羊膜移植与结膜瓣遮盖在角膜溃疡治疗中临床疗效的对比观察

目的:分析羊膜移植与结膜瓣遮盖在角膜溃疡治疗中的临床疗效,探讨其在角膜溃疡治疗中的不同手术适应范围,为临床治疗提供循证医学依据。方法:回顾性分析我院2004-10/2009-07行羊膜移植或结膜瓣遮盖手术治疗的角膜溃疡住院患者46例47眼,其中病毒性角膜溃疡13例14眼,真菌性角膜溃疡19例19眼,细菌性角膜溃疡7例7眼,蚕食及边缘性角膜溃疡3例3眼,无菌炎症性角膜溃疡2例2眼,手术引起角膜内皮失代偿致角膜上皮大泡、溃疡2例2眼;穿孔9例9眼。上述患者行病灶清除+羊膜移植或结膜瓣遮盖手术治疗,行羊膜移植17例18眼,结膜瓣遮盖29例29眼,其中结膜瓣遮盖后行角膜移植2例2眼,术后针对原发病进一步进行药物治疗。结果:羊膜移植治疗后,治愈13例14眼,治愈率为78%(14/18);行结膜瓣遮盖治疗后,治愈23例23眼,治愈率为79%(23/29);二者在临床治愈率上没有明显的差别(P>0.05)。结论:羊膜移植与结膜瓣遮盖根据不同的溃疡类型及不同的溃疡发展进程选择合适的手术方式可以达到较好的手术疗效。     

New surgical approach for superior conjunctivochalasis

PURPOSE: To show poor adhesion between the conjunctiva and the sclera in eyes with superior conjunctivochalasis (CCh) and to introduce a new surgical approach by reinforcing adhesion between the conjunctiva and the sclera for correcting this deficiency. METHODS: After conjunctival peritomy and removal of the loose Tenon remnants, "Tenon reinforcement" for conjunctival adhesion to the underlying sclera was achieved by transplantation of cryopreserved amniotic membrane with fibrin glue (group A, 9 eyes of 6 patients) or 10-0 nylon sutures (group B, 8 eyes of 6 patients) in 17 eyes of 12 patients with refractory superior CCh. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 68.2 +/- 9.8 years (range, 54-80 years). Superior CCh was associated with a superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (SLK)-like clinical feature before surgery and found to exhibit dissolved Tenon capsule during surgery in all patients. During a mean follow-up of 3.7 +/- 1.9 months after surgery, all eyes achieved smooth conjunctival surface without any sign of CCh. Complete resolution of symptoms was seen in 9 eyes (52.9%) and significant resolution in 8 eyes (47.1%). There was no significant difference between groups A and B in improvement of symptoms and signs. No complications related to surgery were noted during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that loose and dissolved Tenon tissue is correlated with the development of superior CCh, which may result in an SLK-like appearance by blink-related microtrauma. Reinforcement of conjunctival adhesion onto the sclera by amniotic membrane with either fibrin glue or sutures is effective in alleviating symptoms and signs in eyes with superior CCh.     

Role of conjunctival inflammation in surgical outcome after amniotic membrane transplantation with or without fibrin glue for pterygium

