Amniotic membrane transplantation in the treatment of persistent epithelial defect on the corneal graft

It has been shown that amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) improves healing of the epithelium defects as it serves as a basement membrane for endothelial cells growth, prevents inflammatory cell infiltration and reduces apoptosis in keratocytes. Having in mind the healing properties of AM we investigated the efficacy of AMT in persistent epithelial defect (PED) on the corneal graft. 80 corneal grafts were prospectively followed up for presence of PED 10 months after surgery. PED was detected in 12 cases (15%) having surgery for: rejected graft (n = 4), keratoconus (n = 3), keratoconus following PK on a second eye (n = 3), corneal perforation (n = 1) and Stevens-Johnson keratopathy (n = 1). Epithelial defect (ED) developed 14 +/- 7 days after surgery in 10 cases and 1.5 month in other two. All patients were primarily conservatively treated with subconjuctival steroids and artificial tears for 10 days and systemic steroid therapy if needed after, until the period of 2 weeks. 4 patients were healed. Since ED was unresponsive to all previous treatments for more than 2 weeks, one layer of AM was placed on the corneal lesion in 5 patients, and in 3 cases of deep PED several layers of AM were placed. Healing of the defect was obtained in 7/8 (87.5%) eyes. In 1 patient second AM transplantation was necessary. Mean epithelization time was 2 weeks (range 1-3 weeks) in monolayer and 3 weeks (range 2-4 weeks) for multilayer cases. 5 out of 8 patients retained the same best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) while 3/8 patients improved their vision more than 2 lines. Preoperative corneal thickness of 255 +/- 40 mm increased to 455 +/- 90 mm. AM transplantation facilitates healing of corneal epithelium. PED on the corneal graft unresponsive to conventional treatment can be effectively cured when covered with one or more amniotic membrane layers.     

Preserved Amniotic Membrane Transplantation for Conjunctival Surface Reconstruction

Objective. To study the efficacy of preserved human amniotic membrane in the reconstruction of conjunctival defect created during surgical removal of conjunctival lesions or symblepharon lysis. Methods. Preserved human amniotic membrane transplantation was performed in 93 eyes of 85 patients for reconstruction of various conjunctival surface problems. The indications for surgery were (1) pterygium excision (54 eyes), (2) conjunctival tumors excision (23 eyes), lysis of symblepharon (13 eyes), and covering a scleral graft (three eyes). Results. Success was noted in 69.9% (65/93) eyes, partially success in 22.6% (21/93) eyes, and failure in 7.5% (7/93) eyes with a mean follow-up of 8.9 months (1–28 months). In pterygium, conjunctival tumor, symblepharon, and scleral graft group, the success rate in each group was 70.3%, 78.3%, 53.8%, and 66.7% respectively. No serious immediate post-operative complications or graft rejection occurred. Conclusion. Amniotic membrane transplantation can be considered an alternative treatment for difficult ocular surface problems, and is effective in promoting epithelial healing, and reducing inflammation and scarring.     

Amniotic membrane transplantation for ocular surface reconstruction

The purpose of this study is to analyze the clinical experience and the effect of human amniotic membrane transplantation on pterygium excision and bullous keratopathy. From January 1999 to January 2001 at University Hospital "Sestre milosrdnice" amniotic membrane transplantation was performed consecutively in 21 eyes: 11 eyes with bullous keratopathy and 10 with recurrent pterygia. In the group with bullous keratopathy epithelization took place in 19.6 days in 72.7% and the reduction of pain was satisfactory. Recurrence rate in group with recurrent pterygia was 20%. Based on the presented results it could be concluded that amniotic membrane transplantation can be considered as an effective alternative for treating severe ocular surface diseases and as an alternative for penetrating keratoplasty if there is a lack of grafts.     

