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Singh T, Ichhpujani P, Singh RB, Arya S, Kumar S. Is ultra-thin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty a viable alternative to Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ther Adv Ophthalmol 2023; 15:25158414221147823. [PMID: 36776476 PMCID: PMC9909050 DOI: 10.1177/25158414221147823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ultra-thin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) is a recently developed surgical procedure that has shown promising results for the management of various corneal endothelial diseases. Objectives To evaluate the outcomes of the UT-DSAEK to the Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). Design A systematic analysis of the studies comparing UT-DSAEK with DMEK by evaluating one or more outcomes (vision, complications, and post-operative endothelial cell counts) was performed. The meta-analysis was done if two or more studies reported a common outcome. Methods We used PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases to identify articles comparing the outcomes of UT-DSAEK with DMEK and performed a meta-analysis using RevMan, version 5.4. Results A total of six studies were included in this review (two randomized clinical trials and four non-randomized comparative studies). Our analysis showed the patients who underwent DMEK cases showed better visual outcomes with a mean difference of 0.06 LogMAR (95% CI: 0.04-0.09) in BCVA, albeit with i 2 of 52% (heterogenous values). The evidence was weak, with the most weightage on retrospective studies. UT-DSAEK showed significantly fewer complications such as graft dislocations, with an odds ratio of 0.25 (95% CI: 0.13-0.48). There was no significant difference in the endothelial cell counts with a mean difference of 86.34 (95%CI: -133.09 to -305.77). Conclusion Although the literature is limited on UT-DSAEK with post-operative visual acuity that could be practically at par with DMEK, lesser complication rates and comparable post-operative endothelial cells could be a suitable alternative to DMEK for corneal endothelial pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Parul Ichhpujani
- Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rohan Bir Singh
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands,Discipline of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sudesh Arya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
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Perone JM, Goetz C, Zevering Y, Derumigny A, Bloch F, Vermion JC, Lhuillier L. Graft Thickness at 6 Months Postoperatively Predicts Long-Term Visual Acuity Outcomes of Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty for Fuchs Dystrophy and Moderate Phakic Bullous Keratopathy: A Cohort Study. Cornea 2022; 41:1362-1371. [PMID: 34690269 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000002872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE It remains unclear whether preoperative central graft thickness (CGT) contributes to visual outcomes of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). This retrospective cohort study examined the ability of preoperative and postoperative CGT to predict 12-month best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) after DSAEK for Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy/moderate pseudophakic bullous keratopathy/second graft. METHODS All consecutive patients who underwent DSAEK in 2015 to 2018 were included. The primary end point was 12-month BSCVA. DSAEK-CGT was measured preoperatively and 6 times between postoperative day 8 and month 12. Eyes were divided according to preoperative CGT 130 μm (ultrathin-DSAEK threshold) or 6-month postoperative CGT 100 μm (mean 6-month postoperative DSAEK-CGT). The t test assessed CGT evolution of the 4 groups over time. Multivariate analyses examined whether preoperative CGT or 6-month CGT categories predicted 12-month BSCVA. Multivariate analysis assessed the preoperative/perioperative factors that predicted 6-month CGT. RESULTS A total of 108 eyes (68 patients) underwent DSAEK. Preoperative CGT was >130 and ≤130 μm in 87 and 21 eyes, respectively. Postoperative CGT was >100 and ≤100 μm in 50 and 58 eyes, respectively. Thin 6-month postoperative grafts thinned significantly more relative to preoperative thickness than thick grafts ( P < 0.001). Preoperative CGT subgroups did not show this difference. Six-month postoperative CGT ( P = 0.01), but not preoperative CGT, predicted 12-month BSCVA. Preoperative CGT strongly predicted 6-month CGT ( P = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS Postoperative, but not preoperative, DSAEK-CGT predicted 6-month BSCVA. The correlation between preoperative and postoperative CGT and interstudy variation in preoperative CGT measurement accuracy may explain literature disparities regarding the importance of preoperative CGT in DSAEK outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marc Perone
- Department of Ophthalmology, Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital Center, Mercy Hospital, Metz, France
| | - Christophe Goetz
- Clinical Research Support Unit, Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital Center, Mercy Hospital, Metz, France; and
| | - Yinka Zevering
- Department of Ophthalmology, Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital Center, Mercy Hospital, Metz, France