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical significance of postoperative conjunctival inflammation noted at the third or fourth week after intraoperative application of mitomycin C and amniotic membrane transplantation for pterygium. METHODS: This retrospective study included 27 eyes of 23 patients with primary (n = 12) or recurrent (n = 15) pterygia. All cases were operated by extensive removal of subconjunctival fibrovascular tissue and intraoperative application of 0.04% mitomycin C in the fornix, followed by amniotic membrane transplantation by using either fibrin glue (14 eyes) or sutures (13 eyes). Main outcome measures included development of conjunctival inflammation, pyogenic granuloma, and pterygium recurrence after surgery. RESULTS: For a follow-up of 29.6 +/- 17.2 months (range, 6-56 months), 16 (59.3%) eyes without postoperative conjunctival inflammation resulted in favorable outcomes. Conjunctival inflammation around the surgical site was noted in the remaining 11 (40.7%) eyes and was significantly more common in eyes with sutures than those with fibrin glue (61.5% vs. 21.4%, respectively; P = 0.05). Among those with this inflammation, 7 eyes receiving subconjunctival injection of triamcinolone resulted in complete resolution and a good aesthetic outcome. Four eyes without this injection gradually developed conjunctival (n = 1) or corneal (n = 1) recurrence and/or pyogenic granuloma (n = 3). CONCLUSIONS: Host conjunctival inflammation is still common after intraoperative application of mitomycin C and amniotic membrane transplantation, especially when sutures are used in pterygium surgery. If left untreated, persistent inflammation may lead to a poor surgical outcome.     

Amniotic membrane transplantation with fibrin glue for conjunctivochalasis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of performing sutureless amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) using fibrin glue for conjunctivochalasis. DESIGN: Noncomparative interventional case series. METHODS: In 25 eyes of 16 patients with refractory conjunctivochalasis (CCh), AMT using fibrin glue was performed to cover the bare sclera. RESULTS: The mean age was 55.2 +/- 18.5 years with nine patients (56.2%) younger than 60 years. The Tenon capsule was dissolved in all eyes. Fibrin glue was effective in securing the amniotic membrane to the sclera. For a mean follow-up of 10.6 +/- 4.3 months, all eyes achieved a smooth conjunctival surface with complete or significant improvement of symptoms in 44% and 56%, respectively. Complications included focal conjunctival inflammation in four eyes and pyogenic granuloma in one eye. CONCLUSION: AMT using fibrin glue can be performed for refractory CCh resulting in alleviating its symptoms and signs.     

羊膜移植结膜囊成形术的疗效观察

目的探讨羊膜移植结膜囊成形术中的疗效。方法36例（36眼）结膜囊成形术,包括16眼结膜缺损,行单纯羊膜移植术;8眼睑球粘连涉及角膜或角膜有大量新生血管,行羊膜移植联合板层角膜移植术;12眼行羊膜移植联合结膜穹隆成形。术后随访6～12个月。结果无1例感染。术后10d,移植的羊膜透明,缝合处结膜向羊膜上爬行;术后1个月新生的结膜上皮完全覆盖移植区。36眼治愈14眼,好转19眼,无效3眼。结论羊膜移植是修补结膜囊的一种有效方法。     

A new surgical technique for management of conjunctivochalasis

PURPOSE: To present a new surgical technique for severe, symptomatic conjunctivochalasis and our hypothesis of the pathogenesis of this condition. METHODS: Six eyes of three patients with conjunctivochalasis (average age +/-SD, 70.0 +/- 9.6 years; range, 56-78 years) were treated with a conjunctival fixation to sclera with three 6-0 Vicryl (Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, New Jersey) stitches. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up period of 209.5 days (range, 181-219 days), we achieved successful treatment in all eyes, with no recurrence of conjunctival folds. CONCLUSION: We successfully treated conjunctivochalasis with conjunctival fixation to sclera, which strongly suggests that conjuctival folds are caused by the folding and the elevating of loosely adherent bulbar conjunctiva of the lower eyelid.     

Amniotic membrane transplantation to reconstruct the conjunctival surface in cases of chemical burn

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficiency of preserved human amniotic membrane transplantation for conjunctival surface reconstruction in cases of chemical burn. METHODS: Preserved amniotic membrane transplantation was performed in 6 patients (6 eyes) having symblepharon and fornix insufficiency due to chemical burn. Amniotic membrane was sutured to the intact conjunctiva after the fibrotic tissue was excised. The fornix was reconstructed in cases having fornix insufficiency. These cases were followed up for 4-24 months. RESULTS: During the mean follow-up period (10+/-7.37 months) adequate bulbar conjunctiva and fornix depth was achieved in 5 patients without recurrence and with mild fibrosis. In 1 patient who did not have a healthy conjunctiva preoperatively, conjunctival fibrosis and symblepharon recurred. CONCLUSIONS: Preserved human amniotic membrane transplantation is a good alternative treatment method for conjunctival surface reconstruction in those cases with some healthy peripheral conjunctival tissue.     