Long-term result of autologous cultivated oral mucosal epithelial transplantation for severe ocular surface disease

The present study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of autologous cultivated oral mucosal epithelial transplantation (COMET) on human amniotic membrane (AM) for corneal limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). In this prospective, noncomparative case series, 20 eyes (18 patients) with bilateral severe ocular surface disease were chosen to undergo COMET on human AM. The primary outcome was clinical success, and the secondary outcomes were the best-corrected visual acuity difference, corneal opacification, symblepharon formation, and complications. The mean patient age was 48.2 ± 15.5 years. The mean follow-up time was 31.9 ± 12.1 months (range 8–50 months). All except one eye exhibited complete epithelialization within the first postoperative week. A successful clinical outcome, defined as a stable ocular surface without epithelial defects, a clear cornea without fibrovascular tissue invasion at the pupillary area, and no or mild ocular surface inflammation, was obtained in 15 of 20 eyes (75 %). The clinical success rate at 1 year was 79.3 %, and that at 4 years (end of follow-up) was 70.5 %. Fourteen of 20 (70 %) eyes exhibited improvement in visual acuity after COMET, and some required subsequent cataract surgery (2 eyes), penetrating keratoplasty (3 eyes), or keratoprosthesis implantation (1 eye). Preoperative symblepharon was eliminated in most eyes (8 of 13, 61.5 %) after COMET combined with eyelid reconstruction when needed. The only complication was corneal perforation (1 eye) induced by a severe eyelid abnormality; treatment with a tectonic corneal graft was successful. COMET can successfully restore ocular surface damage in most eyes with corneal LSCD.     

Application of Preserved Human Amniotic Membrane for Corneal Surface Reconstruction

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of preserved human amniotic membrane transplantation for reconstruction of the corneal surface diseases. Methods: Preserved human amniotic membrane transplantations were performed in 84 eyes of 78 patients for corneal surface reconstruction. The indications were limbal stem cell deficiency from Steven–Johnson syndrome, chemical burn and herpes keratitis (27 eyes), bullous keratopathy (26 eyes), persistent epithelial defect and dellen (17 eyes), band keratopathy (11 eyes), preparing for prosthesis (1 eye), corneal ulcer (1 eye) and acute chemical burn (1 eye). Results: Success was noted in 83.3% (70/84) eyes, partial success in 13.1% (11/84) eyes, and failure in 3.6% (3/84) eyes for an average follow-up of 10.5 months (3 – 29 months). No patient developed major immediate post-operative complications. Conclusion: Amniotic membrane transplantation can reduce inflammation, promote corneal epithelial healing, and decrease irritation in corneal surface problems.     

Radiation Processed Amniotic Membranes in the Treatment of Non-Healing Ulcers of Different Etiologies

The amniotic membranes were collected from the placentae of selected and screened donors. Processing was done by washing the fresh amniotic membrane successively in sterile saline, 0.05% sodium hypochlorite solution and sterile distilled water until it was completely cleared of blood particles. The membranes were sterilized by gamma irradiation at 25 kGy. The processed amniotic membranes were applied to 50 open wounds comprising of 42 full thickness defects and eight partial thickness defects. These included leprotic, diabetic, traumatic, gravitational ulcers and superficial burn in the form of scald and corrosive burn. The radiation processed amniotic membranes favoured healing of unresponsive and non-healing ulcers of different etiologies. Ulcers with duration of minimum 3 weeks to maximum 12 months were found to heal in 2-6 weeks by the application of amniotic membranes.     

First results of Intracor procedure in Croatia

This study reports early outcomes of a cohort of presbyopic patients treated with Intracor. The study took place from December 2010 to May 2011 and was conducted in University Eye Hospital "Svjetlost", Zagreb, Croatia. 95 eyes were enrolled in this prospective clinical trial (49 patients with non dominant eye and 23 with bilateral treatment). All patients gave informed consent prior to enrollment. Follow up consisted of uncorrected and corrected distant and near visual acuity, record of topographic changes, visual disturbances and patient satisfaction at 1 week, 1 and 3 months after the surgery. In this study Intracor procedure presented as both safe and effective with all eyes gaining several lines of uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA), and achieving good uncorrected distant visual acuity(UDVA) as well. UDVA was affected by a mild myopic shift, which was effective in reducing mild preexisting hyperopia in some patients but led to a mild myopic outcome in previously emmetropic patients. Statistically significant improvement in UDVA and UNVA was observed in all time points. At 3 months of postoperative follow up all patients gained several lines of UNVA with monocular UNVA Jaeger system 1.67 +/- 0.28. UDVA showed slight improvement over time and initial myopic shift showed tendency of slight decrease with all patients achieving 1.0. Overall patients satisfaction was very high (98%) with only a few (3 patients, 5 eyes) reporting mild halo and glare at 3 months postop.Intracor procedure has proven its short-term safety and efficacy in treating presbyopia. However, longer follow up period is needed.     

