title: Long-term results of allogenic penetrating limbo-keratoplasty: 20 years of experience.
abstract: AimThe objective of the study was to evaluate the long-term results of allogenic penetrating limbo-keratoplasy. This method allows simultaneous transplantation of a corneal graft and limbal stem cells of the donor by means of eccentric trephination of the donor button.MethodThe data of 192 consecutive cases of allogenic penetrating limbo-keratoplasty from 1995 to 2015 were reviewed. These had been performed exclusively in eyes with complete failure of the limbal stem cells, in combination with deep corneal scarring. Indications were predominantly eye burns, inflammatory conditions, and congenital aniridia. Graft survival and rejection rates were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis.ResultsFollow-up averaged 2.1±2.2 years. Median graft survival was 3.4 years in eye burns, 3.9 years in inflammatory disease, and 3.2 years in congenital aniridia. Median survival was 3.9 years in the heterogenous group of other indications.ConclusionAllogenic limbo-keratoplasty is a suitable option used to treat patients with bilateral complete failure of the limbal stem cells and deep opacification of the central cornea. The main reasons for graft failure are the loss of graft-limbal stem cell functioning and endothelial graft rejection.
authors: Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
authors: S J
authors: SJ
authors: Lang
authors: Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Böhringer
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Geerling
authors: Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Reinhard
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D005126:Eye Burns / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053208:Kaplan-Meier Estimate; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating / Q000379:methods*; D016850:Limbus Corneae / Q000166:cytology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D013256:Steroids