Amniotic membrane transplantation in acute chemical burns

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of fresh amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) for ocular surface reconstruction in acute chemical burns. METHODS: A prospective study of 15 consecutive eyes with acute chemical burns was performed. In all, 10 eyes had lime burns and five eyes had acid burns. There were three eyes of grade II, four eyes of grade III and eight eyes of grade IV burns. AMT was performed within 3 weeks of injury. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for 10.14 +/- 4.41 months. All patients had immediate relief of pain postoperatively. Of 15 eyes, nine (60%) showed epithelialization within 1-4 weeks (15.33 +/- 9.91 days). The final visual acuity improved in 10 of 15 eyes (66.66%). Eyes with burns of grade II and III showed more visual improvement than those with grade IV burns. None of the eyes showed perforation. Symblepharon was seen in nine of 15 eyes (60%). Of 15 eyes, 12 (80%) experienced limbal stem cell deficiency and showed superficial corneal vascularization. CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic membrane transplantation with fresh amniotic membrane increases patient comfort and reduces inflammation. In mild burns, AMT alone restores corneal and conjunctival surfaces. In moderate to severe burns, it probably reduces conjunctival scarring sequelae, but does not prevent the sequelae of limbal stem cell deficiency that requires further limbal stem cell transplantation. In the acute stage, amniotic membrane transplantation probably has a protective role against the progressive melting and perforation.     

带蒂结膜瓣移植联合MMC治疗翼状胬肉合并结膜松弛症

目的：探讨带蒂结膜瓣移植联合丝裂霉素治疗翼状胬肉合并结膜松弛症的疗效。 方法：对翼状胬肉合并结膜松弛症患者122例156眼进行翼状胬肉切除,下方带蒂结膜瓣移植联合术中使用0.2g/L丝裂霉素C。 结果：患者122例156眼术后2mo眼部症状有不同程度改善。泪河恢复正常者136眼（87.18％）;泪膜破裂时间（BUT）≥10s者117眼（75.00％）;裂隙灯显微镜检查眼球与下睑缘、内外眦部之间无松弛结膜皱褶者147眼（94.23%）;下睑缘位置正常者142眼（91.03%）。手术后观察6mo~4a,胬肉复发5眼（3.21%）,结膜松弛复发15眼（9.62%）。 结论：翼状胬肉切除术中,下方带蒂结膜瓣移植联合术中使用丝裂霉素C治疗翼状胬肉合并结膜松弛症,手术简单易行,取材容易,安全可靠,损伤小,并发症少,复发率低,适合临床开展。     

Amniotic membrane transplantation for repair of leaking glaucoma filtering blebs

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and efficacy of human preserved amniotic membrane transplant with conjunctival advancement for repair of late-onset glaucoma filtering bleb leaks. METHOD: A prospective, randomized clinical trial compared amniotic membrane transplant with conjunctival advancement in patients with leaking glaucoma filtering blebs. Intraocular pressure, number of glaucoma medications, and reoperation for glaucoma or persistent or recurrent bleb-leak were compared in the two groups. Patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year. RESULTS: Mean intraocular pressure was the same at 6 (amniotic membrane transplant, 15.4 +/- 4.4, conjunctival advancement 14.1 +/- 6.4, P = 0.6), 12 (amniotic membrane transplant, 15.0 +/- 6.3, conjunctival advancement, 13.2 +/- 6.6, P = 0.5), and 24 (amniotic membrane transplant, 17.2 +/- 7.1, conjunctival advancement, 15.0 +/- 6.3, P = 0.6) months. The mean number of glaucoma medications in use was the same in the two groups at all time intervals. After an average follow-up of 19 months, there were seven failures in the amniotic membrane transplant group (two with persistent leaks that were unresponsive to further suturing, two with late-onset leaks, and three who required repeat glaucoma surgery) and none in the conjunctival advancement group. The cumulative survival rate for amniotic membrane transplant was 81% at 6 months, 74% at 1 year, and 46% at 2 years. The cumulative survival rate was 100% for conjunctival advancement throughout follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic membrane transplantation does not offer an effective alternative to conjunctival advancement for repair of leaking glaucoma filtering blebs.     