Devastating endophthalmitis caused by Serratia marcescens in two recipients after transplantation of corneal grafts from the same donor

We report two cases of severe endophthalmitis, which were caused by Serratia marcescens, and developed in the immediate postoperative period in two recipients of corneal grafts from the same donor. The cause of the donor's death was massive CVA. He had been on mechanical ventilation for 12 days before he died, and had shown no sign of infectious disease while in the hospital. Vitrectomies were performed in the recipients' eyes on the third day after corneal transplantation. On the same day, and again 1day later, the transplanted eyes were injected intravitreally with vancomycin and ceftazidime. Two months after surgery, both eyes developed phthisis. These cases are similar to other rare reported cases describing the virulence of S. marcescens. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The expression of interleukin-1 alpha, TNF and VEGF in corneal cells of patients with bullous keratopathy

Bullous keratopathy (BK) is a chronic corneal edema with or without subepithelial bullae as a result of a loss of the endothelial cells. 15 patients with BK after cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation, due to Fuchs dystrophy (n = 3) or corneal endothelial trauma (n = 12) were included in the study. All patients were treated by amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT). Corneal epithelial cells in patients suffering from BK secreted 3.91 +/- 3.09 pg/mL of IL-1 alpha, 4446 +/- 16.8 pg/mL of TNF and 81.43 +/- 37.81 pg/mL of VEGF-I. Levels of all 3 investigated cytokines were significantly higher as compared to controls (p < 0.005). Amniotic membranes that were used to treat investigated patients contained 638.98 +/- 613.98 pg/mL of IL-1ra, 0.026 +/- 0.009 pg/mL of sTNF and 81.39 +/- 21.01 pg/mL of VEGF-R. Beneficial clinical effect of the AMT in treating BK could be explained by its natural production of pro-inflammatory cytokine antagonists such as IL-ra, sTNF antagonist and VEGF-R.     

Sutureless Fixation of Amniotic Membrane for Therapy of Ocular Surface Disorders

Amniotic membrane is applied to the diseased ocular surface to stimulate wound healing and tissue repair, because it releases supportive growth factors and cytokines. These effects fade within about a week after application, necessitating repeated application. Generally, amniotic membrane is fixed with sutures to the ocular surface, but surgical intervention at the inflamed or diseased site can be detrimental. Therefore, we have developed a system for the mounting of amniotic membrane between two rings for application to a diseased ocular surface without surgical intervention (sutureless amniotic membrane transplantation). With this system, AmnioClip, amniotic membrane can be applied like a large contact lens. First prototypes were tested in an experiment on oneself for wearing comfort. The final system was tested on 7 patients in a pilot study. A possible influence of the ring system on the biological effects of amniotic membrane was analyzed by histochemistry and by analyzing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF 2) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) from amniotic membranes before and after therapeutic application. The final product, AmnioClip, showed good tolerance and did not impair the biological effects of amniotic membrane. VEGF-A and PEDF mRNA was expressed in amniotic membrane after storage and mounting before transplantation, but was undetectable after a 7-day application period. Consequently, transplantation of amniotic membranes with AmnioClip provides a sutureless and hence improved therapeutic strategy for corneal surface disorders.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT02168790","term_id":"NCT02168790"}}NCT02168790     

