Abstract | BACKGROUND: DESIGN: Prospective, non-comparative interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: METHODS: Autologous ex vivo cultured limbal stem cells were grafted onto the recipient eye after superficial keratectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical parameters of limbal stem cell deficiency (stability/transparency of the corneal epithelium, superficial corneal vascularization and pain/ photophobia), visual acuity, cytokeratin expression on impression cytology specimens and histology on excised corneal buttons. RESULTS: At 12 months post-surgery, evaluation of the 16 patients showed that 10 (62.6%) experienced complete restoration of a stable and clear epithelium and 3 (18.7%) had partially successful outcomes (re-appearance of conjunctiva in some sectors of the cornea and instable corneal surface). Graft failure (no change in corneal surface conditions) was seen in three (18.7%) patients. Penetrating keratoplasty was performed in seven patients, with visual acuity improving up to 0.8 (best result). For two patients, regeneration of the corneal epithelium was confirmed by molecular marker (p63, cytokeratin 3, 12 and 19, mucin 1) analysis. Follow-up times ranged from 12 to 50 months. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | Giorgio Marchini, Emilio Pedrotti, Massimo Pedrotti, Vanessa Barbaro, Enzo Di Iorio, Stefano Ferrari, Marina Bertolin, Barbara Ferrari, Mattia Passilongo, Adriano Fasolo, Diego Ponzin |
Journal | Clinical & experimental ophthalmology
(Clin Exp Ophthalmol)
Vol. 40
Issue 3
Pg. 255-67
(Apr 2012)
ISSN: 1442-9071 [Electronic] Australia |
PMID | 21668791
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Copyright | © 2011 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology © 2011 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. |
Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Burns, Chemical
(physiopathology, surgery)
- Cells, Cultured
- Corneal Diseases
(physiopathology, surgery)
- Epithelium, Corneal
(transplantation)
- Eye Burns
(chemically induced)
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Keratoplasty, Penetrating
- Limbus Corneae
(cytology)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Prospective Studies
- Stem Cell Transplantation
- Stem Cells
(pathology)
- Transplantation, Autologous
- Treatment Outcome
- Visual Acuity
(physiology)
- Young Adult
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