Amniotic membrane transplantation after extensive removal of primary and recurrent pterygia

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the postoperative outcome and the recurrence rate after extensive removal of primary and recurrent pterygia combined with amniotic membrane transplantation. DESIGN: A noncomparative interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-four eyes in 54 subjects with either primary (n = 33) or recurrent (n = 21) pterygia operated on by one surgeon (SCGT). INTERVENTION: All subjects were operated on for pterygia with an extensive excision of the lesion followed by amniotic membrane transplantation and intraoperative injection of a depot corticosteroid. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cumulative rates of conjunctival (grade 3) and corneal (grade 4) recurrence and incidence of complications. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 12.8 +/- 4.3 months for primary and 14.3 +/- 4.9 months for recurrent pterygia. The true recurrence rate (grade 4) was 3.0%, 9.5%, and 5.6% for primary, recurrent, and all pterygia, respectively. The cumulative proportion of recurrence-free eyes at 12 months was 0.90 +/- 0.06 for primary and 0.69 +/- 0.11 for recurrent pterygia (P = 0.047, log-rank test). Removal of the semilunar fold was associated with longer survival times (P = 0.063) and decreased failure rate (P = 0.046). A similar success rate was achieved in double-head pterygia (1 recurrence in 11 eyes). CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic membrane transplantation is an effective and safe procedure for pterygium surgery, with a relatively low recurrence rate for both primary and recurrent pterygia. It can be a useful alternative to conjunctival autograft when a large conjunctival defect has to be covered, such as in primary double-head pterygia and in large recurrent pterygia.     

新鲜羊膜移植治疗严重的急性炎症期及瘢痕期眼表疾病的临床研究

目的　探讨新鲜羊膜移植治疗严重的急性炎症期和瘢痕期眼表疾病的可行性并对其疗效进行评价。方法　选择本院急性化学伤、热烧伤共 5例 (6只眼 ) ,复发性蚕蚀性角膜溃疡 8例 (8只眼 ) ,各种原因导致的大面积睑球粘连 42例 (49只眼 ) ,共计 5 5例 (6 3只眼 )临床连续住院患者 ,分别行单纯新鲜羊膜移植术 38例 (46只眼 ) ,羊膜移植联合板层角膜移植术 8例 (8只眼 ) ,羊膜移植联合角膜缘移植术 9例 (9只眼 )。术后均经印迹细胞学追踪观察移植后羊膜上皮细胞存活的时间。术后随访观察 6～ 18个月 ,平均 11个月。结果　 5 5例术后临床上均未见新鲜羊膜植片急性排斥反应。严重急性眼烧伤的 6只眼中 ,术后 5只眼无角结膜进行性溶解和穿孔 ,无新生血管和假性胬肉侵入角膜表面 ,虹膜亦未见萎缩 ,视力有不同程度的提高。复发性蚕蚀性角膜溃疡 8只眼术后未见复发。严重睑球粘连 49只眼中 ,46只眼恢复了眼球的运动功能 ,3只眼术后 3个月再次发生睑球粘连。泪液分泌功能基本正常者羊膜上皮细胞移植后可存活约 3个月。结论　新鲜羊膜移植可有效地用于重建角结膜表面 ,减轻炎性反应 ,减少新生血管的生成 ,抑制纤维组织增生 ,同时可用于防止蚕蚀性角膜溃疡的复发。充分清除眼表的病变组织和羊膜移植片的缝合固定 ,对羊膜     