翼状胬肉切除联合自体角膜缘干细胞移植术治疗翼状胬肉的临床疗效分析

目的:研究翼状胬肉切除术联合自体角膜缘干细胞移植治疗翼状胬肉的临床效果。方法:将2010年3月-2015年3月本院收治的105例翼状胬肉患者随机分为观察组和对照组。观察组患者53例,行翼状胬肉切除术联合自体角膜缘干细胞移植;对照组患者50例,行单纯翼状胬肉切除术。比较两组患者手术一般资料、手术前后视力水平、散光程度以及术后3个月和6个月的复发率。结果:术后,观察组角膜上皮修复时间、不适症状持续时间、住院时间均短于对照组;术后视力恢复情况、散光改善程度优于对照组;术后3个月和6个月治愈率显著高于对照组;而观察组术后并发率低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:翼状胬肉切除术联合自体角膜缘干细胞移植疗效显著、术后复发率低。     

黄斑部视网膜前膜患者手术前后黄斑区结构变化及与视功能预后的关系

目的:探讨黄斑部视网膜前膜患者手术前后黄斑区域结构变化情况,及其与患者术后视功能的关系。方法:对2014年2月-2016年8月间在我院进行手术治疗的黄斑部视网膜前膜患者60例(60眼)的临床资料进行回顾性分析。所有患者均进行光学相干断层扫描(OCT)检查,观察黄斑中心凹及各方位视网膜厚度变化,同时记录患者手术前后最佳矫正视力(BCVA),分析其相关性。结果:术后53例(53眼)患者视力提高,占88.33%,7例(7眼)患者视力不变,占11.67%。术前患者BCVA为(0.18±0.07),术后3个月BCVA为(0.38±0.12),术后3个月BCVA较术前显著提高(P0.05)。患者术后黄斑中心凹厚度、内环颞侧厚度、内环鼻侧厚度、内环上方厚度、内环下方厚度、外环颞侧厚度、外环鼻侧厚度、外环上方厚度、外环下方厚度较术前均显著降低,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。经Pearson相关分析显示,患者术前黄斑中心凹厚度、内环颞侧厚度、外环颞侧厚度、术前后黄斑中心凹厚度差值、术前后内环颞侧厚度差值、术前后外环颞侧厚度差值与术后BCVA呈负相关(P0.05)。结论:玻璃体切除术可以显著降低黄斑部视网膜前膜患者黄斑区视网膜厚度,提高患者视功能,术前黄斑区域形态对患者术后视力恢复有一定影响。     

Cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis associated uveitis

Clinical records of 6 children (7 eyes) with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) who underwent cataract surgery with IOL implantation between January 1998 and December 2002 were reviewed. The median age at the time of cataract surgery was 8 years (range 5-14 years). The median follow up was 48 months (range 26 to 60 months). Five of six children (6 eyes) were on systemic immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory therapy. Glaucoma was present in three eyes before surgery, and all three eyes underwent combined cataract surgery and trabeculectomy with mitomycin C. A final best corrected visual acuity of 0.5 or better was achieved in all eyes Postoperative complications included posterior capsule opacification (n = 5), glaucoma (n = 1), and cystoid macular edema (n = 1). Intraocular lens implantation in children with control of preoperative and postoperative ocular inflammation could lead to favorable visual results.     

玻璃体视网膜手术治疗先天性视网膜劈裂及其并发症的临床疗效

目的:评价玻璃体视网膜手术治疗先天性视网膜劈裂及其并发症的临床疗效。方法:选择2009年1月-2012年1月于我院进行玻璃体视网膜手术的先天性视网膜劈裂患者30例(42只眼),患者均接受了闭合式睫状体经扁平部三切口入路保留晶状体的玻璃体切割手术,并分析其术前及术后情况。结果:先天性视网膜劈裂患者中发生孔源性视网膜脱离19眼,牵拉性视网膜脱离8眼,玻璃体积血10眼,同时伴有视网膜脱离和玻璃体积血有5眼;在末次随访时视力提高者有36只眼,占85.71%,无提高者有6只眼,占14.29%;术前平均视力为(0.15±0.09),末次随访时平均视力提高至(0.31±0.16),两者平均视力差异具有统计学意义(t=5.649,P0.001);42只眼视网膜解剖结构复位良好,视网膜平伏;OCT检查结果显示,末次随访时黄斑劈裂平均面积(0.22±0.18)mm2,与术前黄斑劈裂平均面积(1.07±0.52)mm2比较,差异有统计学意义(t=10.011,P0.001),黄斑微囊样改变有改善;随访期间5只眼出现并发症,占11.90%,其中2眼术后发生PVR且伴牵拉性视网膜脱离,2只眼发生白内障,1只眼出现玻璃体积血,术后视网膜解剖均复位良好。结论:玻璃体视网膜手术可以帮助患者进行视网膜解剖复位及提高其先天性视网膜劈裂患者视功能,具有良好的临床疗效。     