| | - Alexis Derumigny
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Florian Bloch
- Department of Ophthalmology, Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital Center, Mercy Hospital, Metz, France
| | - Jean-Charles Vermion
- Department of Ophthalmology, Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital Center, Mercy Hospital, Metz, France
| | - Louis Lhuillier
- Department of Ophthalmology, Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital Center, Mercy Hospital, Metz, France
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Efficacy of Thin and Ultrathin Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty and Influence of Graft Thickness on Postoperative Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Am J Ophthalmol 2022; 240:170-186. [PMID: 35346623 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2022.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of thin and ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (T-DSAEK and UT-DSAEK, with graft thickness <130 and <100 µm, respectively), depending on graft thickness. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHOD PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ScienceDirect databases were searched until October 1, 2021. We computed random-effect meta-analysis on postoperative outcomes of T/UT-DSAEK, stratified by graft thickness (<80 μm, 80-100 μm, and 100-130 μm). The main postoperative outcome was visual acuity (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]). Secondary outcomes were pachymetry (μm), endothelial cell count (cell/mm2), spherical equivalent (diopter [D]), rebubbling rate (%), and rejection rate (%). Meta-regressions compared postoperative outcomes depending on graft thickness and search for putative confusion factors. RESULTS We included 47 articles for a total of 2141 eyes of 2040 patients. T/UT-DSAEK globally improved visual acuity (effect size = -0.38 logMAR [95% confidence interval {CI} -0.46 to -0.30 logMAR]), without difference depending on graft thickness. Overall, pachymetry improved (-60.6 µm [95% CI -101 to -19.7 µm]), endothelial cell count decreased (-1039 cells/mm2 [95% CI -1209 to -868 cells/mm2), spherical equivalent resulted in a hyperopic shift (0.74 D [95% CI -0.50 to 1.97 D), the graft rejection rate was 0.2% (95% CI -0.1% to 0.4%), and the rebubbling rate was 8.7% (95% CI 6.8%-10.5%). Grafts >100 μm induced a hyperopic shift. Metaregressions did not demonstrate differences between the 3 groups (<80 μm, 80-100 μm, or 100-130 μm) in any outcomes. CONCLUSION All T/UT-DSAEK thickness groups provided similar visual acuity, pachymetry, endothelial cell count, rejection rate, and rebubbling rate regardless of graft thickness. A hyperopic shift was induced by grafts >100 μm.
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Moura-Coelho N, Cunha JP, Morral M, Gris O, Manero F, Güell JL. Secondary Endothelial Keratoplasty-A Narrative Review of the Outcomes of Secondary Corneal Endothelial Allografts. Transplantation 2021; 105:e347-e365. [PMID: 33675317 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We review the literature on the efficacy and safety outcomes of secondary Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). METHODS Literature search of English-written publications up to September 27, 2020 in PubMed database, using the terms "endothelial keratoplasty" in combination with keywords "secondary" or "repeat." In addition, we manually searched the references of the primary articles. RESULTS Twenty-seven studies (n = 651 eyes) were retained and reviewed, including 10 studies on repeat DSEK, 8 studies on repeat DMEK, 6 studies of DMEK following DSEK, and 3 studies of DSEK after failed DMEK. All studies reported significant improvement in visual acuity after secondary endothelial keratoplasty (EK). Twelve studies compared visual outcomes between primary and secondary EK, reporting conflicting findings. Sixteen studies reported endothelial cell loss rates after secondary EK, and only 1 study reported significantly increased endothelial cell loss rates compared with primary EK. Allograft rejection episodes occurred in 1.8% of eyes (range, 0%-50%). Six studies compared complication rates between primary and secondary EK eyes, and only 1 study found a higher median number of complications. However, 2 studies reported higher regraft failure rates compared with primary EK eyes. CONCLUSIONS Secondary EK is surgically feasible and renders significant visual improvement after failed primary EK, although it is not clear whether visual outcomes and allograft survival are comparable with primary EK, raising the question of whether secondary EK eyes are "low risk" as primary EK eyes. Further larger, prospective studies are encouraged to obtain additional quality data on secondary corneal endothelial allotransplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Moura-Coelho
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Instituto Português de Retina, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Cunha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital CUF Cascais, Cascais, Portugal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa do Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Merce Morral