Amniotic membrane transplantation with conjunctival limbal autograft for total limbal stem cell deficiency

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of corneal surface reconstruction with conjunctival limbal autograft when combined with amniotic membrane transplantation on both the donor and recipient eyes. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional small case series. PARTICIPANTS: Five eyes of five patients with total limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) resulting from pseudopemphigoid (n = 1), chemical burns (n = 3), and extensive removal of conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (n = 1) were operated on by one surgeon (SCGT). INTERVENTION: After the removal of fibrovascular pannus from the corneal surface, two conjunctival limbal free grafts were harvested from the fellow eyes in all five patients with unilateral LSCD. Amniotic membrane, with the basement membrane side up, was grafted onto the defect created at the donor site and onto the recipient corneal and limbal sclera before placement of conjunctival limbal grafts. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Symptomatic relief, improvement in visual acuity, fornix deepening, and rapid healing and restoration of normal cornea and limbus in the recipient and donor eyes were assessed. RESULTS: During the mean follow-up of 22 months (range, 11-48 months), all eyes experienced symptomatic relief. All recipient eyes had a mean improvement in visual acuity of nine lines (range, 7-12). The three eyes with stromal vascularization showed regression, and all recipient eyes had marked improvement in corneal clarity. Three eyes receiving simultaneous symblepharon lysis and fornix reconstruction successfully regained deep, stable fornices. The donor eyes showed rapid healing and restoration of the normal limbal landmark, even in one eye where nearly the entire limbus was removed. CONCLUSIONS: Limbal conjunctival transplantation is an effective procedure for restoring the corneal surface integrity in eyes with total LSCD. The additional use of amniotic membrane may contribute to a higher rate of success in the recipient eye and a lower rate of complications in the donor eye, as well as allow the simultaneous correction of concomitant cicatricial abnormalities.     

Randomised controlled study of conjunctival autograft versus amniotic membrane graft in pterygium excision

AIM: To determine whether amniotic membrane can be used as an alternative to conjunctival autograft after pterygium excision. METHODS: 287 eyes with either primary or recurrent pterygium were included in this study. All eyes were randomised to undergo conjunctival autograft or amniotic membrane transplantation after pterygium excision by a single surgeon. 106 eyes in primary pterygium and 14 eyes in the recurrent group were treated with conjunctival autograft, and 148 eyes in primary pterygium and 19 eyes in the recurrent group were treated with amniotic membrane transplantation. Patients were followed up at 6 weeks and 6 months after operation. The main outcome measurement was recurrence rate after surgery. RESULTS: In the conjunctival group, the recurrence rate was 12.3%, 21.4% and 13.1% for primary, recurrent and all pterygia, respectively. In the amniotic membrane group, the recurrence rate was 25.0%, 52.6% and 28.1% for primary, recurrent and all pterygia, respectively. The recurrence rate for all pterygia in the amniotic membrane group was significantly higher than that in the conjunctival group (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic membrane graft had a higher recurrence rate than conjunctival autograft. However, it is an alternative choice, especially for advanced cases with bilateral heads or patients who might need glaucoma surgery later.     

