of graft rejection. Proper management increases the success rate of penetrating keratoplasty.
Service d'ophtalmologie, CHU Mohammed VI, 40000 Marrakech, Maroc. Electronic address: sarahhhbelgh@gmail.com.
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S
Belghmaidi
Service d'ophtalmologie, CHU Mohammed VI, 40000 Marrakech, Maroc.
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I
Hajji
Service d'ophtalmologie, CHU Mohammed VI, 40000 Marrakech, Maroc.
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W
Ennassiri
Service d'ophtalmologie, CHU Mohammed VI, 40000 Marrakech, Maroc.
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R
Benhaddou
Service d'ophtalmologie, CHU Mohammed VI, 40000 Marrakech, Maroc.
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T
Baha Ali
Service d'ophtalmologie, CHU Mohammed VI, 40000 Marrakech, Maroc.
A
A
Moutaouakil
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068258:Bevacizumab / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016510:Corneal Neovascularization / Q000628:therapy*; D048988:Corneal Surgery, Laser; D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D056965:Injections, Intraocular; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D000068258:Bevacizumab
Bevacizumab; Bévacizumab; Corneal neovascularization; Corticosteroids; Corticothérapie; Injection intrastromale; Intrastromal injection; Keratoplasty; Kératoplastie; Néovascularisation cornéenne; Rejection; Rejet