框架眼镜联合角膜塑形镜矫正青少年高度近视的临床疗效及对角膜内皮细胞和泪膜的影响

目的:探讨框架眼镜联合角膜塑形镜矫正青少年高度近视的临床疗效及对角膜内皮细胞和泪膜的影响。方法:选取2018年1月2019年3月期间我院收治的青少年高度近视患者98例(181眼),根据信封抽签法分为对照组49例92眼(框架眼镜配戴治疗)和观察组49例89眼(对照组基础上联合角膜塑形镜治疗)。对比两组裸眼视力、屈光度、眼轴长度、角膜内皮细胞密度和数量、泪膜情况以及并发症发生情况。结果:观察组治疗后1个月、3个月、6个月、1年屈光度呈下降趋势(P<0.05),眼轴长度未见明显变化(P>0.05),治疗后6个月、1年裸眼视力较治疗前,治疗后1个月、3个月增加且治疗后1年裸眼视力高于治疗后6个月(P<0.05);观察组治疗后1个月、3个月、6个月、1年屈光度低于对照组(P<0.05),治疗后6个月、1年裸眼视力高于对照组,眼轴长度短于对照组(P<0.05)。两组治疗前、治疗后1年角膜内皮细胞密度(ECD)、六角形细胞(HEX)百分比和细胞面积变异系数(CV)组间及组内对比无差异(P>0.05)。观察组治疗后1年泪膜破裂时间(TBUT)、非接触性泪膜破裂时间(NTBUT)较治疗前下降,且低于对照组(P<0.05)。两组治疗前、治疗后1年基础泪液分泌量(Schirmer)组间及组内对比无差异(P>0.05)。两组并发症总发生率对比无差异(P>0.05)。结论:青少年高度近视的患者在佩戴框架眼镜基础上应用角膜塑形镜,可有效矫正近视屈光度,提高患者裸眼视力,对角膜内皮细胞无明显影响,且不增加并发症发生率,但对人体泪膜稳定性有一定的影响,临床治疗中应加强泪膜情况的戴镜前检查和戴镜后随访。     

"Brilliant Blue G" and "Membrane Blue Dual" assisted vitrectomy for macular hole

The aim of this study is to evaluate vital dyes "Brilliant Blue G" (BBG) and "Membrane Blue Dual" (MBD) for intraoperative staining of the inner limiting membrane (ILM) during vitrectomy for macular hole (MH). Retrospective, comparative case series on 18 eyes with macular holes who underwent "23 and 25 gauge" pars plana vitrectomy. Main outcome measurements were staining intensity and characteristics, visual acuity, visual field, OCT measurements and complications over a period of 6 months. With the help of BBG and MBD successfully was removed complete ILM in 14 eyes. Postoperative visual acuity was improved in 12 patients, unchanged in 2 patients and worse in 4 patients. Central retinal thickness showed significant postoperative reduction with closure of macular hole. OCT values range were from -10 to -250 microm. No visual field defects and no adverse effects were found. BBG and MBD successfully identificate internal limiting membrane during vitrectomy for MH. Good anatomical and functional results are achieved with the use of both vital dyes.     