眼烧伤后重度睑球粘连眼表重建的临床研究

目的探讨新鲜供体带角膜缘板层角膜移植（LKP）联合带角膜缘干细胞自体球结膜移植和羊膜移植治疗眼烧伤后重度睑球粘连的眼表重建效果。方法选择1998年2月至2003年2月我院收治的眼烧伤后重度睑球粘连患者26例（26只眼）。根据视功能受损程度将睑球粘连分为4度．其中Ⅲ度19只眼、Ⅳ度7只眼。手术方法：（1）分离睑球粘连,保留假性胬肉;（2）利用新鲜供体行带角巩膜缘的部分LKP（19只眼）或全LKP（7只眼）;（3）取带角膜缘组织自体球结膜瓣移植于粘连最重的创面;（4）假性胬肉后徙,部分替代球结膜,联合羊膜移植重建结膜囊。术后随访8～36个月,观察结膜囊情况、眼球活动、角膜植片免疫排斥反应情况以及羊膜和假性胬肉的转归。结果除1只眼因睑裂闭合不全行永久性睑裂缝合术外,其余25只眼的眼表情况均得到不同程度改善。（1）睑球粘连：17只眼（65％）第一次手术后粘连完全分离,复视消失;8只眼（31％）在单纯羊膜覆盖的创面区复发条带状睑球粘连,其中5只眼经再次手术粘连完全解除,3只眼残余Ⅰ度粘连。（2）羊膜在术后1周开始自溶,3个月时完全消失;保留的假性胬肉术后1～3个月充血消退,逐渐变薄,相应区域无睑球粘连复发。（3）角膜情况：6只眼角膜植片发生免疫排斥反应,其中3只眼治疗后植片恢复透明,2只眼因植片混浊行二次LKP。结论新鲜供体带角膜缘LKP联合带角膜缘干细胞自体球结膜移植和羊膜移植是治疗眼烧伤后重度睑球粘连的有效方法,假性胬肉可部分替代球结膜重建结膜囊,羊膜移植在重度睑球粘连的治疗中仅发挥暂时支持创面促进眼表恢复的作用。（中华眼科杂志,2005,41：791-795）     

新鲜羊膜移植治疗早期重症眼部烧伤

目的 探讨新鲜羊膜移植联合结膜、角膜移植对早期重症眼部烧伤的治疗效果。方法 急性重症眼部烧伤患者21例22眼，分别行羊膜移植联合结膜移植12例12眼和羊膜、结膜移植联合板层或穿透性角膜移植9例10眼。术后观察羊膜、结膜及角膜植片情况，长后随访2～16个月，平均7个月。结果 19眼羊膜植片愈合良好；20眼穹隆部结膜植片全部存活；羊膜移植联合结膜移植中10眼术后未见角膜融解，角膜缘均未见新生血管长入。羊膜、结膜移植联合板层或穿透性角膜移植，1例2眼出现轻度排斥反应，另8眼角膜植片均恢复透明。结论 新鲜羊膜移植可有效地促进上皮细胞分化移行、抑制局部的炎症反应、阻止新生血管和瘢痕形成、阻止烧伤的病理发展减轻和推迟角膜植片的排斥反应。     

Epiphora caused by conjunctivochalasis: treatment with transplantation of preserved human amniotic membrane

PURPOSE: To present our experience with the use of preserved human amniotic membrane on patients with epiphora caused by conjunctivochalasis. METHODS: Twelve patients, seven women and five men, ages ranging from 56 to 72 years (mean, 61 years) were referred to our Cornea Service with chronic epiphora. In all patients, no punctal ectropion was present, the lacrimal pathway was patent, and the dye disappearance test was abnormal. All patients had already undergone various therapies including multiple irrigations of the lacrimal system, antibiotic drops, steroid drops, and artificial tear drops. In all patients, conjunctivochalasis, which was not previously diagnosed, was evident on slit-lamp examination. After surgical removal of the excess conjunctiva, preserved human amniotic membrane was placed over and sutured with 10-0 nylon continuous suture to the free conjunctival edges. During the postoperative period, artificial tear drops and steroid/antibiotic drops were applied. RESULTS: Improvement of the epiphora was evident from the first postoperative day. After removal of the suture 10 to 15 days (mean, 12 days) after surgery, no patient complained of epiphora. The dye disappearance test was normal. During the follow-up period, which ranged from 6 to 11 months (mean, 8 months), no patient complained of epiphora and no conjunctivochalasis was detected in the area in which human amniotic membrane was transplanted. CONCLUSION: In our experience, transplantation of preserved human amniotic membrane greatly improved symptoms of epiphora caused by conjunctivochalasis. Continued education of the general ophthalmologists concerning this condition is required.     