- Cornea and Refractive Surgery Department, Instituto Microcirugía Ocular Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Ophthalmology Department, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oscar Gris
- Cornea and Refractive Surgery Department, Instituto Microcirugía Ocular Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Ophthalmology Department, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Felicidad Manero
- Cornea and Refractive Surgery Department, Instituto Microcirugía Ocular Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Ophthalmology Department, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Luis Güell
- Cornea and Refractive Surgery Department, Instituto Microcirugía Ocular Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Ophthalmology Department, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Indications and Surgical Techniques for Repeat Corneal Transplantation in Eastern China: A Twelve-Year Study. J Ophthalmol 2021; 2021:5514004. [PMID: 34631163 PMCID: PMC8497152 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5514004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To analyze the indications and surgical procedures for repeat keratoplasty in eastern China from 2008 to 2019. Methods This retrospective descriptive study included 418 eyes of 411 patients who underwent no less than 2 keratoplasties at the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University from 2008 to 2019. Medical charts were reviewed. The primary indications for repeat keratoplasty, the reasons for regrafting, and the surgical techniques used in the treatment were collected and analyzed. Results Among 418 eyes, 337 eyes (80.6%) had one repeat keratoplasty, and 81 eyes (19.4%) had multiple repeat keratoplasties (≥2 repeat keratoplasties). The median interval between the initial keratoplasty and the first repeat keratoplasty was 25 months, and that between two keratoplasties after the first repeat keratoplasty was 27.5 months. Infectious keratitis was the leading primary indication for single repeat keratoplasty (80 cases, 23.7%) and multiple repeat keratoplasties (19 cases, 23.5%). The second most common primary indication was bullous keratopathy for single repeat keratoplasty (49 eyes, 14.5%) and chemical injury for multiple repeat keratoplasties (14 eyes, 17.3%). The main reason for regrafting was allograft rejection (262 cases, 49.3%), followed by endothelial dysfunction (92 cases, 17.3%), and for vision improvement after tectonic keratoplasty (60 cases, 11.3%). Penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) was the major technique used in repeat keratoplasty (447 cases, 84.2%). However, Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty was more frequently used than PKP (72.4% vs. 27.6%, P < 0.001) in the treatment of failed endothelial keratoplasty. Conclusion Infectious keratitis was still the leading cause of repeat keratoplasty in eastern China. Although PKP remains the major technique of repeat keratoplasty, the application of customized lamellar keratoplasty has greatly expanded in the last decade. Cautious selection of indications, surgical techniques, and timing for surgery is crucial for a good prognosis after repeat keratoplasty.
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Single-Pass Mikrokeratome and Anterior Chamber Pressurizer for the Ultrathin Descemet-Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty Graft Preparation. Cornea 2021; 40:755-763. [PMID: 33630814 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000002607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the reliability of microkeratome dissection with the anterior chamber pressurizer (ACP) system versus conventional pressurization for ultrathin Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) graft preparation. METHODS A retrospective review of a consecutive series of dissected donor corneas processed at Pavia Eye Bank for UT-DSAEK surgery was performed. Grafts were prepared through single-pass microkeratome dissection with artificial anterior chamber internal pressure regulation through either ACP or the conventional method using a water column with tube clamp. The target central graft thickness (CGT) was ≤100 μm. Cutting predictability was determined as the difference between the microkeratome head size and the thickness actually removed. Graft regularity was investigated as central-to-peripheral thickness increase, central-to-peripheral (CP) ratio, and graft thickness uniformity. Thickness was measured with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (horizontal and vertical meridians). RESULTS Of the 265 UT-DSAEK grafts, ACP achieved the target "CGT ≤ 100 μm" in 87 of 120 (72.5%), whereas the conventional technique achieved the same in 85 of 145 (58.6%) (P = 0.018). ACP predictability was -3.9 μm (SD: 2.3), whereas predictability of the conventional technique was -54.6 μm (SD: 3.7) (P < 0.001). Thickness increased similarly (P = 0.212); CP ratio was better with ACP for only 2 mm diameter (P = 0.001); graft thickness uniformity was comparable (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Compared with conventional pressurization, ACP improved microkeratome-assisted preparation reliability of UT-DSAEK grafts, achieving CGT ≤ 100 μm with significantly higher frequency (P = 0.018) and predictability (P < 0.001). ACP improved CP ratio only at 2 mm (P = 0.001); for other graft thickness, the 2 methods proved equivalent.