伊班膦酸盐预防肝移植术后骨质疏松症的临床效果观察

目的:观察每月口服伊班膦酸盐、维生素D3及钙剂预防肝移植术后骨质减少及骨质疏松症的临床疗效。方法:选择我院2011年1月至2013年8月收治的50例终末期肝病行尸体原位肝移植的患者,患者肝移植术后每月口服伊班膦酸钠(150mg)、维生素D3(800IE)及钙剂(1g/日),采用双能X线吸收测定法评估移植术后3个月、6个月、1年、2年腰椎及股骨颈的骨密度,同时评估骨的代谢物碱性磷酸酶(BAP)、尿吡啶诺林(PYD)、尿脱氧吡啶诺林(DPYD)的变化。结果:肝移植术后3个月患者的腰椎骨和股骨颈骨密度T值及测量值较移植前均有所下降,在持续治疗后12个月及后上升较为明显,骨密度较基线值的百分比从移植后的3个月到24个月呈稳定的上升趋势,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。移植术后3个月的骨碱性磷酸酶较移植前明显的下降,在6、12个月时较前增加,但在24个月时再次下降。而移植术后的3、6个月的尿吡啶诺林、尿脱氧吡啶诺林上升,在12、24个月时与移植前比较无明显变化。移植后2年骨折发生率为4%。结论:每月口服1次伊班膦酸盐能显著提高肝移植术后患者第1年及第2年的骨密度,降低骨折的发生率。     

Intracameral bevacizumab and mitomycin C Trabeculectomy for eyes with neovascular glaucoma: a case series

The purpose of this study was to describe the surgical outcomes and safety of intracameral bevacizumab during trabeculectomy in eyes with neovascular glaucoma. Pilot study included four eyes (four patients) with refractory neovascular glaucoma submitted to fornix-based trabeculectomy with adjunctive use of bevacizumab in the anterior chamber during the procedure. Patients were previously treated with panretinal photocoagulation as standard therapy. Variables evaluated were intraocular pressure, bleb appearance, iris neovascularization, intraoperative/postoperative complications, and visual outcomes. No intraoperative complication was observed. The mean follow-up period was 12.75 (range, 12–15 months). All eyes showed significant intraocular pressure control postoperatively. Iris neovascularization reduced significantly within 1 month after surgery. Mild anterior chamber inflammation was observed during follow-up in all eyes. No significant postoperative complication was observed, and no patient presented visual acuity deterioration. Intracameral bevacizumab may be used as an adjunctive therapy during trabeculectomy in eyes with neovascular glaucoma.     

Recovery of walking speed and symmetrical movement of the pelvis and lower extremity joints after unilateral THA

In 17 patients with unilateral hip disease who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA), the gait was analyzed preoperatively and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after unilateral THA using a Vicon system to assess the recovery of walking speed and symmetrical movement of the hip, knee, ankle, and pelvis. The walking speed of these patients reached that of normal Japanese persons by 12 months after surgery. Walking speed was correlated with the range of hip motion on the operated side at 1 month postoperatively, and was correlated with the hip joint extension moment of force on both sides from 3 to 6 months after surgery. Before THA, asymmetry was observed in the range of the hip motion, maximum hip flexion, maximum hip extension, maximum knee flexion, as well as in pelvic obliquity, pelvic tilt, and pelvic rotation. There were no differences of the stride length or step length between both sides throughout the observation period. The preoperative range of hip flexion on the operated side during a gait cycle (21.3+/-7.9 degrees ) was significantly smaller than on the non-operated side (46.7+/-7.1 degrees ), and the difference between sides was still significant at 12 months after surgery (35.1+/-6.2 degrees on the operated side and 43.6+/-5.7 degrees on the non-operated side). The majority (74%) of the difference in hip motion range during this period was due to the difference in maximum extension of the hip. The increase in the range of pelvic tilt and the range of motion of the opposite hip showed an inverse correlation with the range of motion of the operated hip, suggesting a compensatory preoperative role. However, this correlation became insignificant after 6 months postoperatively. Asymmetry of the range of hip motion persisted at 12 months after THA in patients with unilateral coxoarthropathy during free level walking, while the operation normalized the spatial asymmetry of other joints and the walking speed prior to the recovery of hip motion.