Amniotic membrane transplantation: indications and results

PURPOSE: To describe amniotic membrane transplantation indications and results at the authors' institution. METHODS: In this study, chart review of 108 patients who underwent amniotic membrane transplantation between January 2002 and April 2006 was performed. The survival rate of corneal integrity was compared, using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, as a measure of success rate. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 55.2+/-20.1 (6-87 years, 75 female, 51 male). The patients underwent amniotic membrane transplantation for six different diagnoses: nontraumatic corneal perforation (32 eyes, Group 1), persistent epithelial defect (29 eyes, Group 2), aphakic/pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (18 eyes, Group 3), infectious ulcer resistant to treatment (14 eyes, Group 4), necrotizing keratitis secondary to endophthalmitis (10 eyes, Group 5), and caustic injury (5 eyes, Group 6). The mean survival of corneal integrity was similar in all groups (p=0.156). CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic membrane transplantation is a successful adjunctive method in achieving corneal epithelization in the study indications.     

Amniotic membrane transplantation for severe neurotrophic corneal ulcers

AIMS: To evaluate whether amniotic membrane transplantation can be an effective alternative treatment for neurotrophic corneal ulcers. METHODS: Amniotic membrane transplantation was performed in 16 eyes of 15 patients with neurotrophic corneal ulcers and vision equal to or worse than 20/200. The neurotrophic state was developed following keratoplasty (four eyes), herpes zoster ophthalmicus (four eyes), diabetes mellitus (four eyes), radiation (two eyes), removal of acoustic neuroma with neuroparalysis (one eye), and herpes simplex keratitis (one eye). RESULTS: During a mean follow up period of 18.8 (SD 13.0) months, one to three layers of amniotic membrane with or without additional membrane as a patch were used for 17 procedures in 16 eyes for persistent neurotrophic corneal ulcers. All but four (76.4%) instances of amniotic membrane transplantation achieved rapid epithelialisation in 16.6 (9.0) days. Of the four eyes showing delayed healing, three eyes healed by tarsorrhaphy, and the remaining one eye with corneal perforation required penetrating keratoplasty and tarsorrhaphy. Two eyes gained vision better than 20/200. The healed corneal surface was accompanied by reduced inflammation. CONCLUSION: Amniotic membrane transplantation can be considered an effective alternative for treating severe neurotrophic corneal ulcers.     

Amniotic membrane transplantation and fibrin glue in the management of corneal ulcers and perforations: a review of 33 cases

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of amniotic membrane in corneal ulcers refractive to conventional treatment and amniotic membrane with fibrin glue in corneal perforations. METHODS: Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) was performed in 33 eyes from 32 patients for corneal ulcers refractive to conventional treatment. Fourteen ulcers were perforated and received fibrin glue and amniotic membrane. Ulcers were divided into 3 groups: neurotrophic or exposure, autoimmune, and other etiology. RESULTS: Overall success was observed in 80% (27/33 eyes) of the cases, with success rates of 87.5% (14/16 eyes), 70% (7/10 eyes), 85.7% (6/7 eyes) in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The ulcers healed in a mean time of 3.6 +/- 1.6 weeks and the follow-up was 14.8 +/- 9.9 months. Failure was noted in 6 eyes with severe neurotrophic keratitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, and Acanthamoeba keratitis. Grafts with fibrin sealant showed a success rate of 92.9 % (13/14 eyes) compared to 73.7% (14/19 eyes) for amniotic grafts alone. In patients with severe limbal damage, a success rate of only 20% (1/5) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: AMT is a viable option in the treatment of nonhealing corneal ulcers of various depth and etiologies. Perforations up to 3 mm can be safely managed by fibrin glue and AMT. These techniques lead to rapid reconstruction of the corneal surface and can give a good final functional result or allow keratoplasty to be done in more favorable conditions.