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Vigueras-Guillén JP, van Rooij J, Engel A, Lemij HG, van Vliet LJ, Vermeer KA. Deep Learning for Assessing the Corneal Endothelium from Specular Microscopy Images up to 1 Year after Ultrathin-DSAEK Surgery. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:49. [PMID: 32884856 PMCID: PMC7445361 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.2.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To present a fully automatic method to estimate the corneal endothelium parameters from specular microscopy images and to use it to study a one-year follow-up after ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty. Methods We analyzed 383 post ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty images from 41 eyes acquired with a Topcon SP-1P specular microscope at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The estimated parameters were endothelial cell density (ECD), coefficient of variation (CV), and hexagonality (HEX). Manual segmentation was performed in all images. Results Our method provided an estimate for ECD, CV, and HEX in 98.4% of the images, whereas Topcon's software had a success rate of 71.5% for ECD/CV and 30.5% for HEX. For the images with estimates, the percentage error in our method was 2.5% for ECD, 5.7% for CV, and 5.7% for HEX, whereas Topcon's software provided an error of 7.5% for ECD, 17.5% for CV, and 18.3% for HEX. Our method was significantly better than Topcon's (P < 0.0001) and was not statistically significantly different from the manual assessments (P > 0.05). At month 12, the subjects presented an average ECD = 1377 ± 483 [cells/mm2], CV = 26.1 ± 5.7 [%], and HEX = 58.1 ± 7.1 [%]. Conclusions The proposed method obtains reliable and accurate estimations even in challenging specular images of pathologic corneas. Translational Relevance CV and HEX, not currently used in the clinic owing to a lack of reliability in automatic methods, are useful biomarkers to analyze the postoperative healing process. Our accurate estimations allow now for their clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan P. Vigueras-Guillén
- Department of Imaging Physics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
- Rotterdam Ophthalmic Institute, Rotterdam Eye Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Angela Engel
- Rotterdam Ophthalmic Institute, Rotterdam Eye Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Lucas J. van Vliet
- Department of Imaging Physics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Koenraad A. Vermeer
- Rotterdam Ophthalmic Institute, Rotterdam Eye Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Moura-Coelho N, Manero F, Elies D, Amich N, Morral M, Gris O, Güell J. Repeat Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty for Failed Primary Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty at a Referral Center for Keratoplasty in Spain: DIMOEK Study. Am J Ophthalmol 2020; 215:49-55. [PMID: 32209343 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2020.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the clinical results of repeat Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (re-DMEK) for failed primary DMEK graft at a referral center for keratoplasty in Spain. DESIGN Retrospective, interventional, comparative case series. METHODS From a single-center, single-surgeon series of 189 consecutive DMEK surgeries, 14 (7.41%) were re-DMEK eyes. The primary outcome was best-corrected visual acuity change (ΔBCVA, logarithm of minimal angle of resolution [logMAR]) from baseline (before first DMEK) to last follow-up. Secondary outcomes were ΔBCVA from baseline at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, endothelial cell loss (%ECL), rebubbling rate, and re-DMEK graft failure. Outcomes were compared with an age-matched control group of 18 successful primary DMEK eyes. RESULTS After re-DMEK (median follow-up time 14.5 [42.5] months), mean BCVA improved from 0.55 (0.42) logMAR (Snellen 20/71 [20/53]) at baseline to 0.09 (0.26) logMAR (Snellen 20/25 [20/36]; P = .037). ΔBCVA from baseline was statistically significant at months 3 (P = .028), 6 (P = .023), and 12 (P = .012), and ΔBCVA was significant observed between months 6 and 12 (P = .028). BCVA differences between patient groups were statistically nonsignificant at 3 (P = .397), 6 (P = .468), and 12 months (P = .647). Mean %ECL in re-DMEK eyes with follow-up ≥12 months was 48.2 (15.1%), and the rebubbling rate was 28.6%; differences between groups were statistically nonsignificant for both variables (P = .580 and P = .669, respectively). Three re-DMEK eyes developed graft failure, all achieving final BCVA ≤0.30 logMAR (Snellen ≥20/40) after tertiary keratoplasty. CONCLUSIONS Repeat DMEK produces significant, continuous visual improvement after failed primary DMEK. Although visual outcomes and %ECL were comparable to primary DMEK, there was a relatively high rate of graft failure after re-DMEK.
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Agha B, Shajari M, Slavik-Lencova A, Kohnen T, Schmack I. Functional outcome of repeat Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) for corneal decompensation following graft failure after primary DMEK. Clin Ophthalmol 2019; 13:477-482. [PMID: 30880908 PMCID: PMC6410749 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s192424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate if repeat Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) is appropriate to achieve functional improvements in patients with corneal decompensation from secondary graft failure after primary DMEK. Methods This is a retrospective monocentric cohort study including 13 eyes of 13 patients with repeat DMEK for corneal decompensation following primary DMEK. Eyes with primary DMEK only and comparable preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) served as control. Main outcome parameter was CDVA. Secondary outcome measures were central corneal thickness (CCT), endothelial cell density, and rebubbling rate (RR). Results The average time interval (±SD) between primary and secondary DMEK was 12.5±6 months. Preoperative CDVA (logMAR) was 1.97±0.90 in the repeat DMEK group and 1.38±0.92 in the primary DMEK group. At 6 months, both groups showed significant improvement in visual acuity (repeat DMEK group, 0.49±0.35, P<0.01 and primary DMEK group, 0.40±0.36, P<0.01). CDVA did not differ significantly between both groups at all time points examined (1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively). Mean CCT values at 3 and 6 months postoperatively did not differ significantly between the two groups (P>0.05). The RR was 23% (n=3) in both groups. Conclusion Repeat DMEK is a useful therapeutic approach in the setting of corneal decompensation following primary DMEK. Functional results of repeat DMEK, visual acuity in particular, are comparable to patients with single DMEK only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bishr Agha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany,
| | - Mehdi Shajari
- Department of Ophthalmology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany,
| | | | - Thomas Kohnen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany,
| | - Ingo Schmack
- Department of Ophthalmology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany,
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